Communications and Development Associate

About the Waterfront Alliance   The Waterfront Alliance is a civic organization that brings together a diverse coalition of more than 1,100 Alliance Partners with ties to the New York–New Jersey waterways. Founded in 2007, we build, transform, revitalize, and protect accessible waterfronts for all communities. Key programs and advocacy areas include climate resilience, public access to the waterfront, the working waterfront, and climate education.  

The Waterfront Alliance is a regional leader in climate policy and waterfront revitalization with a focus on waterfront resilience. While the Waterfront Alliance is best known regionally, it is increasingly being recognized for its leadership across the Northeast and nationally.  

Position SummaryWaterfront Alliance is seeking a communications and development associate to work with and provide administrative, logistics, development, and operational support to the director of communications and the director of development. Reporting to the director of communications, the communications and development associate will support the building and strengthening of brand awareness and engagement with frontline communities, new and existing partner organizations, individual and corporate donors across all sectors.  Reports to: President and CEO 

Classification: Fulltime, non-exempt 

Salary and Benefits: Salary is $50,000–$55,000. Waterfront Alliance offers a comprehensive benefits package, including employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; 401K retirement plan with employer match; commuter and FSA benefits, paid time off, paid sabbatical after five years, professional development opportunities, and more. 

Location: New York, NY, with a generous telecommuting policy.  

Responsibilities: 

Communications 

• Draft and schedule social media posts across platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.). 

• Support website updates, including event postings, donor recognition, and press content. 

• Assist with media list management and drafting press releases, monitor media coverage and maintain a press archive. 

• Help draft and distribute newsletters, email campaigns, and fundraising appeals. 

• Collect and edit content from staff to support programmatic and marketing initiatives throughout the year 

Development 

• Maintain and update donor records, meeting notes, and gift tracking in Salesforce. 

• Conduct background research on prospective donors, corporate partners, and foundations. 

• Draft donor acknowledgement letters, thank-you emails, and stewardship reports. 

• Assist with preparing grant attachments, fundraising decks, and board materials. 

• Schedule and coordinate meetings between fundraisers, donors, and external partners. 

• Track fundraising deadlines, proposals, and reporting schedules. 

Qualifications: 

Minimum Education & Experience:

• BA or equivalent experience required in either communications, marketing, development, or business.  

• Recent graduates of excellent standing in fields related to Waterfront Alliance’s mission looking to start their career in a nonprofit organization are encouraged to apply. 

Skills, Abilities, Competencies:

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills 

• Demonstrated use and understanding of technology, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint; experience with Salesforce a must 

• Able to effectively prioritize and balance multiple projects and competing priorities 

• Detail oriented with excellent organizational and project management skills 

• Demonstrated experience with major social media platforms and analytical management tools including LinkedIn, Instagram, Hootsuite, etc.  

• Ability to research and communicate complex topics to multiple differing audiences  

• Demonstrated experience with graphic design using Canva Pro or Adobe Creative Suite  

• Demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills   

• Commitment to Waterfront Alliance’s mission, values, and DEIJ principles 

How to ApplySubmit your resume and the answers to the prompted questions. Only complete applications will be considered. Position open until filled. No phone calls please.As an equal opportunity employer, Waterfront Alliance encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical ability or any other legally protected basis.

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