As a key member of a fast-paced Development team, the Development Communications manager will work closely with fundraising and program staff at all levels to create persuasive proposals, stewardship reports, PowerPoint presentations, and other communications to engage Principal and Major donors. This highly collaborative role requires a seasoned professional with a good understanding of what information is most important to funders—and the ability to sift through material and ask the right questions in order to get it. S/he will often play a key role in shaping the overall framing and messaging for how we present Audubon’s work to funders, and must be creative, thoughtful, resourceful, and strategic as well as a very strong writer.
S/he will be responsible for managing projects from start to finish, including strategy development; securing needed information from program staff; writing, revising, and editing copy; and managing Audubon graphic design staff and vendors to produce polished, attractive materials that Audubon Senior Staff, including the CEO, will share with existing and current funders.
While the primary focus for this position will be Principal and Major Gifts fundraising efforts, the successful candidate will also provide grant writing and other support for Institutional Giving and other Audubon staff and departments as needed.
- Draft persuasive proposals and reports that marry donor interests and requirements with Audubon funding needs, in close collaboration with front-line fundraisers and program staff.
- Develop materials needed for donor meetings and events, including PowerPoint presentations, speaking notes, handouts, and other materials.
- Review and edit proposals and other materials drafted by development, program, and other staff to ensure writing quality, factual accuracy, consistent style, and appropriate tone and voice.
- Ensure that staff across multiple departments and functions provide all information needed to create a strong final product and meet aggressive deadlines.
- Manage designer(s) to finalize and deliver donor materials, including PowerPoint presentations, fact sheets, newsletters, reports, and program summaries.
- 6+ years of professional writing experience, including 4+ years in a development/fundraising role.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating effectively with a wide variety of internal clients, including senior staff and C-suite leaders.
- Journalistic instincts and the ability to translate verbal communications and complex information, including scientific and public policy context, into clear, compelling prose.
- Solid project management and organizational skills, with a history of success in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple projects and work both independently and as a member of a project team.
- Flexible work approach and the ability to act with sensitivity and discretion while handling confidential information.
- Resourceful researcher, experienced at gathering and synthesizing complex information from a variety of sources, including conversations with expert staff, business documents, and published sources.
- Conservation knowledge/experience preferred; strong interest in conservation issues essential.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required. Adobe Acrobat writer and InDesign a plus.