Growth and Relationship Manager

Position: Growth and Relationship Manager

Reports to: Chief Development Officer (CDO)

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Direct Reports: None

Annual Salary Range: $70,000-$82,000

Key Relationships: Chief Development Officer, Executive Director, Chief Program Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Director of Social Enterprise, Culinary Manager, Operations and People Manager, Manager of Recruitment and Program Delivery, Manager of Employer and Strategic Partnerships, Fellows, Graduates, Hospitality Partners, Donors, Foundations, and Vendors.

At Drive Change, our mission is to support formerly incarcerated young people, and create quality employment pathways to ensure their economic and emotional wellbeing. We work to create systemic change and sustainable impact through unapologetically reimagining what’s possible for the food and hospitality industry.

OUR VALUES:

Education: I am committed to my own growth and education. I commit to learning about the issues, systems, historical and current, that affect the food system and American Legal System.

Innovation: I continually look for ways to approach our work through innovation and creativity. I bring new ideas, question the status quo and am committed to being part of the solution.

Hospitality: I approach all members of our DC community with care, empathy and a desire to connect and meet them where they are at.

Courage: I am committed to taking action in order to center equity and justice in our work and collective mission.

Collective Accountability: I give and ask for feedback consistently and with an open mind. I understand that feedback is a gift and investment in personal and professional growth. I hold myself and others accountable to our values.

About the Growth and Relationship Manager Position

We are seeking a dynamic and highly organized Growth and Relationship Manager to lead Drive Change’s storytelling, branding, and external engagement efforts. This role is ideal for someone who is both a skilled writer and strategic communicator, with the ability to create compelling content and manage memorable events that deepen relationships with stakeholders, supporters, and the public. The Growth and Relationship Manager will lead the planning and execution of public-facing events and oversee internal and external communications that amplify Drive Change’s mission, programs, and impact. This role requires a strong storyteller with excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities - ranging from press outreach and social media strategy to community engagement and stakeholder events. The Growth and Relationship Manager will also play a key role in writing and editing grant proposals and grants management and reporting. They will work closely with our development and program staff to ensure timely, accurate, and mission-aligned communication with funders.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications Management

• Pitch stories to press and manage relationships with local media outlets and influencers.
• Capture, curate, and share stories that highlight participant impact, community engagement, and mission-aligned work.
• Oversee visual storytelling efforts in partnership with external photographers/videographers.
• Develop and implement an annual communications calendar in alignment with strategic goals
• Create compelling written content across channels including newsletters, blog posts, press releases, website, social media, and donor materials
• Manage website updates and digital content creation in coordination with design and program teams.
• Maintain a consistent and compelling brand voice across all platforms.
• Develop messaging and talking points for executive staff, program launches, and media inquiries.
• Ensure consistency and quality of voice, tone, and branding across platforms
• Develop and manage communications systems and archives (press kits, photo libraries, testimonials)
• Collaborate with program staff to elevate participant stories

Events Management

• Lead planning and execution of key organizational events, including stakeholder gatherings, fundraising events, community activations, and internal celebrations
• Manage event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, run-of-show, staffing, and registration.
• Coordinate with vendors, venues, and staff to deliver well-run and mission-aligned events
• Support public speaking engagements and community presentations with communications materials and prep
• Manage event logistics and communications, including invitations, RSVPs, and follow-ups

Grants Management & Reporting

• Draft, edit, and support the writing of grant proposals, reports, and supporting documents in collaboration with the development team
• Collaborate with development staff to ensure communications materials (photos, testimonials, press coverage) are aligned with funder expectations.
• Draft narrative sections of grant reports related to events, communications, and public impact.
• Track and compile documentation of communications deliverables required by funders (logo placement, social media tags, press inclusion).
• Support calendar and deadline tracking for grant-related communications and event-based deliverables.

General Administrative Record Keeping and Support

• Track and analyze communications metrics and engagement
• Assist with internal communication efforts to promote team alignment and transparency
• Participate in cross-functional projects and events as needed

Skills & Attributes Needed:

• 3+ years of professional experience in development, communications, events, journalism, marketing, or related fields
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a deep appreciation for clarity, tone, and audience
• Experience managing events of multiple sizes from conception through execution
• Familiarity with social media platforms, email marketing tools, and basic design platforms (Canva, Mailchimp)
• Proficiency with office software (Google Workspace, Square Space, and monday.com)
• Experience supporting or writing grant proposals and reports preferred
• Ability to manage up, down, and across teams with confidence and clarity
• Passionate about our mission and values, and eager to elevate the stories of those we serve
• A "No task is too big or too small" mentality and positive attitude
• Demonstrated ability for thoroughness, attention to detail, and good judgment
• Ability to manage multiple (sometimes even conflicting) priorities
• Willingness and readiness for working with an early stage, small company
• Passionate about food and hospitality, reimagining criminal justice, and building ethical food systems
• Experience in a nonprofit setting, especially in youth development, workforce, or justice sectors preferred
• Experience working with diverse communities and uplifting community voice through communications preferred

Work Schedule:

This position is a full-time, hybrid position. Comp time provided if and when evening and/or weekend work is required. The office location for this position is Brooklyn, New York.

BENEFITS

• Competitive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance with employer contributions
• Access to Employee Assistance Program, including therapy and family planning
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• 401K plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Family meal provided most days

Drive Change is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, or current employment status. Drive Change values diverse experiences, including with regards to educational background and justice system involvement. We depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.