Communications and Donor Stewardship Manager

Organizational Description

Journey's End Refugee Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring the most qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Journey’s End Refugee Services, Inc. is a leading refugee resettlement and immigration services provider in the Western New York region. The organization supports newly arriving refugees in achieving self-sufficiency through employment, education, and community integration, helping individuals and families build stable and independent lives.

Job Description

The Communications and Donor Stewardship Manager is responsible for elevating the public presence and community impact of Journey’s End Refugee Services through strategic communications, storytelling, donor engagement, and outreach initiatives. This role leads the development and execution of external communications, social media strategy, digital content, and promotional campaigns, while strengthening relationships with donors, volunteers, partners, and the broader community.

The ideal candidate is creative, highly organized, and mission-driven, with a passion for using communications as a tool for advocacy, community engagement, and promoting a culture of welcome.

Essential Responsibilities

Communications & Public Relations

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive communications strategy that promotes the mission, programs, and impact of Journey’s End
• Draft and distribute press releases, newsletters, the annual report, email communications, and promotional materials
• Ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment across all platforms and communications channels
• Support media relations, including responding to inquiries and coordinating public information requests
• Lead storytelling efforts that highlight client success, volunteer experiences, and community partnerships

Social Media & Digital Content

• Manage and maintain all agency social media platforms, including content planning and execution
• Create engaging, mission-driven content (graphics, photography, video, and written posts)
• Monitor engagement and analyze social media performance to optimize content strategy
• Oversee website updates and digital communications to ensure timely and accurate information
• Leverage digital tools to expand audience reach and community engagement

Video Production & Visual Storytelling

• Plan, produce, and edit short-form video content for campaigns, events, donor outreach, and educational use
• Capture photos and videos at agency events, programs, and community activities
• Maintain organized digital media archives and manage photo/video permissions and releases

Donor Stewardship & Fundraising Support

• Partner with the Senior Director of Advancement to develop and execute donor communication and stewardship strategies
• Support donor engagement efforts, including acknowledgments, impact reporting, and personalized outreach
• Contribute to fundraising campaigns, annual appeals, and special initiatives
• Coordinate donor recognition efforts and engagement opportunities
• Represent Journey’s End at community events and outreach activities as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred
• 3–5 years of professional experience in communications, digital marketing, nonprofit engagement, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in social media management and digital content creation
• Strong written communication and public speaking skills
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment
• High level of initiative, attention to detail, and follow-through on tasks
• Experience with community outreach and nonprofit work strongly preferred
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission of Journey’s End Refugee Services
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with databases or CRM systems preferred
• Valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) and website content management systems
• Strong storytelling abilities and creative content development skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-oriented, mission-driven environment
• Flexibility, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills

Work Environment

This position requires occasional evening and weekend hours for special events, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach activities. A flexible schedule is available. Local travel within the Western New York region is expected.