Development & Communications Manager

Job Overview

The Development & Communications Manager leads United Way of Sandusky County’s fundraising, marketing, and resource development efforts. This role is responsible for campaign strategy, grant development, donor engagement, events, and communications to support organizational sustainability and community impact.

Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Supervision: Reports to the CEO/President

Essential Functions:

Resource Development & Fundraising

1. Plan, execute, and manage annual workplace, corporate, and residential campaigns.

2. Develop campaign themes, incentives, materials, and marketing strategies.

3. Recruit and support campaign chairs and volunteers.

4. Manage corporate solicitations, sponsorships, major gifts, and planned giving efforts.

5. Lead grant writing, reporting, and compliance.

6. Manage application of the Ohio Combined Charitable Campaign.

Events & Donor Engagement

1. Plan and execute fundraising and engagement events including Campaign Kickoff & Awards, Pacesetter events, Pillar Appreciation, and Cancer Care Fund fundraisers.

2. Coordinate logistics, vendors, volunteers, budgets, and post-event evaluation.

3. Develop and execute donor stewardship strategies, including acknowledgment communications, impact reporting, campaign updates, and year-round engagement to strengthen donor retention and relationships.

Marketing & Communications

1. Manage website, social media, press releases, advertising, videos, branded materials, and organizational marketing collateral.

2. Develop, create, and maintain the organization's electronic newsletter, including content planning, writing, design, distribution, and performance tracking.

3. Develop and implement an annual communications calendar that provides consistent, scheduled touchpoints for donors, volunteers, corporate partners, and community stakeholders through email, direct communications, and digital marketing.

4. Create, schedule, and manage social media content across multiple platforms to increase community awareness, donor engagement, volunteer recruitment, and campaign participation.

5. Coordinate community outreach efforts including festivals, markets, and partner events.

6. Support and promote employee and corporate fundraising activities.

7. Represent United Way on community groups as assigned (e.g. service club).

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in marketing, communications, development, or related field preferred.

2. Minimum of 3 years of experience with digital marketing, social media, and event planning.

3. Experience using email marketing platforms, preferably Constant Contact, to create, distribute, and analyze electronic communications.

4. Familiarity with community-based organizations and mission-driven work preferred.

5. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, or access to transportation as needed.

6. Ability to successfully pass drug screening, BCII, and FBI background checks.

Skills & Competencies

1. Strong writing skills to support grant writing and donor communications.

2. Proficiency with Constant Contact or similar email marketing software.

3. Strong content creation, copywriting, and proofreading skills for print and digital communications.

4. Experience developing and managing content calendars for email marketing and social media.

5. Ability to analyze email and social media performance metrics and use data to improve engagement.

6. Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

7. Strong communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.

8. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

9. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

10. High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

11. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and database systems.

Physical Factors

Primarily office-based work requiring extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer use. Occasional light lifting.

United Way of Sandusky County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to director@uwsandco.org or 826 W State St, Fremont, OH 43420.

Pay: $42,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42,000 - $52,000