Development & Communications Manager

Job Opening: Development & Communications Manager

The Savanna Institute invites applications for a Development & Communications Manager . This position serves as the operational backbone of the Advancement Team, ensuring the efficient execution of fundraising, communications, and donor engagement activities. The role manages the systems, projects, and administrative functions that enable the organization to build strong philanthropic relationships and effectively communicate its impact.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement, the Development & Communications Manager coordinates fundraising operations, donor and partner data management, communications production, project management, vendor relationships, and cross-functional workflows. The position works closely with Development, Communications, Finance, and Programs to ensure Advancement projects are delivered with consistency, accuracy, and exceptional attention to detail.

We seek applicants who share our passion for ecological and equitable agriculture as a climate solution and who are motivated to widen the circle of people who have the opportunity to inform, support, and benefit from its development. To that end, we are seeking a diversity of voices at the table and strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

Who We Are

The Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Madison, WI and Urbana, IL. Established in 2013, we work in collaboration with farmers, businesses, and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, we envision a transformed agricultural system, centered on trees and other perennial crops, that fosters ecological resilience, climate stability, economic prosperity, and vibrant, equitable communities. For more information, please visit savannainstitute.org.

Job Description

Hours: Full-time

Location: Remote in the US

Start Date: November 16, 2026

Salary: $62,000-$68,000 per year, based on experience

• This position is eligible for the Institute’s benefits package. Benefits for full-time employees include 160 hours (20 days) of paid time off annually plus 11 civic holidays, 480 hours (12 weeks) of parental/disability leave annually, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, a monthly home office stipend, and a cafeteria-style benefits plan that includes as options: a monthly stipend that can be used for either reimbursement of healthcare costs (including ACA marketplace premiums) via an HRA plan, a dependent care pre-tax account, a flex spending account, and/or a health savings account.
• This position reports to the Senior Director of Advancement

Duties and Responsibilities

Advancement Operations (30%)

• Process charitable gifts and ensure timely donor acknowledgements.
• Maintain the organization's donor database (Bloomerang), ensuring accurate records, reporting, and data integrity.
• Prepare fundraising reports, mailing lists, and other operational materials.
• Maintain communications calendars, digital assets, and style guides.
• Maintain conference calendar in coordination with the Assistant Director of Partnerships.
• Assist with proofreading, quality assurance, and content publishing.
• Monitor communications metrics and prepare reports to inform future strategy.
• Manage project budgets, invoices, contracts, and administrative processes.
• Maintain documentation, procedures, and operational systems that support fundraising and communications.

Project & Vendor Management (25%)

• Work with program staff to develop project plans and timelines for Advancement projects including event promotion, fundraising appeals, print publications, digital communications, video productions, and other communication and outreach projects.
• Manage project schedules, task tracking, and cross-department coordination to ensure projects are completed on time.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external Advancement vendors including designers, printers, web developers, consultants, and other contractors.
• Coordinate production, approvals, purchasing, and delivery of Advancement materials.

Community Philanthropy and Content Development (20%)

• Assist with content development for 2-3 annual giving campaigns across digital and print channels.
• Assist with the writing and production of the Perennial Report and other donor communications.
• Develop and maintain automated donor journey communication flows, including updating gift acknowledgements and receipts, to support the ongoing stewardship of Savanna Institute’s donor base.

Fundraising Support (20%)

• Prepare donor meeting materials and prospect research for the organization’s frontline fundraisers.
• Assist with scheduling, logistics, and follow-up for donor engagement activities.
• Provide administrative support for Advancement initiatives.

Overhead and Other (5%)

• Participate in related staff and team planning meetings.
• Complete administrative tasks related to the position.
• Other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Advancement.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in nonprofit development, communications, marketing, project management, or a related operational role.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience with CRM or donor database systems and strong data management skills.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience coordinating projects across multiple stakeholders and managing competing priorities.
• Strong proficiency with Google Workspace and cloud-based collaboration tools.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally (not more than 5% of time).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Bloomerang or other nonprofit CRMs.
• Experience supporting fundraising campaigns or donor stewardship.
• Experience managing vendors, consultants, and production timelines.
• Understanding of basic design principles and experience with design software (ex. Canva).
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms, website content management systems, and project management software.
• Interest in agriculture, conservation, climate solutions, or environmental nonprofits.

If you're excited about this job, we're excited to learn about your experience! Please be sure to address each of the required qualifications in your cover letter — paint us a picture of how your unique skills, experiences, and/or education meet or exceed the qualifications. Cover letters should be no longer than 1 typed page.

How To Apply

Submit a resume/CV and cover letter to the position on our jobs page:

Deadline

All applications must be received by 11:59 pm CT on October 4th, 2026 .

Questions?

Email Kathleen Fitzgibbon, Assistant Director of Administration, View email address on click.appcast.io.

Diversity Commitment

The Savanna Institute affirms the value of diversity of staff and stakeholders, and aims to foster inclusive environments and equitable outcomes of our work. We seek individuals who are committed to these goals.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.

Posted September 4, 2026