Development & Communications Manager

Are you looking for a role where you can make a meaningful impact in your community?

Willing Hands is seeking a Development and Communications Manager to lead and carry out our day-to-day fundraising efforts in support of our mission to connect fresh, local food with neighbors in need. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work and building relationships with donors, managing campaigns, and keeping development activities moving forward. The right candidate is organized, reliable, and motivated to help a community-centered organization grow through consistent, thoughtful outreach and stewardship.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter. 

Position Title:  Development & Communications Manager

Classification: Exempt

Expected hours of work:  Full-time

Job Tier and Salary Range:  Manager ($70,000-$80,000 yearly salary range)

Supervisor: Executive Director

Willing Hands’ Mission is to reduce food waste and expand equitable and reliable access to fresh food. Willing Hands grows, gleans, and recovers nourishing fresh food and distributes it for free to our neighbors through a network of 85 human service organizations in the greater Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire.

Job Summary: Supports the organization’s sustainability by implementing Willing Hands’ fundraising strategy, managing the donor database and processes, and overseeing communications plans to advance mission impact. Working under the direction of the Executive Director, the role collaborates closely with the Senior Leadership Team and consultants to strengthen organizational growth and impact.

Key Accountabilities (reason for being) (percentages as applicable):

Plan and execute Willing Hands’ donor outreach and communication plan, including social media, earned media, advertising, as well as print and electronic communications. (30%)

Plan and execute direct mail and email appeals, as well as giving days. (30%)

Manages donor database to support strategic fundraising and other org priorities (30%)

Support the Executive Director with major gift stewardship and solicitation. (10%)

Supervisory Responsibilities: Volunteers and potential interns.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Donor Relations

Supports the Executive Director in developing and implementing a strategic development plan that strengthens donor outreach and relationship management.

Supports the Executive Director with managing donor stewardship initiatives, including recognition programs, personalized outreach strategies, and donor appreciation activities that deepen engagement and increase retention.

Oversees the execution of donor communications (e.g., impact reports, newsletters, appreciation events) that clearly demonstrate mission impact and strengthen donor trust.

Manages donor data segmentation and reporting to support targeted fundraising appeals and engagement campaigns, ensuring accurate donor information is leveraged for communications.

Partners with the Executive Director to build and strengthen relationships with major foundations, faith communities, civic associations, government, and other community organizations to secure ongoing support.

Grassroots Fundraising and Donor Database Management

Is responsible for developing and executing a yearly grassroots fundraising plan that includes strategies for direct mail, email, and giving days. 

Ensures the integrity and strategic use of the donor data system (e.g., Little Green Light) to track all donations, donor prospects, support stewardship activities, and ensure timely recognition and reporting.

Oversees organization-wide use of the database, including training new and existing staff on its use, maintaining database SOPs, and improving functionality and efficient use. 

Performance Reporting

Partners with the Executive Director to develop fundraising revenue goals (i.e., budgets) and financial forecasts aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives.

Tracks and analyzes fundraising performance against established goals, providing regular reports and insights to support data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement of development strategies.

Outreach and Communications

Partners with consultants and vendors to advance key initiatives and maintain service standards.

Aligns communications initiatives with fundraising campaigns, program activities, and organizational priorities to ensure consistent messaging and mission impact.

Manages the development and implementation of an annual communications calendar, including key content themes and schedules for various platforms.

Oversees Willing Hands’ presence across digital communication channels, including website, social media, and newsletters, ensuring consistent messaging and brand alignment.

Oversees the production of print and digital publications, including organizational brochures, newsletters, and marketing collateral.

Oversees and maintains the organization's asset library, including graphics, photographs, videos, and templates to support communication efforts.

Serve as a Willing Hands liaison to the press, providing photos and promotional materials, coordinating interview requests with staff, and writing press releases. Develops and distributes press releases, media kits, and organizational communications.

Represents Willing Hands at community events, networking opportunities, and collaborative initiatives.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Skills/Abilities:

Demonstrated success in developing and managing various fundraising methodologies, including semi-annual direct mail campaigns and online giving programs, is required. Experience with major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, and/or capital campaigns is desirable.

Demonstrated success in implementing fundraising campaigns and communication plans that enhance organizational visibility and engagement.

Proven track record of successful fundraising, especially with individual donors.

Experience managing multiple fundraising projects simultaneously, including grant cycles, donor communications, and campaign initiatives.

Proficiency in fundraising and CRM platforms, Google Office Suite, MailChimp, and other content management tools.

Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with other staff, consultants, and partner organizations.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on clarity and professionalism.

Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment.

Understanding of and alignment with community issues, such as food insecurity, food waste reduction, and food equity.

Required and/or preferred Education and Experience:

Minimum 3 years of experience in nonprofit or mission-driven fund development with substantial experience with donor database(s), direct mailings, and grassroots fundraising.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: 

Prolonged periods of computer work.

Occasional ability to lift, move, or inspect communications materials.

Ability to move between office and off-site locations as needed.

Additional Requirements:

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Willingness to undergo a background check.

General Expectations of all Staff

Understand and support the mission of Willing Hands as expressed by the Board.

Greet the public through all channels of communication with courtesy and respect.

Coordinate and integrate efforts with staff working on other Willing Hands programs.

Work in a safe manner and report any safety hazards to the Executive Director.

Maintain individual workstation and office in a clean manner.

Practice good work habits of flexibility, efficiency, punctuality, dependability, and confidentiality.

Strive to grow existing skills and learn new ones.

Employ good communication skills by sharing information, listening to others, and giving positive input.

Work as a team member by helping others and making suggestions for improvements.

Benefits and Work Environment

Flexible hours and the option to work remotely up to 40% with an approved remote work plan. 

Paid time off and 13 paid holidays.

This position is based in our Norwich office.

Mileage is reimbursed at the current federal reimbursement rate for all approved personal-vehicle work travel. 

Opportunity to set professional development goals with supervisor.

Regular meetings of Willing Hands staff.

Health Care, dental, and vision benefits, and 3% retirement match. 

We care deeply about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable work environment.

Willing Hands is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender or gender identity, race, religion, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability with respect to employment, volunteer participation, and the provision of services.