Development and Community Engagement Manager - Phoenix Area

Development and Community Engagement Manager - Phoenix Area

Reports to: Director of Constituent Engagement

Who is Persevere?

National data shows recidivism rates are highest among those who are unemployed. Criminal

justice-involved men and women have long struggled to find employment upon release. They face immediate disadvantages due to their criminal justice involvement and must compete with

non-offenders for unskilled, low-paying jobs. Even when they find employment, retaining it can be challenging. Many are unable to comply with parole conditions and end up incarcerated again. Founded by and for people with lived experience with criminal justice, corrections, and poverty, Persevere understands the needs of the justice-impacted population as few organizations can.

Persevere is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering justice-involved individuals through innovative workforce development and career preparation support services that give real access to quality employment in the technology industry. Specifically, Persevere provides technology training, career readiness instruction and support, wraparound case management, individualized job-based mentoring, and job placement services for justice-impacted individuals and people who are at risk for justice-involvement.

Real Hope. Valuable Skills. Meaningful Opportunity.

Job Overview

The Marketing and Fundraising Innovation Manager will drive national marketing, social media, and fundraising initiatives while developing strategic relationships with Arizona community leaders and organizations. Working closely with the national fundraising and marketing team and reporting directly to the Director of Constituent Engagement, this position will develop and implement comprehensive marketing and fundraising strategies while building a strong local network throughout Arizona.

The Manager will be responsible for creating compelling content across multiple platforms, developing innovative fundraising campaigns, and establishing a fundraising campaign cabinet with dedicated leadership. Additionally, this role will focus on creating a signature, reproducible fundraising event, likely targeting women donors through events such as luncheons with silent auctions.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives on creativity, community-building, and innovation. If you're passionate about social change and developing new ways to break the cycles of poverty and incarceration, we want you on our team!

This is a full-time, salaried position with excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, matching 401k and generous paid time off.  This job will require periodic travel throughout the state.

Job Responsibilities: Innovate, Inspire, Impact

Arizona Community Networking

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key Arizona stakeholders including Mayors, Chambers of Commerce, United Ways, and other community organizations

• Represent Persevere at local conferences, networking events, and community gatherings

• Identify and pursue partnership opportunities with local businesses and organizations

• Develop and nurture relationships with local media outlets to increase visibility

• Develop and implement Arizona-specific fundraising strategies aligned with national initiatives

• Establish and lead a fundraising campaign cabinet, including identifying and recruiting a cabinet chair

• Design and execute a signature, reproducible fundraising event targeted toward women donors (e.g., luncheon with silent auction)

• Support grant writing efforts for Arizona-based funding opportunities

• Collaborate closely with the local Project Manager to align community engagement initiatives with program operations and goals in Arizona

• Document and share best practices from Arizona's pilot fundraising initiatives to train colleagues in other states, creating scalable models based on lessons learned and successes

National Marketing and Social Media Strategy

• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and social media strategies to increase brand awareness and engagement

• Create compelling content for various platforms including social media, website, email campaigns, and print materials

• Manage Persevere's social media presence, ensuring consistent messaging and engagement

• Work with the Constituent Engagement team to develop compelling storytelling that showcases program impact

• Track and analyze marketing metrics to optimize performance

National Fundraising Initiatives

• Support implementation of organization-wide fundraising strategies developed by the Constituent Engagement team

• Contribute to donor stewardship processes to help identify, develop, and retain donors nationwide

• Assist with ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations across all activities

• Help coordinate fundraising communications to increase donor engagement

• Contribute to data collection and analysis for organization-wide fundraising performance metrics

• Support planning and execution of national fundraising events and campaigns

• Assist with researching potential corporate and governmental partnerships for nationwide initiatives

• Maintain accurate donor information in the organization's CRM system

• Help develop fundraising training materials and resources for staff and volunteers

Job Qualifications

• 3 years experience in marketing, social media management, and fundraising with a track record of success

• Experience building and managing community relationships, particularly with government and nonprofit entities

• Proven ability to develop and lead fundraising events and campaigns

• Strong leadership skills focused on inclusivity, collaboration, and empowering diverse voices

• Passion for social justice and knowledge of fair-chance hiring, justice reform, and community-based innovation

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to tell compelling stories and craft impactful messaging

• Organizational expertise with the ability to juggle multiple projects and priorities

• Familiarity with Arizona communities preferred

We highly value

• Passion for supporting underserved communities and commitment to Persevere’s mission.

• Self-starting, hardworking, and inquisitive nature with a focus on innovation.

• Strong leadership qualities with a passion for driving change.

• Relentless dedication to personal and organizational success.

• Integrity and ethical leadership in all aspects of work