Development & Public Relations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Development & Public Relations Manager

Department: Development
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Grade 3B: $26.00/hr ($54,080 Annually) , DOE

Organization Overview

Fairbanks Rescue Mission is a Christ-centered, faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ by providing shelter, hope, and transformational services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. For over 75 years, we have served Interior Alaska by operating the region's only year-round emergency shelter while providing meals, case management, residential recovery support, and pathways toward stability. Guided by our values of compassion, dignity, stewardship, and servant leadership, we serve all people with respect while operating in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Position Summary

The Development & Public Relations Manager provides strategic leadership for Fairbanks Rescue Mission's fundraising, donor relations, marketing, communications, public relations, and community engagement efforts. This position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies that increase financial support, strengthen community partnerships, expand public awareness, and communicate the impact of the Mission throughout Interior Alaska.

The successful candidate is a relationship builder who is passionate about serving individuals experiencing homelessness and possesses strong communication, organizational, fundraising, and leadership skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development

• Develop and implement the Mission's annual fundraising and development plan.
• Establish annual fundraising goals and monitor progress toward revenue objectives.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, foundation, church, and community donors.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with major donors and prospective supporters.
• Coordinate annual giving campaigns, capital campaigns, and special fundraising initiatives.
• Research, write, coordinate, and assist with grant applications and grant reporting in collaboration with leadership.
• Develop donor recognition and stewardship programs.
• Maintain accurate donor records and gift acknowledgments within the donor management system.
• Assist in developing and managing the annual development and marketing budget.

Public Relations & Marketing

• Develop and implement the Mission's marketing and communications strategy.
• Manage website content and social media platforms.
• Produce newsletters, annual reports, brochures, press releases, donor communications, impact stories, and promotional materials.
• Coordinate media interviews and public relations opportunities.
• Maintain consistent organizational branding across all communication platforms.
• Photograph and document Mission events and success stories while maintaining client confidentiality.

Community Engagement

• Represent the Mission at community events, churches, civic organizations, businesses, and networking opportunities.
• Develop partnerships with local businesses, churches, foundations, service organizations, and community leaders.
• Coordinate volunteer appreciation and donor recognition activities.
• Increase public awareness of homelessness and the Mission's services throughout Interior Alaska.

Event Planning

• Plan and oversee fundraising events, donor appreciation events, and community outreach activities.
• Coordinate sponsorships, volunteers, vendors, logistics, and event marketing.
• Evaluate event effectiveness and prepare post-event reports and recommendations.

Donor & Partner Relations

• Maintain regular communication with donors, sponsors, volunteers, churches, foundations, and community partners.
• Maintain donor database integrity, donor analytics, and reporting to support fundraising strategies.
• Prepare reports demonstrating donor impact, fundraising outcomes, and program success.
• Ensure timely donor acknowledgments and stewardship activities.
• Assist the Executive Director with cultivating major gifts, planned giving, and legacy giving opportunities.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Track fundraising metrics and prepare monthly development reports.
• Monitor donor trends and fundraising analytics.
• Maintain confidential donor and organizational information.
• Participate in strategic planning and organizational initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, marketing, development, or public relations.
• Experience with donor management software or CRM systems preferred.
• Experience coordinating fundraising events.
• Grant writing and grant administration experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success cultivating donor relationships and increasing charitable giving is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with diverse donors and community partners.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and nonprofit best practices.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
• Experience with website content management systems preferred.
• Basic graphic design and photography skills are a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to attend evening and weekend events as needed.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Working Conditions

This position primarily works in an office environment with frequent community engagement, donor meetings, and attendance at fundraising and public events. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Mission Commitment

Fairbanks Rescue Mission is a Christ-centered ministry. Employees are expected to support and uphold the Mission's Christian values and purpose while serving individuals experiencing homelessness with compassion, dignity, integrity, and respect. Staff represent the Mission professionally and demonstrate servant leadership in all interactions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Fairbanks Rescue Mission provides equal employment opportunities consistent with applicable federal and state law. As a faith-based religious organization, Fairbanks Rescue Mission reserves the right to employ individuals whose beliefs and conduct align with the organization's sincerely held religious beliefs and mission, as permitted by law.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
• Paid holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Vision and dental insurance
• Professional development opportunities

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to View email address on ziprecruiter.com or mail or deliver application materials to:

Fairbanks Rescue Mission
Attn: Crystal Short, HR Director
723 27th Avenue
Fairbanks, AK 99701

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Fairbanks Rescue Mission reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities as organizational needs change. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.