What are the responsibilities and job description for the Philanthropy & Communications Manager position at In The Image?
For more than 30 years, In The Image has served the Grand Rapids community. Our mission is to passionately empower all people in our community toward personal growth and stability by fostering relationships and creating opportunities that inspire hope, uphold dignity, and promote respect. We envision a thriving community where every individual is empowered to reach their full potential today and for generations to come.
We live out that mission through free programs including the Free Store, Brian's Basic Needs Room, the SHOES Program, Empowering Futures, and People Power (workforce development). Learn more at intheimage.org.
About the role
The Philanthropy & Communications Manager grows the relationships and resources that keep our programs running. Working closely with the Executive Director, you will lead our development work and carry out our annual fundraising strategy, focused on budget goals, donor retention, donor acquisition, and awareness of our programs. You will also tell In The Image's story across our website, social media, and donor communications.
This is a building role. You'll have the opportunity to shape the systems that will support our fundraising for years to come, from donor data to our case for support to our communications plan. It's a great fit for a relationship-builder who writes well, stays organized, enjoys creating structure, and believes every person deserves to be treated with dignity.
What you'll do
Fundraising and donor relations
- Recruit, engage, and retain donors in partnership with the Executive Director.
- Manage annual fundraising and donor goals, and analyze results to strengthen future efforts.
- Research prospective donors and partners, and initiate requests for support.
- Build positive relationships with current and potential corporate and community partners, including securing in-kind gifts when needed.
- Plan and oversee fundraising events with a strong return on investment, such as an annual gala and Dressed for Good fashion show.
- Support grant writing and identify new event opportunities.
- Produce annual gift reports and donor impact reports that educate, inspire, and thank donors and corporate partners.
- Coordinate donor communications, including personal thank-yous, letters, appeals, and online content, in both print and electronic formats.
Donor records and development systems
- Receive and log all financial and in-kind donations.
- Keep donor and household records in Bloomerang accurate and up to date.
- Build and strengthen our development systems, including cleaning up donor data, developing a case for support, and establishing a communications plan.
Marketing and communications
- Create and publish content for social media, the website, and other online platforms.
- Share program and operational updates with the public, in collaboration with the operations team.
- Own the communications calendar, and lead a monthly rhythm for creating fundraising, communication, and marketing materials.
- Keep all communications consistent with our mission, vision, and brand standards.
Other responsibilities
- Help develop new processes as needed.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
What you bring
Required
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, or equivalent relevant experience
- 2 years of proven fundraising and donor management experience
- Nonprofit experience and a solid understanding of development and fundraising practices
- Excellent written, verbal, digital, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong organization and time management skills
- Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor management software
Preferred
- Experience with Bloomerang and Brevo
- Event planning and marketing experience