Development & Communications Manager

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by people in this category. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all
responsibilities, duties and skills required of people in these positions.

Reports To:

Executive Directors

Position Classification:

Remote/Hybrid

Length of Service:

Ongoing

Holden Village is seeking a Development and Communications Manager to lead an organization-wide fundraising program that generates approximately $1.2 million annually and keeps Holden’s community informed and connected during the Village’s closure and eventual reopening.

This is a hands-on leadership position. The Manager will set priorities, build practical plans, manage a small team, maintain a personal portfolio of donors, and ensure that fundraising and communications work moves forward consistently. The role requires someone who can work with substantial independence while communicating closely with the Executive Directors, staff, and board.

Holden is operating in a significant organizational transition, and the needs of the role will evolve. The successful candidate will be able to assess new information, adjust plans, and redirect time and resources when necessary. They will do so as part of a supportive and collaborative team and not without access to leadership.

During the first year, the Manager’s primary priorities will include sustaining fundraising revenue and donor confidence during Holden’s closure, strengthening major-donor engagement, maintaining clear and consistent community communications, clarifying team responsibilities, and developing fundraising and communications plans to support organizational goals.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to both Executive Directors, with one Executive Director serving as the primary supervisor for day-to-day management, priority-setting, and performance oversight. The position also works closely with the other Executive Director. All three leaders are actively involved in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. This is a hands-on leadership position. The Manager will supervise a team of three long-term staff (Major Gifts Officer, Communications Lead, Development Lead) and coordinate the fundraising involvement of the Executive Directors and Board Advancement Committee.

Fundraising Planning and Strategy

• Plan and execute an annual strategic plan for all fundraising efforts, with a primary focus on major gifts, planned giving, and recurring donors
• Track all fundraising activity, qualitative and quantitative data in a timely and accurate manner; generate monthly reports to share with the Executive Directors
• Manage effective communication and reporting with all stakeholders relating to development activities
• Apply current nonprofit fundraising practices and relevant sector trends to strengthen Holden’s fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and development operations
• Oversee the creation and management of the annual development and communications budget
• Plan and execute donor cultivation and fundraising events that complement existing organizational efforts, with a particular focus on the Northwest and other priority regions or audiences not currently being reached

Donor Relationships and Stewardship

• Prepare or oversee preparation of all proposals, requests and reports for major donors and foundations
• Proactively design and execute donor engagement strategies and appeals
• Ensure the timely and accurate creation and distribution of updates to donors and briefings to senior leadership
• Track progress and CRM notes in Bloomerang
• Oversee acknowledgement and thank you process as needed
• Personally manage a portfolio of 10-20 donors/prospects

Communications and Community Engagement

• Develop annual communications plan with a primary focus on engaging and connecting with Holden’s larger community
• Oversee all marketing and communication activities, including print and digital publications, website and social media presence
• Plan and execute special events as needed
• Represent Holden’s mission, vision, and values to the public

Teams, Systems, and Operations

• Supervise, mentor, and guide…