Development & Communications Manager

Development & Communications Manager

The City of Seattle is seeking a Development & Communications Manager for the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS). This position will lead the Shelter's fundraising, marketing, and public engagement efforts to advance its mission of providing compassionate care to animals and promoting responsible pet ownership throughout Seattle.

In close partnership with the Executive Director of SAS, this position designs and executes strategies that expand donor engagement, strengthen community partnerships, and raise the profile of SAS through creative storytelling, media outreach, and digital engagement.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate, strategic, and hands-on professional to shape and grow SAS's development and communications portfolio, advancing both fundraising capacity and public awareness for Seattle's premier animal welfare organization.

Job Responsibilities

Development and Fundraising

• Work with the Executive Director to develop and implement annual and long-term fundraising strategies that diversify and grow revenue streams.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners.
• Oversee donor recognition programs, ensuring timely acknowledgments, impact reporting, and personalized engagement.
• Maintain accurate donor and fundraising records in CRM databases (Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or equivalent).
• Lead the planning and execution of SAS fundraising campaigns, appeals, and donor engagement events.
• Serve as project lead for fundraising events such as the Furry 5K, donor appreciation gatherings, and special adoption or awareness events.
• Collaborate with the Seattle Animal Foundation and volunteers to identify sponsorship opportunities and grow community investment.
• Research, draft, and coordinate grant applications and reports.
• Support development of planned giving and legacy donor programs.

Communications and Media Relations

• Serve as SAS's primary point of contact for media inquiries and opportunities.
• Draft and distribute press releases, talking points, and media kits in collaboration with City of Seattle Communications.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, influencers, and community media partners to increase coverage of SAS programs, adoptions, and initiatives.
• Ensure consistent voice, tone, and visual identity across all communications.
• Develop storytelling assets highlighting SAS's impact, adoptable animals, volunteers, and community programs.
• Prepare communication materials for leadership and public appearances.
• Manage SAS's social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok, etc.) with the guidance of FAS' Communications and Marketing Director, ensuring timely, mission-driven content that engages and educates the community.
• Develop content calendars, graphics, and short-form videos that highlight SAS programs, success stories, and events.
• Monitor analytics and adjust strategy to grow reach and engagement.
• Assist in oversight and updates to the SAS website and newsletters to ensure accurate, compelling, and current information.
• Create donor- and volunteer-focused email campaigns that support fundraising and community engagement goals.
• Collaborate with City of Seattle Digital Communications to ensure ADA compliance and accessibility across platforms.
• Coordinate logistics, communications, and outreach for fundraising and community events.
• Work collaboratively with volunteers, staff, and community partners to ensure successful event execution.
• Represent SAS at community gatherings, adoption events, and donor functions to promote visibility and engagement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, or related field.

AND

Three (3) years of experience in fundraising, communications, or development—preferably within a nonprofit or public service organization. Proven success in donor cultivation, campaign management, and social media engagement. Experience working with media and managing public relations.

Combinations of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class will be considered. Two years of relevant experience is equivalent to the educational requirement.

The most successful candidates will have the following experience, skills and knowledge:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong storytelling ability.
• Proficiency in fundraising and CRM software (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar).
• Skilled in social media management tools and analytics (e.g., Hootsuite, Meta Business Suite).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Passion for animal welfare and public service.
• Animal handling skills and experience working with animals.
• Creative, collaborative, and strategic mindset.

Work Environment This position requires a minimum of three days per week of onsite work. Alternative Work Arrangements and hybrid telework schedules for work conducted in a normal office environment may be considered and will be based on operational needs and consistency with City policies. May require availability after business hours on occasion.