Fund Development and Communications Manager
Location: Syracuse, NY (On-site)
Job Type: Full-time, exempt (12-month position)
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervises: Fund Development Support Staff (2 direct reports)
Salary Range: $60,000-$70,000 annually
This position is a mission-driven role that involves collaborating with the Director and Board Fund Development Committee in developing, coordinating, and implementing Jowonio's fund development and communication strategies. This role oversees two support staff members who assist with events, communications, and donor administration. This role is responsible for setting priorities, delegating tasks, and ensuring the smooth execution of the fund development and communication strategies.
Key Responsibilities
- Donor Cultivation & Relationship Management (35%)
- Outreach to new potential donors/sponsors
- Cultivate major gift prospects, as well as corporate and foundation donors
- Maintain positive relationships with existing donors, ensuring they are feeling heard and valued, and building investment in school priorities
- Oversee donor acknowledgment to ensure timely acknowledgement and accurate recording in donor management system
- Increase donor pool and overall donations to the organization in alignment with annual fund development goals
- Grants & Foundation Funding (25%)
- Research grant opportunities that align with school funding priorities
- Develop annual calendar of funding opportunities and deadlines
- Establish and organize database of information frequently needed for grant applications, including promotional and marketing materials
- Write and submit grant applications in a timely way to meet deadlines
- Work with school staff to meet all grant reporting requirements and deadlines
- Communications Strategy & Execution (15%)
- Implement and oversee school-wide communications, including:
- Quarterly newsletters
- Annual reports
- Website content
- Social media posts
- Press releases and media relations
- Donor Database Oversight & Reporting (10%)
- Oversee a database of donors, with support from fund development assistants
- Ensure consistent and accurate reporting of donor data
- Ensure ability to accurately disaggregate data and create targeted mailing lists as needed
- Event Oversight & Support (10%)
- Oversee planning, logistics, and execution of annual fundraising events and other donor-focused events, with primary work tasks to be completed by fund development assistants.
- Collaborate with support staff on logistics, while maintaining responsibility for the budget and managing sponsor solicitation and relations.
- Fundraising Campaign & Appeals (5%)
- Coordinate planning and execution of individual and school-wide fundraising appeals in alignment with the annual fund development plan
- Track progress and evaluate effectiveness of fundraising efforts
- Serve as point of contact for press and media inquiries
- Develop and maintain development and communications procedures and protocols.
- Maintain brand consistency across all platforms
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required (or equivalent experience)
- 2-3 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, communications, marketing, or related nonprofit experience
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational, strategic planning, and relationship-building skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with all internal and external stakeholders
- Layout/design experience is a plus.
- General understanding of issues facing nonprofits and schools is a strong plus.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Aflac supplemental insurance
- Voluntary life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off and school holidays
- 50% tuition discount for children of employees
- Supportive, team-based work environment focused on inclusion and child development
About Jowonio School
Jowonio School is a not-for-profit, inclusive preschool located in Syracuse, NY. The name "Jowonio" comes from the Onondaga Nation language and means "to set free", reflecting our belief that all children deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive together.
Open since 1969, we've been nationally recognized for our commitment to inclusive education, family support, and transdisciplinary collaboration. Our classrooms integrate children of all abilities and provide individualized support through therapy services, adaptive approaches, and hands-on learning. Jowonio is dedicated to:
- Creating innovative educational settings where children of all abilities are full participants.
- Offering a wide range of therapeutic and family support services.
- Providing professional development for educators, therapists, and families in partnership with community organizations.
- Advocating for the inclusion of all children in schools and society.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Jowonio School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.