Development and Communications Manager

Company Description

The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to strengthening communities across Itasca County, Minnesota. Established in 1994 by local business and community leaders, the Foundation connects generosity with community needs to improve quality of life for people throughout the region.

We manage a wide range of charitable funds created by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations, supporting causes across all sectors of the community. Guided by a volunteer Board of Directors who live and work locally, we are deeply committed to honoring donor intent, practicing strong stewardship, and building lasting impact through philanthropy.

Our mission is to build a stronger community by mobilizing generosity around the needs of the people in the greater Itasca area. We believe generosity gives everyone the opportunity to thrive.

Position Title: Development and Communications Manager

• Employment Status: Full-time
• Reports To: Executive Director
• Salary: $65,000 – $80,000 based on experience and qualifications + 3% 403b match
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Supervises: N/A
• How to Apply: Please send resume and cover letter to info.
  Applications accepted through February 15, 2026, or until filled.

Position Summary: The position is the senior staff person responsible for resource development and promotional efforts of the Foundation. This person oversees donor services, fundraising, gift recognition, special events, and marketing activities. This role is responsible for creating new funds and delivering service to donors. This person works collaboratively with team members to establish and execute a plan for significant growth.

This position will improve the utilization of data and planning with an emphasis on the cultivation of existing donors and the acquisition of new donors to raise the resources and awareness to carry out the mission of the Foundation.

• Main responsibilities are fundraising and donor relations, marketing and communications and community engagement.
• Provide direction and establish long-and short-range goals in conjunction with the Foundation’s strategic plan.
• Design, implement and evaluate comprehensive development strategies and programs that support the overall goals and objectives of the Foundation.
• Create, integrate and adapt technological platforms and strategies to improve the donor experience.
• Represent the Foundation in all aspects of external outreach and educational opportunities.
• Assist the Executive Director to establish revenue and implement performance goals, objectives, action plans, and benchmarks for the work and programs of the Foundation.
• Use data analytics to drive decision making for the overall assessment of the Foundation’s work.
• Implement a continuous improvement philosophy that includes benchmarking programs, peer-based performance metrics, and outcomes that support high performance standards.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on creating and maintaining relationships with regional financial advisors and Foundation stakeholders.
• Create and maintain systems to assure that donor instructions are documented and followed.
• Oversee the internal and external marketing plan for the Foundation.
• Frequently collaborate with donors, businesses and organizations where appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to drive new growth opportunities. Identify, prioritize, develop and launch new projects, services and business models that elevate the donor and volunteer experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Executive Director.

• Experience and exposure to the nonprofit sector through employment, board experience, etc.
• Experience and understanding of non-profit financial issues and investment management.
• Understanding of investments, banking and community foundation programming.
• Understanding of donor and fund development concepts.
• Experience with fundraising and planned giving preferred.
• Experience with public speaking and ability to provide presentations to groups of people.
• Experience in managing and supervising employees.
• Knowledge of, experience with and a passion for the Greater Itasca Area communities and community issues.

• Must have excellent professional skills and abilities, verbal and written communication, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, conflict management skills, cultural competence and emotional intelligence.
• Established abilities in decision making and organizational and Board-level communications.
• Ability to build and work with teams.
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite of programs.

• Frequent travel required (primarily driving through the State of Minnesota)
• Sitting up to 6 hours per day