Development And Communications Associate

Description

Who We Are:

Are you ready to work at a dynamic institution that believes in higher education with lower obstacles? Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology (now known as Franklin Cummings Tech) is a nationally accredited non-profit, technical college serving Eastern Massachusetts and beyond. The college was seeded in 1791 with funds from the estate of Benjamin Franklin that were given to the City of Boston to proliferate access to education and level the playing field for aspiring talent with meager financial means.

Today, Franklin Cummings Tech continues to build on that legacy by offering post-secondary education in high-demand technical and skilled trade fields that lead to excellent careers. Our majors intentionally focus on select industries connected to sustainability and the clean energy transition including electric vehicle technology, smart manufacturing, practical electricity, power engineering, heat pumps/HVAC, biotechnology, automation, construction management and more.

With a mission to deliver transformative technical and trade education that leads to economic advancement, we offer a unique mix of certificate and degree granting programs that appeal to enterprising students and respond to employer's demand for a well-prepared workforce. Intentional partnerships with the industries we serve coupled with high graduation and job placement rates, recently attracted the largest philanthropic gift in the history of the college from the Cummings Foundation.

Last year, Franklin Cummings Tech educated more than 1,000 learners across three student types: 1) certificate and degree seekers, 2) continuing education clients, and 3) high schoolers pursuing early college. As further evidence that our mission holds resonance, this year the college tracked a 25% year over year jump in fall new student enrollment and applications soared.

We seek team members who are optimistic, entrepreneurial, data-informed, and excited about the prospect of continuing to strategically increase student success outcomes and total enrollment from 1,000 learners today to at least 1,500 learners by 2030. Join us in this mission driven work!

Our campus is moving from the South End to Roxbury in early 2026! This new custom-built space is designed to LEED GOLD standards and will offer enhanced accessibility to mass transit routes as well as the benefits of a modern, impressive footprint in one of Boston's most vibrant cultural and educational corridors.

Requirements

The Opportunity

The Development and Communications Specialist will ensure the Development team is running optimally to achieve its ambitious fundraising and engagement goals. The successful candidate in this role will be a team player who is willing to support a number of initiatives and processes and will also be responsible for carrying out projects that will move the needle on fundraising success.

Collaboration is central to this role. You should be interested in developing a career in fundraising and development work. You'll partner closely with senior leaders, fellow development colleagues, and other staff to inspire donors through multiple methods, while also moving initiatives forward that require a range of competencies and buy-in. The ideal candidate is extremely organized, a go-getter, and a coachable partner to everyone they work with. The successful candidate will be someone who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and has an excellent attention to detail and willingness to grow in their role.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Development Team's strategic fundraising efforts to increase annual giving, major gifts from individuals, and institutional gifts through administrative, technical, and collaboration support.
• Create and execute external communications campaigns to identify new donors, steward existing donors, and provide updates about the college (currently utilizing Constant Contact).
• Develop robust and compelling online giving campaigns using existing and new tools, and help the team launch a reliable, strategic recurring giving program.
• Provide technical and logistical support for development events, including President's Council gatherings and Annual Meeting.
• Work closely with the Development Data Specialist to provide updated reports to leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Assist and serve as backup for daily gift processing with the booking and acknowledgment of all gifts/grants/pledges, with high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Work closely with front-line gift officers to ensure they are prepared for meetings and strategy
• Oversee the planning and management of team-wide events
• Provide support to expand and enhance alumni engagement efforts for alumni of the college.

Qualifications and Skills

• 2-4 years of experience in an office environment, preferably in higher education, nonprofits, or startups
• Existing administrative experience that could contribute to improving systems and effectiveness of a small team
• Experience with marketing and communication campaigns to increase supporters or customers is preferred.
• Curiosity about fundraising in the nonprofit sector is essential.
• Willingness to learn, be coached, and work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment are a must.

Why Join Us?

• Advance transformative education for Boston's diverse learners.
• Help grow institutional partnerships that will shape the future of the college.
• Join a collaborative, mission-driven development team during a time of growth.
• Competitive compensation, generous benefits, and alternative work oppotunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Franklin Cummings Tech is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on any grounds protected under federal, state, or local law, including race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, disability (including those related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other characteristic or activity protected under federal, state or local law.

This role falls in grade 5 of our staff salary ranges: Compensation Plan - Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology