Development and Communications Associate

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If you are seeking an opportunity to join a team with an energetic, whatever-it-takes approach, who strives for excellence, here’s what we have to offer you:

Intrigued? Want to know more? To learn more about the position’s responsibilities and qualifications, see below:

• The Development and Communications Associate (DCA) will collaborate closely with the Deputy Director of Development and Communications (DDDC) and other team members to advance the Friends of the Children-Austin mission and brand. The DCA must be a highly motivated professional, experienced in creating top-tier communications and marketing materials to engage prospective and current supporters and partners. This role requires a strategic and creative thinker with excellent written and verbal communication skills, an eye for design, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The DCA will actively participate in fundraising efforts and be passionate about working for an organization dedicated to serving children and families facing significant challenges. Proactivity, results-driven, adherence to deadlines, and meticulous attention to detail are essential qualities for success in this role.
• The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Overview of Responsibilities:

• Manage the planning, development, and delivery of communication and marketing materials to support organizational and fundraising goals, ensuring content upholds brand standards. Materials include but are not limited to: Monthly email newsletters, distributed through Bloomerang Targeted letters/updates to current and prospective supporters Annual holiday card Event-related collateral Fundraising campaigns
• Monthly email newsletters, distributed through Bloomerang
• Targeted letters/updates to current and prospective supporters
• Annual holiday card
• Event-related collateral
• Fundraising campaigns
• Lead end-to-end project management and execution of the Annual Gratitude Report, including cross-functional content coordination, vendor management, brand-aligned production, and multi-channel distribution.
• Oversee digital marketing strategy and execution, managing content, contracted marketing support, and brand-aligned storytelling across all web and social channels.
• Manage regular maintenance and updates for the organization’s website, including events, organizational announcements, listing updates, news/blog, and photos, including decisions on content updates and prioritization.
• Support the DDDC in coordinating and advancing the work of the Community Champions Board, including contributing to engagement strategy and facilitating quarterly meetings.
• Coordinate volunteer recruitment and engagement for key initiatives (e.g., Fall Festival, holiday gifts, and summer needs), including conducting outreach, communicating expectations, and exercising judgment in aligning volunteers to organizational needs.
• Support the DDDC in advancing fundraising efforts to meet the organization’s annual budget (currently exceeding $5 million).
• Support signature fundraising events: 1. Slay Bells, Jammies at Sammie’s (December), 2. The Big Pickle (March) and 3. Dinner with Friends (May), as well as other donor gatherings/events and committee meetings throughout the year.
• Create presentation and pitch decks for companies, foundations, and donor meetings.
• Support the DDDC in stewarding and engaging individual and corporate donors, through phone and email outreach, coordinated engagement efforts, and thoughtful donor communication.
• Support Director of Development and Communications (DDC) to support Board fundraising by tracking and reporting on fundraising commitments, preparing updates for Board meetings, and assisting with committee meeting logistics, notes, and follow‑up.

Essential Skills and Abilities:

• Be willing and able to attend and actively participate in team meetings, staff functions, and development events, which can sometimes involve weekends and evenings.
• Possess close attention to detail; produce and edit written materials accurately and consistently.
• Have the ability to manage and prioritize daily work and juggle multiple deadlines, especially during high-volume times of the year.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Capacity to build authentic relationships with prospective and current supporters and key stakeholders.
• Ability to represent Friends Austin in the community to prospective and current supporters and partners.
• Be a self-starter with a high level of initiative and willingness to learn.
• Have excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Be social media savvy.
• Hold a commitment to excellence in design and execution at all levels, including demonstrated experience developing marketing and fundraising collateral.
• Ability to collaborate across departments.
• Capacity to work primarily in the Friends Austin office, with some flexibility to work remotely.
• Possess a vehicle and ability to drive.

Education and Experience: