Development and Communications Manager

Job Opportunity:

Development and Communications Manager

Friends of the Middlesex Fells (FOF), a dynamic and growing non-profit organization working to promote the conservation, appreciation, and sustainable enjoyment of the Middlesex Fells Reservation, seeks a highly motivated individual to serve as the organization’s Development and Communications Manager. 

We’re looking for a person with a deep commitment and passion for the conservation and sustainable management of the Middlesex Fells. If you’re also an excellent writer and editor, super-organized, proficient in web and social media skills, love planning events, and thrive in a demanding and fast-paced work environment with a wide range of projects and responsibilities, we want to hear from you. 

Individual giving, membership, and grants management (40%)

Individual giving and membership

• Manage annual fundraising campaigns (year-end/other).
• Manage the annual membership program, including renewals, mailing of new member packets, and responding to all membership-related inquiries/communications.
• Manage the constituent database, including generating reports to segment constituent lists and analyze campaign performance, and troubleshoot issues as needed.
• Generate reports for targeted communications and to evaluate fundraising performance.
• Process all incoming gifts and ensure timely acknowledgment.
• Support the Development Committee through calendaring meetings, taking notes, and communicating with committee members and chairs.
• Manage all development-related events, including planning, budgeting, venue selection and coordination, invitations, communications, registration, and volunteer management.
• Respond to and resolve donor questions or concerns regarding gift processing, gift options,  and acknowledgments.
• Support the executive director’s major gifts and planned giving programs.

Grants management

• Research grant opportunities.
• Manage grant tracking system and administer grants.
• Prepare grant applications, including writing grant proposals and developing budgets.
• Manage interim and final reporting requirements of awarded grants.

Communications and outreach (30%)

• Produce monthly e-newsletter, quarterly “In the Fells” member communication, and single-subject e-blasts.
• Write communications materials to inform the public of volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, and other topics under the purview of this position.
• Manage all content for social media presences.
• Manage content for the website to ensure the site provides up-to-date information and supports our programmatic and fundraising goals.
• Manage and track yearly website domain, host, and SSL certification updates/renewals.
• Chair the Communications Committee and manage volunteer-supported projects.
• Coordinate outreach volunteers, develop/maintain outreach materials, and directly oversee in-person outreach events (currently 4-6 times per year).

Operations management (30%)

• Oversee the operations of the FOF office and handle telephone and mail communications.
• Maintain office supplies, printed materials, and merchandise inventory.
• Manage document filing systems (printed and electronic) and organizational archives.
• Manage, troubleshoot, and update office systems, including phone, voicemail, and printer/copier.
• Process all merchandise orders and maintain merchandise inventory.
• Manage online event, committee, and office calendars.
• Coordinate with building management on all building-related issues.
• Supervise volunteers on communications, outreach, office, and development projects.
• Assist in organizing volunteer appreciation activities/events.
• Other duties as assigned by the executive director.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Deep commitment and passion for the conservation and sustainable management of the Fells.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and able to set priorities and handle multiple tasks.
• Hard working, self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work in a team setting.
• Consistency and attention to detail in all aspects of communication and donor interaction.
• Ability to maintain and exercise discretion regarding confidential and/or sensitive donor information.
• Ability to relate to people with different backgrounds and life experiences and exercise cultural humility and inclusion.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Calendar), Microsoft Office, email marketing platforms, WordPress website content management, and experience managing a database.
• Professional background and/or related experience in outreach, communications, fund development, and office management is preferred.
• Grant writing and management experience is preferred.
• Experience using donor management software is preferred.

Other Job Requirements

• Must have a valid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed to support development events.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range is $55,000 to $70,000 depending on experience/skills. Benefits include health expense reimbursement, retirement benefit, paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

Location

This position includes in-office work at least two days per week in a small shared office space in Melrose Massachusetts, but otherwise is flexible in work location (work from home is allowed for the other work-days of the week if desired). 

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Friends of the Middlesex Fells embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people living with disabilities, military veterans and other under-represented populations.