Communications and Development Specialist

Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The full-time Communications and Development Specialist is a dynamic personality who will increase awareness and knowledge of the Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan. Building interest and confidence in the Foundation is a necessary component of accomplishing the organizational mission. Reporting to the Foundation Executive Director, the Communications and Development
Specialist will develop and guide strategy for online and print communications to effectively tell the Foundation's story and accomplish its endowment-building mission. The successful candidate will understand nonprofit marketing and communications and be willing to gain knowledge of and support for the Catholic Church and her teachings.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Content Production and Management
• Produces high-quality written and visual content, from start to finish, for use across all platforms including social media, e-mail, web, print, photography and video, if applicable.
• Ensures consistent look, style, and feel for communications.
• Interviews donors, fund beneficiaries, and grant recipients to develop compelling content.
Print Communications
• From time to time, updates, originates, and oversees the design of
promotional materials, including brochures, posters, flyers, invitations, postcards, etc.
• Writes articles for bi-monthly bulletin inserts for parishes in the Diocese of Saginaw. May also write articles for Great Lakes Catholic, a publication of the Diocese of Saginaw.
• Writes content for and helps produce other outward-facing donor
communications used to solicit donations and express gratitude.
• Produces content, layout and copy editing for the Annual Report.
Social Media.
• Serves as the main administrator and manager of all social media accounts.
• Creates engaging, meaningful, mission-oriented content for social media networks on a regular basis.
• Implements fundraising campaigns via social media.
Website
• Serves as the primary manager of the Foundation's website.
• Creates fresh, accurate website content on a consistent basis.
E-mail Communications
• Builds and manages e-mail database.
• Develops strategies, writes copy, and edits a monthly donor e-newsletter.
• Helps generate compelling content for regular email blasts and e-appeals to donors and other friends of the Foundation.
Other Development/Fundraising
• Occasional small grant writing.
• Facilitates webinars and online meetings; assists in promoting events online.
• Phone calls, letter-writing, and in-person meetings with donors and
prospective donors from time to time.
• Builds relationships with diocesan personnel, clergy, fund beneficiaries, and parishioners.
Additional Responsibilities:
• Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned by the Foundation Executive Director.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of performance expected in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and skills required.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, development, or a related field, preferably with two or more years of experience.
• Other combinations of education and related experience will be evaluated on an individual basis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT and PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Must be able to work in a quiet environment.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be willing and able to drive
occasionally throughout the 6,955 square mile area encompassed by the Diocese of Saginaw.
• Must be able to operate office equipment such as computers, telephones, and copy machines and work with manual files systems and perform computer work for extended periods of time.
• Some overnight travel may be required.
• Ability to lift/push/pull 25 pounds.
• Compliance with the Virtus program (training will be provided).

SKILLS:
• Ability to organize, prioritize and self-direct work to meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail, commitment to accuracy, and ability to produce high-quality work.
• Demonstrated skills and proficiency in writing for all areas mentioned within the position description.
• Creative thinker who can develop ways to build and promote content.
• Excellent writing, copy editing and proofreading ability.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the capacity to successfully develop and manage authentic relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel and design programs.

ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
• Articulate and professional demeanor with strong work ethic, self-confidence, and initiative.
• Genuine interest in people and serving others.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
• Annual salary negotiable, depending upon experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance premium support for the employer-sponsored health insurance plan.
• Defined benefit retirement plan, and 403(b) defined contribution retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave.

TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to kristin.smith@ccfmm.org. This position is open until filled. Initial review of applications will begin October 1, 2024. Please direct any questions to kristin.smith@ccfmm.org.

The mission of the Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan:
In joyful relationship with Christ and our donors, the Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan builds permanent, everlasting endowments to secure a vibrant future for the Catholic parishes, schools, and ministries in the Diocese of Saginaw.

About the Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan:
Founded in 2006, the Foundation is a nonprofit organization which is separate and independent of the Diocese. It is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees (made up of Catholic lay people) with its own staff that focuses solely on helping Catholics build permanent endowments for Catholic entities, including our parishes. The Foundation currently manages more than 240 permanently restricted endowments for Catholic parishes, schools, ministries, and organizations located within our diocese. The Foundation invests all contributions in socially responsible investments consistent with
the Catholic faith for permanent endowments for maximum total return so that each endowment beneficiary receives a regular distribution each year.

About the Employer

Mission
We encourage faithful giving that is responsibly managed and reflective of the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Vision
Joyous giving in Jesus, forever supporting the needs of God's people.