Development and Communications Manager

Friends of the Middlesex Fells (FOF), a dynamic and growing non-profit organization working to promote the conservation, appreciation, and sustainable enjoyment of the Middlesex Fells Reservation, seeks a highly motivated individual to serve as the organization’s Development and Communications Manager.

We’re looking for a person who thrives in a demanding, fast-paced environment with a wide range of projects and responsibilities, and possesses a deep commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of nature spaces like the Middlesex Fells. If you are an excellent writer and editor, proficient in web and social media skills, love planning events, and would enjoy interacting with individual donors and volunteers who share our passion for the Fells, we want to hear from you.

Individual giving, membership, and grants management (60%)

Individual giving and membership

• Manage annual fundraising campaigns (year-end/other).
• Manage the annual membership program, including renewals, mailing of new member packets, and responding to all membership-related inquiries/communications.
• Manage the constituent database, including generating reports to segment constituent lists and analyze campaign performance, and troubleshoot issues as needed.
• Generate reports for targeted communications and to evaluate fundraising performance.
• Process all incoming gifts and ensure timely acknowledgement.
• Support the Development Committee through calendaring meetings, taking notes, and communicating with committee members and chairs.
• Manage all development-related events, including planning, budgeting, venue selection and coordination, invitations, communications, registration, and volunteer management.
• Respond to and resolve donor questions or concerns regarding gift processing, gift options, and acknowledgements.
• Support the executive director’s major gifts and planned giving programs.

Grants management

• Research grant opportunities.
• Manage grant tracking system and administer grants.
• Prepare grant applications, including writing grant proposals and developing budgets.
• Manage interim and final reporting requirements of awarded grants.

Communications and outreach (30%)

• Produce monthly e-newsletter, quarterly “In the Fells” member communication, and single-subject e-blasts.
• Write communications materials to inform the public of volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, and other topics under the purview of this position.
• Manage the Fells social media channels.
• Ensure the FOF website provides up-to-date information and supports our programmatic and fundraising goals.
• Manage and track yearly website domain, host, and SSL certification updates/renewals.
• Coordinate outreach volunteers, develop/maintain outreach materials, and directly oversee in-person outreach events (currently ~8 times per year).

Operations management (10%)

• Oversee the operations of the FOF office and handle telephone and mail communications.
• Maintain office supplies, printed materials, and merchandise inventory.
• Manage document filing systems (printed and electronic) and organizational archives.
• Manage, troubleshoot, and update office systems, including phone, voicemail, and printer/copier.
• Process all merchandise orders and maintain merchandise inventory.
• Manage online event, committee, and office calendars.
• Coordinate with building management on all building-related issues.
• Supervise volunteers on communications, outreach, office, and development projects.
• Assist in organizing volunteer appreciation activities/events.
• Other duties as assigned by the executive director.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Deep commitment and passion for the conservation and sustainable management of the Fells.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and able to set priorities and handle multiple tasks.
• Hard working, self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work in a team setting.
• Consistency and attention to detail in all aspects of communication and donor interaction.
• Ability to maintain and exercise discretion regarding confidential and/or sensitive donor information.
• Ability to relate to people with different backgrounds and life experiences and exercise cultural humility and inclusion.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Calendar, Apps Script), Microsoft Office, email marketing platforms, and Wordpress website content management.
• Experience managing donor management software with large datasets is preferred (we currently use Neon One).
• Professional background and/or related experience in outreach, communications, fund development, and nonprofit operations management is preferred.
• Grant writing and management experience is preferred.

Other Job Requirements

• Must have a valid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed to support events.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range is $56,000 to $68,000 depending on experience/skills. Benefits include health expense reimbursement, retirement benefit, paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

Location

This position includes in-office work at least two days per week in a small shared office space in Melrose Massachusetts, but otherwise is flexible in work location (work from home is allowed for the other work-days of the week if desired).

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Friends of the Middlesex Fells embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people living with disabilities, military veterans and other under-represented populations.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to View email address on click.appcast.io with the words “Development and Communications Manager” in the subject line. Candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted, interviews will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. No phone calls please.