Fundraising and Communications Manager

Job Title: Fundraising and Communications Manager (Mid-Level)
Location: Litchfield, CT
Department: Development
Position Type: Full-Time / 35-hours per week
Salary: $60k-$70k


Job Summary:
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Fundraising and Communications Manager to support our fundraising efforts and development initiatives. This role is ideal for a mid-level professional passionate about nonprofit work, with strong skills in grant writing, production of printed and digital donor communications, event planning and promotion, social media marketing, photography, and media communications. The successful candidate will be an integral part of a three-person Development team that advances CJR’s mission through fundraising activities and events; donor relations and stewardship; marketing campaigns, and community engagement.


Key Responsibilities:

• Grant Writing:  Ability to research and identify funding opportunities, craft compelling and well-written grant proposals, and lead the organization’s fundraising efforts. Responsible for managing grant stewardship through preparing detailed reports, maintaining grant calendars, and ensuring timely, compliant submissions to support ongoing funding and organizational growth. Strong writing skills are essential for success in this role.
• Event Planning and Support: Assist with multiple fundraising events, community outreach programs, and other special events, including logistics, promotion, and on-site support.
• Social Media & Digital Media Management: Oversee and regularly update the organization’s social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) to promote events, fundraising activities, and organizational visibility, working closely with CJR’s external marketing firm to plan and coordinate social media campaigns. Develop strategies for tracking the results and ROI on these activities. Collaborate with marking partners to plan campaigns and promotions.
• Photography: Take photos for publications, social media, donor recognition and to cover and promote fundraising events, community activities, and other organization functions to support fundraising and marketing.
• Newsletter Production: Create both print and digital newsletters and other communications to keep prospective donors, CJR supporters and volunteers informed and engaged.
• Research and Outreach: Proactively research potential foundation, individual and corporate partners; assist with outreach efforts to cultivate relationships.  Work with Chief Development Officer to develop strategies for involving and cultivating engagement and support.
• Development of Marketing Materials: Create flyers, brochures, news releases, and other promotional materials for campaigns and events.
• Recognition and Stewardship: Assist with the creation and writing of print and digital donor acknowledgment and recognition activities, including appeal and thank you letters, social media posts, and recognition materials, including CJR’s annual report.
• Website Content Management: Coordinate with website consultant to maintain and update Development content on the organization’s website and to promote upcoming events and highlight success stories.
• Communications & Content Creation: Craft compelling stories, press releases, newsletters, and social media content that highlight organizational impact and promote fundraising campaigns. Develop and manage content for the organization’s website and digital platforms.
• Training and Development: Participate in relevant workshops or trainings to improve skills related to fundraising, marketing, social media, or photography.
• Advocacy and Community Engagement: Support outreach efforts to build relationships within the community, including attending local events or meetings.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the overall goals of the Development Department and the organization.

• Experience with social media platforms, content management, and digital marketing is required.
• Prior experience in fundraising, nonprofit marketing, or public relations or a related area required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. A portfolio of relevant written communications will be required.
• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Event Planning experience is highly preferred, but not required.
• Experience with grant and prospect research preferred.
• Photography skills and a portfolio that demonstrates effective use of images in print and digital media is highly desirable.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in In-Design, Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with Raiser’s Edge software and online grant portals is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• 35 hours per week
  • Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
  • Ability to work late to meet grant and event deadlines as-needed
  • Some weekends for fundraising and organizational event
• Starting rate of pay is between $60,000-$70,000
  • The starting pay rate is determined based on a range of applicant-related factors, including skills, education, training, credentials, experience, performance, market conditions, and other relevant considerations

• Free daily nutritious meals
• Low-cost Medical Insurance Plan Option
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 100% Company Paid Dental Insurance Plan
• Company Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Vacation Time
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Annual Monetary Incentives
• Tuition Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Company Celebrations & Employee Recognition Program
• Employee Discounts (Cell Phone, Computer)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer Federal Student Aid
• 10%-20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance

About CJR:
A career at CJR is focused on working to ensure that every young person has an opportunity to thrive! CJR reaches across the state of Connecticut to deliver a broad continuum of care through our residential, education, wellness, and community-based programs. At CJR, you will experience a fulfilling career with an employer that encourages advancement, respect diversity, and rewards excellence!
 CJR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry. We embrace the competitive advantage of diversity.