Development and Communications Manager

About the Organization

The Equality Community Center (ECC) serves as a community hub and gathering place for folks within the LGBTQ+ and allied communities who are seeking support and connection. The Center, located at 15 Casco Street in downtown Portland, strives to provide a safe space that is purposefully multicultural, accessible, and welcoming. It is an exciting time in our growth as the ECC is expanding its reach and impact, including the development of a new affordable senior housing project with services for LGBTQ+ older adults.

Position Overview

The Development and Communications Manager will play a pivotal role in advancing the ECC’s fundraising efforts and enhancing the organization’s public presence. With a focus on building a sustainable financial foundation for the organization, this position manages donor relations, grant writing, special events, marketing, and external communications to support ECC’s mission and strategic goals. The ideal candidate is a dynamic storyteller, an experienced fundraiser, and a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities the ECC serves.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Development & Fundraising:

• Work with the Executive Director and the ECC Fundraising Committee to develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to grow the ECC’s donor base and revenue.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
• Lead grant research, writing, and reporting to secure funding for ECC’s programs and initiatives.
• Assist with the planning and management of annual fundraising campaigns, including major gifts, planned giving, and online giving initiatives.
• Support board members in their fundraising efforts
• Oversee donor database management and ensure accurate record-keeping.

Communications & Marketing:

• Work with the Executive Director and the ECC Communications Committee to develop and implement a communications strategy that elevates ECC’s visibility and brand.
• Manage ECC’s website, social media, email marketing, and print materials.
• Create compelling content, including press releases, monthly newsletters, and impact stories.
• Serve as a media contact and coordinate public relations efforts with the Executive Director and Board
• Support the promotion of ECC’s programs, events, and advocacy efforts.

Event Planning & Community Engagement:

• Work with the Executive Director and the ECC Events Team to plan and execute fundraising and community engagement events.
• Build partnerships with local businesses, media, and community organizations.
• Provide leadership for the development of a quarterly LGBTQ+ business professionals networking program
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers to support events
• Represent ECC at public events, networking opportunities, and advocacy initiatives

Miscellaneous

• Provide support for Center activities and events as needed.
• Provide information as needed to the ECC board and committees.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision meetings, planning meetings, and other meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required

• Passion for the Center’s mission and work to create a welcoming, safe and inclusive work and gathering space for LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities, including but not limited to youth, older adults, transgender, non-binary and gender expansive folks, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, neurodivergent people, people with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS, and unhoused folks
• Experience:
  • 3+ years of experience in nonprofit development, communications, or related fields.
  • Proven success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and grant writing
• Computer Skills:
  • Google Suite including Gmail, Drive, Sheets, Docs, etc.
  • Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Donor management database - ie. Little Green Light
  • Social media tools
  • Graphic design - ie. Canva
  • Website management - ie. Squarespace
  • Project management - ie. Asana
• Personal Skills:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with a passion for storytelling, and effective public speaking to large and small groups.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to forge relationships with donors
  • Project and time management skills, including prioritization, self-direction and multi-tasking
  • Ability to collaborate with other organizations and individuals
  • Desire and motivation to gain knowledge and develop skills to support the growth of the organization
• Physical Demands:
  • The person in this position may be required to sit or stand for extended periods, maneuver tight storage space, move objects up to 50 pounds, set up tables and chairs and move furniture for events, ascend/descend stairs, operate office equipment, interact with visitors.

Preferred

• A college degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, public relations, marketing, or related field
• Experience with event planning
• Experience managing volunteers
• Supervision of staff

Salary and Benefits

• Salary will be commensurate with experience with a range of $60,000-$65,000/year
• 12 Paid Holidays annually
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual system
• Bonus paid week off in July for Pride month recuperation
• Health insurance, including dental and vision coverage
• Professional development resources

Job Location and Schedule

The Manager is expected to work on-site in the Center, located in Portland, ME. Parking is provided. General work week is Mon-Fri between the hours of 9am-6pm. A flexible schedule including some evenings, weekends will be required as needed according to our events schedule. Ability to prioritize multiple projects and manage frequent interruptions is essential to succeeding in this environment.

Equal Opportunity

The Equality Community Center is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex are encouraged to apply. The Center maintains a policy of non-discrimination with respect to employees and applicants for employment. No aspect of employment will be influenced in any matter by race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, physical disability (including HIV or AIDS), medical/mental condition, perceived physical disability or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by statute.

To Apply

Submit a letter of interest and a resume addressed to Christopher O’Connor, Executive Director, and emailed to chris@eccmaine.org (PDF’s preferred). Applications will be accepted until March 28, 2025 or until the position is filled. Applications without a letter of interest will not be considered.