Development and Communications Manager

About SHF: Founded in 1969, Settlement Housing Fund is a nonprofit affordable housing organization. We own and operate 3,147 affordable apartments across New York City and are currently creating and preserving an additional 3,031 apartments. We provide social services through on site support to ensure housing stability for tenants who have transitioned from shelters into permanent housing at our buildings and those of other owners. We serve as an HDFC nominee to provide private developers with access to City financing to expand the supply of affordable housing. We are a leader in tenant selection and affirmative fair housing, leasing hundreds of units annually for other affordable housing owners.

JOB SUMMARY: The Development & Communications Manager is a key member of Settlement Housing Fund’s (SHF) Development & Communications team, responsible for driving the day to day execution of fundraising and communications initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Development & Communications, this role leads grant writing, donor communications, and digital engagement efforts. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, strategic executor, and relationship builder who thrives in a collaborative environment and is excited to help grow and diversify SHF’s fundraising portfolio. This role plays a critical part in expanding institutional funding, strengthening donor stewardship, and elevating SHF’s visibility—translating impact into compelling narratives that inspire investment and deepen community engagement.

Job Duties include but are not limited to:

Grant Writing and Institutional Fundraising:

• Lead the development and submission of grant proposals and reports for foundation, corporate, and government funders. 
• Manage and maintain a comprehensive grants calendar, ensuring all deadlines and reporting requirements are met. 
• Conduct ongoing prospect research to identify new funding opportunities and re engage lapsed funders. 
• Collaborate with program and leadership staff to gather data, impact stories, and outcomes to inform proposals. 
• Draft compelling narratives and supporting materials aligned with funder priorities. 
• Track grant outcomes and maintain accurate records of submissions and funder communications. 

Donor Engagement and Stewardship:

• Support the cultivation and stewardship of individual, corporate, and institutional donors. 

• Draft donor communications including acknowledgements, impact updates, appeals, and stewardship materials. 

• Support with the development and execution of donor engagement strategies to deepen relationships and increase giving. 

• Conduct donor and prospect research to support pipeline development and major gift strategy. 

• Prepare briefing materials and follow up communications for leadership and Board engagement with donors. 

• Help coordinate donor events, site visits, and engagement opportunities in partnership with the Director of Development and Communications and the Senior Advisor. 

Communications and Content Strategy:

• Execute and manage a story  and mission driven communications plan, developed by the Director of Development and Communications, to elevate SHF’s visibility and impact. 

• Create and manage content across platforms, including: social media (e.g. Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube), email newsletters and campaigns, and website updates. 

• Produce high quality written and visual content—including program stories, blog posts, testimonials, and campaign materials—while helping maintain and implement branding standards, templates, and consistent visual identity across all materials. 

• Track and analyze digital engagement metrics, using insights to refine strategies and grow audience reach. 

• Ensure all communications align with SHF’s brand voice and strategic priorities. 

Database and Operations Management:

• Maintain accurate and up to date records in the donor database, including donor interactions, pledges, gifts, acknowledgements, and engagement history. 

• Generate reports on fundraising performance, donor trends, and campaign outcomes. 

• Support data integrity, list segmentation, and donor tracking for targeted outreach efforts. 

Event and Campaign Support:

• Provide strategic and logistical support for SHF events, including the annual gala, in partnership with the Senior Advisor. 

• Assist in producing event related communications, sponsorship materials, and donor outreach. 

• Support collateral development for events, including presentations, signage, and digital promotions. 

• Coordinate logistics and execution for annual appeals and other fundraising campaigns. 

• Support development of campaign materials, timelines, and performance tracking. 

• Perform other duties as reasonably requested.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, nonprofit management, public relations, or a related field. 
• 2  years of experience in nonprofit development, communications, or related field preferred. 
• String writing skills, with experience crafting compelling content such as grant proposals, fundraising communications, or other persuasive, mission driven materials. 
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats. 
• Experience managing digital communications and social media platforms. 
• Familiarity with donor databases/CRMs and fundraising analytics. 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. 
• Highly detail oriented, with strong accuracy in writing, data management, and execution of projects. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a mission driven environment. 
• Passion for housing equity and community development.
• Bi lingual a plus but not a requirement.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday, an 8 hour shift, with an unpaid hour for lunch.
• Ability to relate to persons of diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to providing affordable housing for low to moderate income population.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Demonstrated grant writing experience, with a track record of successful submissions. 

• Experience growing digital platforms and audience engagement. 

• Basic graphic design and/or video editing skills (Canva, Adobe, etc.). 

• Knowledge of NYC philanthropic landscape and funding sources. 

• Experience supporting major gift cultivation and donor stewardship strategies. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

• The ability to sit, stand, walk and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone to talk and hear.
• The ability to frequently sit and reach with hands and arms.
• The ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Working Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Must be able to utilize office equipment such as desktop/notebook computers, copiers, printers, scanners, telephones, and calculators.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

NOTICE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the environment and level of work being performed by this job. This job description in no way states or implies that the duties and responsibilities listed are the only tasks to be performed by the employee in this job. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other job related duties requested by their supervisor. This job description supersedes prior job descriptions. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, the job description will be reviewed and subject to changes in business necessity.

Settlement Housing Fund, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions expected of an employee. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of you as an employee. You may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Salary : $75,000 - $90,000