Development Communications Manager

Summary

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development Communications Manager plays a critical role in advancing Epworth Children & Family Services' fundraising and engagement efforts through strategic storytelling, donor communications, and development operations support.

This position is responsible for strengthening donor engagement through compelling communications that highlight Epworth's impact and deepen relationships with supporters. The Development Communications Manager leads the organization's donor-facing communications, including digital storytelling, newsletters, and stewardship messaging, while supporting development systems that help the team build and maintain strong relationships with donors.

Working closely with development and program staff, this role ensures Epworth's mission and impact are communicated consistently and effectively across digital platforms, donor communications, and fundraising campaigns.

Primary Responsibilities:

Development Communications & Storytelling

• Develop and manage a comprehensive annual communications calendar aligned with fundraising priorities and organizational goals.
• Expand program storytelling across digital platforms, including social media, website content, and donor updates.
• Collaborate with program teams to gather stories, photos, and outcomes that highlight the impact of Epworth's programs.
• Manage Epworth's social media presence and track engagement metrics to strengthen community awareness and digital growth.
• Develop and execute email communications, including newsletters, donor appeals, and campaign messaging.

Donor Stewardship & Engagement

• Strengthen donor stewardship communications, including thank-you letters, donor updates, and newsletters.
• Ensure timely and thoughtful donor acknowledgements that reflect Epworth's commitment to meaningful donor relationships.
• Support development campaigns and fundraising events through coordinated donor communications.
• Assist in creating segmented donor communications that strengthen engagement and retention.
• Maintain donor records within the organization's CRM system and support development reporting.
• Collaborate with the development team to improve donor communications workflows.

Organizational Communications

• Lead production of Epworth's Annual Report, scheduled for release in Summer 2026.
• Coordinate storytelling across departments to highlight Epworth's programs and community impact.
• Support development of materials that strengthen Epworth's visibility among donors, partners, and the community.

Public Relations

• Identify and coordinate at least two speaking opportunities annually that elevate Epworth's visibility and mission.
• Support development leadership in preparing materials and messaging for community presentations.
• Support media outreach and public relations efforts, including drafting press releases and coordinating with leadership on external communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit communications, fundraising, marketing, or a related role.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling ability.
• Experience managing digital communications and social media platforms.
• Experience working with CRM systems or donor databases. (Donor Perfect or Raiser's Edge is a plus)
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Passion for advancing the mission of Epworth Children & Family Services.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Communication
• Donor Engagement & Stewardship
• Content Management
• Relationship Building
• Mission Driven Storytelling
• Cross-Department Collaboration

In the first year, this role will:

• Support the 2025 Annual Report
• Expand Epworth's digital storytelling and track engagement metrics across platforms
• Strengthen donor stewardship communications by maintaining a quarterly newsletter cadence
• Support fundraising campaigns and donor engagement initiatives
• Reengage the Young Friends Board
• Work closely with the Director of Development to create a communications plan

If you are invited to interview, you will be asked to provide a portfolio of prior work:

Here are sample items that could be included:

• Newsletter
• Flyer, Save the Date, etc.
• Acknowledgement letter or other donor communication
• Event speech

All applicants are required to pass a background check before employment to ensure the safety of the youth we serve.

Supervisor Responsibilities: None

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily, as well as possess the skills and meet the demands outlined in this job description. Upon an individual's request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties and responsibilities or related to the skills and demands outlined herein. Epworth will determine if a reasonable accommodation can be made.

Colleague acknowledges and understands that Epworth reserves the right to modify the contents of this job description or to assign alternate and additional duties and responsibilities. Nothing in this job description is intended to alter or alter the at-will nature of the colleague's employment at Epworth.