Communications Manager

POSITION TITLE: Communications Manager

REPORTS TO: Vice President of Development 

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time, Salaried/Exempt 

HOURS: 40 hours/week - Flexible hybrid schedule

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Individual Health & Dental Coverage, Individual Retirement Account Contribution and Paid Time Off

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Position Summary: The Communications Manager is responsible for working in partnership with the Vice President of Development and the Development Team to implement the organization's development activities and events, co-creating and executing the organization’s communications plans, implementing strategies to increase visibility for the organization, and ensuring brand integrity throughout the organization. The Communications Manager is also responsible for supporting the development and implementation of special event objectives, analyzing special event effectiveness, and stewarding special event participants. This position is an integral member of the overall development team inclusive of interns, volunteers, internal and external partners, and the CEO. We offer a flexible work schedule with the option to work remote two-three days a week (after on-boarding and outside of event season). 

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Marketing & Communications Responsibilities: 

• Ensure student voice, as well as staff, alumni, mentor, parent/guardian, and community voice are authentically and honorably represented in all Denver Kids communications. 
• Co-create and implement the organization’s development and marketing efforts, including but not limited to: 

• Co-create, implement, and evaluate an annual communications plan. 
• Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, and Denver Kids website. 
• Development and management of a marketing content calendar. 
• Coordinate all e-newsletter communications including regular e-blasts. 
• Manage Denver Kids social media presence on various sites including content creation. 

• Track, measure, and grow the level of engagement within the networks over time. 

• Lead story collection and storytelling; write student stories on a regular basis, used for social media, grant writing and reports, donor cultivation & stewardship, website posts, etc. 

• Attend program-related events and activities in order to capture stories, photos, videos, etc. to support in the development of stories, videos, and other content.

• In partnership with the Development Team, produce Denver Kids publications, Annual Reports, and related documents. 

• Manage third-party vendor contracts, relationships, and product development related to collateral, videos, website, etc. including graphic designers, mail-houses, printers, etc. 
• Support/Manage, as appropriate, the implementation of various mail, email, and online campaigns appeals.

• Development of print and digital materials, themes, segmentation, and messaging. 
• Appeals and campaigns including but are not limited to: 

• Three mailed appeal annually to at least five segmented groups 
• Planned giving 
• Colorado Gives Day

• Serve as a Denver Kids media contact; develop and maintain strong relationships with local media. 
• Design collateral templates, write templates for thank you letters and other communications, and assist with writing speeches. 
• In partnership with Denver Kids Leadership, develop and implement strategies to increase brand awareness in target markets (as defined by the strategic plan), including but not limited to: Denver Public Schools, education and youth development leaders in the community, and corporate philanthropy leaders. 

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Event-Related Responsibilities: 

• Work as a member of the Development Team to coordinate and implement the Denver Kids Breakfast and Evening Gala fundraisers including but not limited to: 

• Manage creation of print and electronic event materials related sponsors, table captains/table sales, and guests. 
• Develop and implement the development of the various event programs, including: 

• Program elements, including theme and overall presentation 
• Production of video(s) 
• Identification and preparation of speakers and opening act, including rehearsal 
• Script and show flow 
• A/V, including music and on-screen presentation 
• Program related collateral, including sponsorship packet, invitations, program, etc.

• Lead coordination and implementation of efforts to promote events. 
• Assistance with donor acknowledgement and follow up process. 
• Additional activities required for the successful implementation of the Breakfast and Evening Gala. 

• Coordinate and develop collateral related to publicity efforts and implementation for special events and fundraising initiatives including, but not limited to: Colorado Gives Day, Colfax Marathon, and additional in-house lead fundraisers, third party events (when appropriate), and donor cultivation/stewardship events. 
• Support the development and implementation of various donor cultivation activities, including preparing speakers with appropriate messaging. 
• Support the analysis of various fundraising and event efforts and outcomes for effectiveness and future planning.
• Additional tasks as necessary. 

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Additional Responsibilities: 

• Participate as an active member of the Denver Kids Inclusivity Committee. 
• In collaboration with members of the Program Department, develop collateral and other materials required by the program staff to recruit and onboard students & mentors, develop/maintain a visual presence in schools, or other program related communication needs.
• Attend external trainings and report back to the Development Team, as needed.
• Engage with the Young Professional Council (YPC) and provide support in recruiting new members and promoting related activities by periodically attending meetings and events. 
• Attend all staff meetings and events. 
• Attend Board and other volunteer committee meetings, as necessary. 
• Assist with program events, when appropriate. 
• Miscellaneous tasks may be assigned from time to time.

