Development & Communications Manager Job at ROME GROUP in Saint Louis

Development & Communications Manager Be a Catalyst for Change Overview Join the Movement at Marian Middle School. Are you ready to join the only school of its kind in St. Louis that is fundamentally changing the trajectory of girls’ lives? Marian Middle School is more than an educational institution; we are an 11-year commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty through transformational education. Our mission is bold, our results are life‑changing, and we are looking for a Development & Communications Manager to be a powerful engine for our growth. Your Mission Driving Impact & Inspiring Generosity. As the Development & Communications Manager, you will be a vital leader on a dynamic team, owning key areas that fuel our mission. Your focus will be on inspiring, connecting, building and celebrating the community that makes Marian’s work possible. Key Responsibilities Lead Donor Relationships & Mid-Level Giving Be a Chief Relationship Builder: Take ownership of our mid-level donor portfolio and giving program, serving as the primary point of contact for acquiring and retaining these crucial supporters. Innovate Stewardship: Design and execute a personalized, best-in-class stewardship program for this portfolio—from sophisticated email campaigns and personalized tours to creative, impactful thank-you communications that deepen donor loyalty. Drive Results: Work collaboratively with the Development Team, Board Members, and the Advancement Committee to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects to exceed annual fundraising goals. Mission-Focused Connections: Oversee our unique Career Luncheons, leveraging these mission-centric events to foster new donor acquisition and sponsor stewardship through meaningful connections between students and professional women. Elevate Signature Events Design Unforgettable Experiences: Lead the strategy, content creation, and execution for Marian’s signature fundraising events, especially our Spring Gala and Fall Online Giving Campaign. Your goal is to not only raise funds but also to acquire new donors, thrill existing supporters, and increase mission awareness. Own the Outcome: Manage budgeting, scriptwriting, and sponsorship outreach. Work closely with the Development Associate on marketing materials and invites, sponsorship coordination, and partner with outside consultants to ensure a flawless, inspiring guest experience. Re-Engage and Renew: Spearhead targeted solicitation and stewardship to re-engage lapsed donors and sponsors, acquire new donors and sponsors, and retain current donors and sponsors. Champion Communications & Corporate Support Tell Our Story: Collaborate with the Development Associate to oversee Marian’s digital donor communications, including engaging e-newsletters and social media, leveraging the power of storytelling to connect hearts to our mission, and continue building donor loyalty, excitement, and trust. Steward Critical Partners: Lead the relationship management for our corporate supporters and organizational grantors, coordinating closely with the grant writer to ensure timely and impactful reporting. What You Bring to the Team We’re looking for an exceptional professional who is passionate about our work and ready to hit the ground running. Skills & Experience 3–5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or related fields. Experience in messaging, marketing and communications is a major plus. Non-profit experience is essential. You understand the unique environment and demands of a mission-driven organization. Familiarity with donor management software; experience with Raiser’s Edge, BlackBaud, or NXT is strongly preferred. Qualities That Matter A Strategic Doer: You are a strategic thinker who can plan independently, manage up effectively, execute with attention to detail, and commit to excellence. A Collaborator and Leader: You thrive in a team setting, can effectively manage the Development & Communications Associate and external vendors, and co-lead our critical Advancement and Marketing Communications committee. Driven by Mission: You are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and you advance Marian’s mission through top-quality work. A Storyteller at Heart: You have a passion for community engagement and the ability to translate complex impact into compelling, emotional content. Leading Representative of Marian Middle School: Your presence exemplifies how you would meet with a donor, steward that relationship, and present the mission. Your conduct during the interview process reflects your ability to build relationships with donors. The Details Reports to: Director of Development and Communications Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly manages the Development & Communications Associate and oversees projects with outside vendors (e.g., printers, graphic designer). Work Environment: This position is based in our school and requires active navigation of a four-floor building (no elevator) and occasional movement of materials up to 40 pounds for event preparation. Once you get the hang of things, we can identify a flexible schedule that includes a portion of hybrid work. License(s)/Certification(s) Required Valid driver’s license Salary $60,000 – $70,000, in addition to medical health insurance covered by the school, and a 403(b) plan with matching benefits. Application Instructions Please submit a cover letter, resume, and references to Kristin Gumper, Director of Development & Communications, at kgumper@mms-stl.org. #J-18808-Ljbffr