Development and Communications Manager
Over 13 years ago, ASTEP was born. Created by Broadway Musical Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Juilliard students, they aimed to transform the lives of youth using the most powerful tool they had: their art. Today, ASTEP connects performing and visual artists with youth from underserved communities in the U.S. and around the world through after-school and summer art programs.
As we reflect on our growth, we are proud of the results accomplished by our small development staff. By adding a Development and Communications Manager, we can leverage these results to help ASTEP’s reach our next stage by bringing energy and best practices to our fundraising and communications activities. The Manager will raise the organization’s visibility, inspire and engage existing and new audiences, and increase and diversify our base of support.
Working closely with the Director of Development and part-time Development Associate, the Development and Communications Manager will help implement an annual fundraising strategy, focused particularly on individual giving and corporate support. The Manager will be responsible for increasing the number of new supporters, as well as increasing the retention of our existing donors by implementing an effective donor stewardship program.
The Manager will also help develop and implement a communications plan that includes the organization’s website and social media, as well as traditional press, promotional and marketing materials. They will be responsible for idea generation, brand management, community building, content and campaign creation, event promotion, and media relations.
For this position we seek at a candidate with at least 3-5 years fundraising experience that is also a writer and storyteller with an excellent grasp of fundraising and communication trends. This individual should have a proven track record of developing and managing donor relationships. They should be proficient at developing and managing on-line content and campaigns, building online communities, overseeing social media, and marketing a brand across multiple mediums.
We seek a self-starter who is passionate about finding creative ways to help ASTEP achieve its goals.
The Development and Communications Manager reports to the Director of Development.
Equity Statement
Artists Striving to End Poverty is an anti-racist organization that provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, marital status or favorite color.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Fundraising & Donor Relations (45%)
- Support the Development Team and Board of Directors to build relationships with current and prospective donors and funders, through personal contacts, regular communications and other activities.
- Provides stewardship reports, annual reports, updated donor lists, and support for Board meeting preparation.
- Organizes and coordinates two annual online fundraising campaigns (Summer Campaign and the end-of-year Annual Appeal).
- Serves as the event coordinator for the annual Gala in the spring and the annual holiday concert in December.
- Organizes and executes a Sustaining Donor Campaign to promote annual pledges.
- Plans local (NYC) programming, including donor gatherings and events, such as presentations, donor appreciation parties, donor cultivation events (2-3 per year).
Communications (50%)
- Leads and manages content development to develop newsworthy, dynamic and engaging content in a range of written and visual media that effectively reaches and activates target audiences.
- Expand upon online and social media opportunities to increase awareness to drive donations. Set and achieve goals for community engagement and growth.
- Develop engaging content for online campaigns to our supporter list that fits into our overall communications plan, increases community engagement, and drives online donations.
Grant Management (5%)
- Researches grant opportunities and makes recommendations to Director of Development.
- Drafts and submits LOIs (Letters of Interest) and grant proposals to current and new funding organizations.
- Manages grant database, deadlines, and follow-up with funders.
- Creates grant reports for funders with Director of Development.
- Helps communicate relevant information between ASTEP and funders.
Ideal Skills and Qualifications
The Development and Communications Manager will have an understanding of and commitment to ASTEP’s mission and the diverse populations we serve along with the relevant fundraising and communications experience.
Required Qualifications
- 3-5 years of demonstrated experience and excellence in fundraising, marketing and/or communications, and project management.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write creatively and persuasively in clear and concise language, and the ability to speak with enthusiasm to diverse audiences.
- Experience working with data management and reporting features with a Customer Relations Management (CRM) system, such as SalesForce.
- Ease in using technology tools, such as Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheet management, etc.
- Grant-writing experience, a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- Personal energy, vision, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, and drive to continually surpass goals and create opportunities.
- Significant analytical, critical thinking, and problem recognition and solving skills.
- Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and cultures, and professional experience with diverse marketing strategies.
- A proactive and highly motivated individual who demonstrates the initiative to grow the fundraising capacity of a small nonprofit
- Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people and communities
- Knowledge and appreciation of donor confidentiality.
Benefits
- ASTEP provides a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including fully covered medical and dental insurance.
- 20 days of paid time off (vacation and personal days)