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Additional Opportunities based on skills and interest: 

• In partnership with members of the Program Department, develop and implement opportunities for Denver Kids students to engage in the organization’s marketing strategies. 
• Support the recruitment, selection process, and management of development department interns.

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Key Skills and Attributes 

• Marketing and Communication: Proven experience in marketing/communications across multiple platforms including digital, media and web based-communications. Experience within the nonprofit sector is a plus.
• Fundraising: Experience implementing special events and/or fundraisers within the corporate or non-profit sectors; experience working with committees. Experience managing volunteers and sponsorship engagement is a plus. 
• Self-Starter & Team Player: Takes initiative, possesses a strong sense of ownership, and is dedicated to ensuring quality and inclusive programs at all times. Inspires the trust and confidence of others in order to collaborate on projects and gain knowledge necessary to ensure success in coordinating activities and events. 
• Organized & Effective: Thrives in an often fast-paced environment, is organized, communicates effectively, balances priorities, displays accountability to self and peers, and provides creativity and resourcefulness.

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Requirements/Qualifications 

• Passion for Denver Kids’ mission and values. 
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience. 
• Minimum 3 years in marketing, communications, development, special events, sales, or life experience equivalent.
• Experience with various communication tools including Mailchimp (or similar), Webflow (or similar), Adobe products including Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat. 
• Exceptional interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills with the ability to work collaboratively with all levels of staff, community volunteers, Board Members, donors, and prospective donors/investors.
• Ability to quickly move between projects, prioritize based on most urgent needs, and complete assignments in a timely manner. 
• Excellent computer skills including MS Word, Google Suite, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
• High attention to detail in order to maintain high quality and accurate data, reports, communications, etc.
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation. 
• Up to date auto insurance with limits of $100/$300/$100 and $5K in Medical Payments.
• Ability to pass a background check. 
• Available to attend and implement Denver Kids’ major fundraising events. 

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Preferred

• Experience working in non-profit development. 
• Understanding and knowledge of the Denver metro area philanthropic climate. 
• Familiarity with or ability to learn donor database systems (DonorPerfect Online and/or Salesforce experience preferred). 
• Familiarity with or ability to learn third-party event online event platforms (ex: Greater Giving, Rallybound, ColoradoGives.org, etc.).
• Experience managing volunteer committees. 
• Experience with graphic design or managing contract graphic designers. 

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Attitude 

• Maintains positive “can do” attitude, takes initiative, strives for results, and enjoys being an active/engaged participant of a high-performing development team. 
• Confidence and willingness to solicit current and potential donors for in-kind and financial contributions.
• Self-aware and believes in accountability and in our core value of continuous learning.
• Thrives in a fast paced work environment and able to quickly identify and step in to fill gaps.
• Friendly, courteous, and professional outreach to donors, Board Members, vendors, community partners, and internal staff. 
• Ability to respond to changing circumstances and maintain a flexible approach. 
• Motivated by the program’s high potential for widespread impact on reducing the dropout rate in the Denver Public Schools system. 

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Working Conditions

• Flexible hybrid work schedule. Must work from our Denver office a minimum of 2 days a week.
• Some evenings, early mornings, and weekends.
• Ability to transport materials in support of special events.

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What You Can Expect

• A competitive salary, generous PTO, great benefits package.
• To be part of a dynamic team committed to the Core Values of this organization.
• An organization that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• To join an organization with all of the right ingredients for growth and success: a timely mission, a more than 75-year track record of graduating / completing more than 80% of our high school seniors, a productive partnership with Denver Public Schools, over 200 committed volunteers, an excellent reputation, a committed 30+ person staff, and an active 20+ person board.

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Compensation/Benefits

Annual range is $55,000 - $59,000 with competitive benefits and time off package.

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To Apply

Send cover letter expressing interest in Denver Kids and this role as well as a resume showing experience relevant to the position to hiring@philanthropyexpert.org (please include Denver Kids Communications Manager in the subject line of the email). No phone calls please.