Development and Communications Manager

Overview

Live Out Loud is seeking a dedicated and results-driven Development and Communications Manager to oversee and amplify our national program, Live Out Loud’s Homecoming Project, while supporting the organization’s fundraising, communication, and community engagement strategies. This role plays a key part in advancing our mission to empower LGBTQ+ youth by connecting them with positive role models and creating affirming spaces in schools.

The Homecoming Project is a powerful initiative inviting LGBTQ+ individuals nationwide to return to their former high schools and share their personal journeys with the next generation. By recounting their experiences, participants inspire LGBTQ+ youth, showcasing the endless possibilities the future holds and creating a lasting impact on students’ lives. For the speakers, the project offers a unique opportunity for reflection and celebration of their achievements, fostering a meaningful connection between past and present generations of LGBTQ+ individuals.

The Development and Communications Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and our Board of Directors to ensure the success of Live Out Loud’s Homecoming Project, raise critical funds to support Live Out Loud’s initiatives, and expand our visibility through strategic communications. This position requires creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion and empowerment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Homecoming Project Leadership
   • Lead all aspects of The Homecoming Project, ensuring its successful implementation and growth.
   • Recruit, train, and support 25-30 LGBTQ+ community members in the next 12 months to return to their high schools and share their stories with students, providing inspiration and mentorship.
   • Build and maintain strong partnerships with participating schools, educators, and community organizations to expand the program’s reach and offer professional development to participating schools.
   • Develop tools and resources for program participants and schools to enhance engagement and measure impact.
   • Evaluate program effectiveness through surveys, feedback, and metrics to continuously improve its outcomes.
2. Fundraising and Development
   • Oversee all fundraising activities to support Live Out Loud’s programs, with a focus on securing funding for The Homecoming Project.
   • Cultivate relationships with existing donors and sponsors while identifying and engaging new funding sources. Source 10-15 potential corporate partners, and source 10-15 potential major donors.
   • Work with the grants consultant to identify new sources of support.
   • Maintain detailed records of grant submissions, donor communications, and funding outcomes to track progress and inform future efforts.
3. Communications and Public Relations
   • Create and execute comprehensive communication strategies to increase awareness of Live Out Loud’s Homecoming Project.
   • Manage all organizational social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), ensuring content is engaging, timely, and aligned with Live Out Loud’s branding.
   • Develop and distribute social media, email campaigns, newsletters, and other communications to share program updates and success stories.
   • Maintain the organization’s website, ensuring it is regularly updated with program information, event announcements, and impact stories.
4. Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordination
   • Community engagement will primarily focus on recruiting participants for Live Out Loud's Homecoming Project by collaborating with LGBTQ+ professional organizations, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce, sports groups, and other LGBTQ+ community members at large.
   • Serve as a primary liaison to participants, ensuring they are effectively recruited, trained, and supported.
   • This effort will also cultivate long-term partnerships with these groups, fostering opportunities for donor support, sponsorships, media collaborations, and the recruitment of committee members and board members.
   • Work with the Program Coordinator to coordinate Guest Role Model Speaker visits nationally, fostering meaningful connections between the LGBTQ+ community and students.
   • Represent Live Out Loud at community events, building partnerships with local organizations and raising awareness about our work.
5. Organizational Leadership and Collaboration
   • Collaborate with the Executive Director and key staff to align development, communications, and program strategies with Live Out Loud’s mission and goals.
   • Provide regular updates on fundraising, communications, and program outcomes to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
   • Participate in organizational planning and strategy discussions, contributing insights to strengthen Live Out Loud’s impact and sustainability.
   • Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within the team, encouraging new ideas and approaches to enhance our work.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of experience in fundraising, communications, or program management.

Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience in managing and growing programs, particularly those focused on education, mentorship, or community engagement.
• Strong grant writing and fundraising skills, with a track record of securing funding from diverse sources.
• Expertise in social media management and digital communications, with an eye for creating compelling content.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with LGBTQ+ communities and a passion for advancing equity and inclusion.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in schools or with youth-focused programs is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of CRM tools and fundraising platforms is a plus.
• Spanish-language proficiency is preferred but not required.

Why Join Live Out Loud?

As the Development and Communications Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and impact of Live Out Loud’s signature program, The Homecoming Project, while also contributing to broader organizational goals. This is an opportunity to combine your skills in program management, communications, and fundraising to make a meaningful difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.