Development and Communications Manager

Renewing the Countryside’s mission is to cultivate and support vibrant, sustainable and equitable communities. Since 2002, we have served as connectors and facilitators, bringing together community members to advance ideas that contribute to economic, social, and environmental wealth. At RTC, we have a clear vision: to be an organization where talented people want to come, to stay, and to do their best work. We deeply value a diverse group of staff in creating an inclusive and collaborative environment, and engaging in work that promotes equity.

Position title: Development and Communications Manager

The  Development and Communications Manager  is a full-time, exempt, salaried position. 

Salary:  $58,000 - $65,000 based on experience and qualifications.

This position is primarily remote, but there will be the need to attend meetings and travel to events.

Fundraising (50%)

• Implement and execute annual fundraising plans that secure funding for operational sustainability. 
• Grow RTC’s funder base and identify and engage new donors and volunteer leaders. 
• Effectively manage RTC’s donor database, including communications tools, donations, and services.
• Strengthen RTC's development capacity, with a primary focus on annual giving and fundraising campaigns.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to create strong annual and long term fundraising strategies.
• Identify, cultivate, and retain donors, and serve as an external face for RTC in engaging and stewarding donors and stakeholders. 
• Manage logistics and promotion of fundraising events and activities. 
• Collaborate with other staff on proposals to foundations, including, but not limited to, researching and identifying prospective grants, meeting with program officers, and writing proposals.

Communications (50%)

• Manage the flow of information and communication between RTC’s work and the public. 
• Communications strategy - Developing and implementing a multi-channel communications strategy to guide the organization's relationships with partners and public relations.
• Content management - Preparing and managing all communications materials, including press releases, newsletters, websites, social media, and crisis communications.
• Media relations - Managing media relations, developing contacts with media members, influencers, and community leaders. 
• Collaborate across programs regarding communication, marketing, and design; position may include oversight of contract professionals or team members.
• Content creation - Assisting in the creation of digital, video, audio, and print content. 
• Engagement tracking - Tracking engagement across various platforms and making data-driven decisions. 

Qualifications:

• Six years experience (or a combination of experience and education) in fundraising and communications. (With at least 3 years in fundraising.)
• Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented with strong time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Outstanding and enthusiastic relationship builder.
• Ability to work efficiently in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong computer skills and experience with fundraising and CRM databases (Nationbuilder); website management (WIX and others), and experience managing social media campaigns. 
• Excellent writing skills; grant and/or annual report writing experience preferred. 
• Familiarity with the philanthropic landscape in MN, WI and the Upper Midwest. 
• Experience in developing and implementing communication plans, fundraising campaigns, and special events. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 

Renewing the Countryside is a family-friendly employer. We provide equal opportunity for employment and condemn discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other factor. We are committed to equity and strongly encourage people who are BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, and/or from other underrepresented or marginalized communities to apply. 

The position includes medical and dental benefits, short-term disability, generous paid time off, and employer contribution to a retirement plan. 

This is a remote position that will require some travel for meetings and events. RTC will provide a computer and offer a monthly phone stipend.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references by email to: jobs@rtcinfo.org. You may also direct questions to jobs@rtcinfo.org. We will begin reviewing applications by June 20, 2024 and the position will remain open until filled. 

A Note to Potential Candidates:

These qualifications serve as a guide for knowledge and capabilities that will be helpful in this position rather than a list of requirements that each candidate must meet. If you are interested, please apply whether you feel you meet every qualification or not. We recognize that every person has a unique and dynamic set of experiences and skills that can positively contribute to our efforts. We appreciate each individual’s strengths and encourage learning and growing into roles at a comfortable pace.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references by email to: jobs@rtcinfo.org. You may also direct questions to jobs@rtcinfo.org. We will begin reviewing applications by June 20, 2024 and the position will remain open until filled.