Development & Communications Manager

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by people in this category. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all
responsibilities, duties and skills required of people in these positions.

Reports To:

Executive Directors

Position Classification:

Remote/Hybrid

Length of Service:

Ongoing

POSTION SUMMARY

Holden Village is seeking a Development and Communications Manager to lead an organization-wide fundraising program that generates approximately $1.2 million annually and keeps Holden’s community informed and connected during the Village’s closure and eventual reopening.

This is a hands-on leadership position. The Manager will set priorities, build practical plans, manage a small team, maintain a personal portfolio of donors, and ensure that fundraising and communications work moves forward consistently. The role requires someone who can work with substantial independence while communicating closely with the Executive Directors, staff, and board.

Holden is operating in a significant organizational transition, and the needs of the role will evolve. The successful candidate will be able to assess new information, adjust plans, and redirect time and resources when necessary. They will do so as part of a supportive and collaborative team and not without access to leadership.

During the first year, the Manager’s primary priorities will include sustaining fundraising revenue and donor confidence during Holden’s closure, strengthening major-donor engagement, maintaining clear and consistent community communications, clarifying team responsibilities, and developing fundraising and communications plans to support organizational goals.

Priority consideration given to candidates who submit their application materials by August 23, 2026. To apply, email your résumé and cover letter to staffing@holdenvillage.org.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to both Executive Directors, with one Executive Director serving as the primary supervisor for day-to-day management, priority-setting, and performance oversight. The position also works closely with the other Executive Director. All three leaders are actively involved in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. This is a hands-on leadership position. The Manager will supervise a team of three long-term staff (Major Gifts Officer, Communications Lead, Development Lead) and coordinate the fundraising involvement of the Executive Directors and Board Advancement Committee.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Fundraising Planning and Strategy

Plan and execute an annual strategic plan for all fundraising efforts, with a primary focus on major gifts, planned giving, and recurring donors
Track all fundraising activity, qualitative and quantitative data in a timely and accurate manner; generate monthly reports to share with the Executive Directors
Manage effective communication and reporting with all stakeholders relating to development activities
Apply current nonprofit fundraising practices and relevant sector trends to strengthen Holden’s fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and development operations
Oversee the creation and management of the annual development and communications budget
Plan and execute donor cultivation and fundraising events that complement existing organizational efforts, with a particular focus on the Northwest and other priority regions or audiences not currently being reached

Donor Relationships and Stewardship

Prepare or oversee preparation of all proposals, requests and reports for major donors and foundations
Proactively design and execute donor engagement strategies and appeals
Ensure the timely and accurate creation and distribution of updates to donors and briefings to senior leadership
Track progress and CRM notes in Bloomerang
Oversee acknowledgement and thank you process as needed
Personally manage a portfolio of 10-20 donors/prospects

Communications and Community Engagement

Develop annual communications plan with a primary focus on engaging and connecting with Holden’s larger community
Oversee all marketing and communication activities, including print and digital publications, website and social media presence
Plan and execute special events as needed
Represent Holden’s mission, vision, and values to the public

Teams, Systems, and Operations

Supervise, mentor, and guide development and communications staff and volunteers responsible for fundraising, communications, and marketing activities
Clarify team roles, responsibilities, and priorities
Ensure donor contributions are recorded, acknowledged, and reported accurately and on time in the donor database
Assess and improve development and communications systems and processes to increase accuracy and efficiency
Ensure that development and communications procedures are current and consistently followed

Organizational and Board Leadership

Work collaboratively with Executive Directors to develop initiatives and strategic plans that advance Holden Village’s philanthropic efforts and achieve organizational goals
Help promote and cultivate an organizational culture of philanthropy with staff and board members
Oversee all development & communications operations and data management, fostering a culture of operational excellence and assessing systems improvements with an eye towards increased accuracy and efficiency
Provide staff leadership and support to the Board Advancement Committee for planning, prioritizing, and implementing Holden Village’s fund development strategy
Ensure that fund development and communications policies are up to date, follow best practices, and are approved by the Board Advancement Committee
Maintain current knowledge of nonprofit fundraising practices and apply relevant improvements at Holden

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

Required:

Progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, or a combination of the two, with demonstrated positive results in at least one area and the ability to provide effective leadership across both functions
Previous supervisory experience managing a team
Strong written and verbal communication skills including ability to address various internal and external groups, build rapport and confidence, and persuasively convey the mission of Holden Village
Creative, organized, focused and goal-oriented coupled with a high level of integrity, initiative, energy and ability to work independently and collaboratively
Willingness to travel approximately four to six times per year to Seattle, Chelan, and the Twin Cities
Commitment to the mission, vision and values of Holden Village

Preferred:

Experience with planning and executing fundraising and/or marketing appeals
Proven track record of raising funds through various efforts including annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, capital and/or endowment campaign, and events
Experience working effectively with and reporting to a Board and/or Board Advancement Committee
Familiarity with CRMs/donor databases (Bloomerang preferred)

We know that talent comes from diverse paths. If you don’t check every box on our list, tell us how your unique skills make you a great fit.

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS

Working at Holden Village means committing to being part of our unique community.

Commitment to lift up Holden’s mission, vision and values
Awareness and commitment to growing in the practice of justice: equity, diversity, and inclusion (J:EDI) in community
Each staff member agrees to read and follow guidelines outlined in the staff handbook

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

As an Employee, you are eligible for the following compensation and benefits:

$80,168/year salary
Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
Basic life insurance
Life Flight insurance (emergency helicopter transportation based on medical need)
Simple IRA account (3% match)
Generous paid time off package for full-time employees, including 24 days of PTO in the first year, 11 paid holidays, and two floating holidays.