Development and Communications Manager, FINANTA

Posted by on July 15, 2013

This position (DCM) is responsible for leading the organization’s market expansion and fundraising initiatives. The DCM manages strategic development planning and activities.  The DCM composes, edits, and manages the production of a full range of materials to effectively support the goals of FINANTA and to convey its mission to diverse constituencies.  The DCM reports to the president.

Duties
The DCM drafts communications materials for all development initiatives.  In this capacity, the DCM works closely with the president and other staff members for developing all communications, proposals, and presentation materials to ensure the efficient pursuit of market expansion and funding.

Develops, coordinates and implements all communication plans.

Writes development documents, including fundraising proposals, publications, communication materials (press releases, cultivation, solicitation and acknowledgment letters).

Helps other staff members to prepare for workshops, seminars, guess speaker engagements, and other events to ensure that all FINANTA communication is accurate, uniform, and consistent.

Develops communication products and publications related to special events and programs. Develops content for information brochures, reviews and edits drafts of correspondence, reports, and brochures for mass distribution; drafts articles and reports on the status of major initiatives for distribution to constituencies and special groups, as needed.

Prepares reports and other communication documents on two levels: (1) copy editing (employing skills that assure consistency and accuracy within a document regarding grammar, punctuation, syntax, and acceptable style); and (2) substantive editing, requiring critical sense and intuitive evaluation of factual accuracy and consistency of information – chronology of events, overall consistency of subject matter, verification of facts, rearrangement or deletion of material, analysis of data, and evaluation of documentation as to accuracy and thoroughness.

Supports business clients through providing technical assistance focused on marketing, branding, communications and grant writing.

Knowledge Required
Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of oral and written communications and interpersonal relationship skills, in order to determine the most effective proposal and presentation materials.

Professional level skills in letter templates, graphics, and desktop publishing for graphic design and print production.

Knowledge of fundraising techniques including, but not limited to, proposal writing, public relations, prospect research, donor relations and stewardship, and volunteer management.

Professional level skills in proposal and publications development with writing and editing experience preferable for a non-profit organization.

Professional skills in writing for a variety of audiences, including news and feature articles.

Ability to write/edit in a variety of writing styles and draft materials on a wide range of topics.

Strong editing and proofreading skills.

Ability to translate complex technical language and ideas into language easily comprehensible to the different organization constituencies.

Interpersonal skills to facilitate work with a wide range of individuals and groups from culturally diverse communities.

Experience in conducting research projects and documenting findings. Skill in interviewing a variety of people and gathering and synthesizing information from many sources.

Ability to use a variety of computer software applications, including desktop publishing, and access database.

Ability to utilize and leverage social network technologies such as Facebook, Linkedln, and others to expand the mission, and obtain support and resources for the organization.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the president, who furnishes broad verbal guidelines and general policy direction. The DCM establishes editorial and production calendars, determining the final form of communication materials and resolves complex communications issues. The President reviews the work for general content and consistency with the communication goals of the related projects or initiatives.  The DCM collaborates with other staff to achieve priorities.

Guidelines
The DCM is expected to exercise judgment in use of formats, selection of written materials, outlines of written materials and prepared text, design and selection of mailing lists.  The DCM will consult supervisor for sensitive matters and to resolve problems with internal and external individuals involved in the design, production and writing of publications.

Complexity
Because much of the work of the DCM represents the official position of the organization, s/he must exercise judgment on a wide range of issues in written and verbal expression, style, tone, length, organization, etc.  Staff often holds differing opinions on how best to present information; the DCM is a key participant in discussions and conferences to work out basic approaches and contributes to the final determination.  The DCM may work on a number of diverse projects simultaneously and is expected to meet deadlines on each to ensure accuracy and timeliness of assigned projects, effectiveness of special events, success of fundraising and attention to detail.  The DCM assures that material developed is factual and technically accurate, analyzes feedback and incorporates it in the information content and format.   The DCM makes available to both internal and external constituents, a consistently high level of involvement with the institution and the opportunity to financially support the work of the organization. Through special appeals and contributions, the DCM ensures optimal constituent relations, increased awareness of organization resources, and continued expansion of its donor base.

Personal Contacts
The DCM works directly with the President to coordinate projects, which generate effective, positive communications with donors, constituents, and various network and funders.  Contacts are made to obtain information, coordinate projects, clarify issues, make referrals, and process requests directed to the DCM. The DCM interviews experts on communication and development issues, as well as, staff; and gathers information which will be shared through publications.

Physical Demands
The work requires the DCM to be flexible regarding daily and extracurricular activities. Some travel may be required to represent the organization at meetings, conferences and seminars. Tight deadlines must be met with limited staff to support projects.

Work Experience
Compatible college degree and experience are required. The DCM will need to demonstrate her/his capacity by providing work samples, including print collateral, press releases, proposals, presentations, letter templates, communication strategies, marketing plans, and market penetration strategies; as well as, by providing acceptable references.

Salary
Salary based on experience.

Benefits
FINANTA provides:

100% coverage of a health plan.

100% coverage of short/long term disability insurance.

Retirement plan matching up to 3% of salary yearly.

Twenty five (25) days off to be used for vacation, illness, personal or as needed.

Yearly evaluation and salary adjustment based on performance.

FINANTA is a secular organization and does not celebrate religious holidays; however, does celebrate New Year’s, Memorial, Independence, Labor, Thanksgiving and the Friday after as its official holidays.  Each employee has the flexibility to use some of the twenty-five days off for her/his religious needs.