Development and Communications Manager

Fulltime: 40 hours a week

Salary & Benefits: $65,000 - $70,000, with PTO, Paid Holidays, & Health Insurance

Reports to: Executive Director

Post Date: August 8th, 2025, open until filled

About Joshuas Trust:

Joshua’s Trust — officially the Joshua’s Tract Conservation and Historic Trust — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust in northeastern Connecticut, protecting over 4,750 acres of open space. Fully accredited by the National Land Trust Accreditation Commission, we are recognized for our commitment to excellence in land conservation.

Spanning 14 towns across the Windham Planning Region and parts of Tolland County, the Trust connects people with the region’s rich natural beauty and storied past. Through engaging programs, hands-on volunteer opportunities, and partnerships with like-minded organizations, the Trust works to protect open space and deepen the community’s connection to nature and heritage.

Joshua’s Trust stewards approximately 70 fee-owned preserves and holds around 65 conservation restrictions—ensuring that these lands remain undeveloped and protected in perpetuity. We also preserve two historic landmarks: the Gurleyville Grist Mill and Atwood Farm, both in Mansfield.

As we look ahead, we’re focused on growing our reach, creating greater impact, and conserving more land for wildlife to thrive and future generations to enjoy. We're looking for a passionate new team member to help us expand our impact, advance our mission, and preserve the landscapes that define our region.

Position Description:

Joshua's Trust seeks a creative, dynamic, detail-oriented, and resourceful professional to serve as Development and Communications Manager, leading efforts across fundraising, communications, and community engagement. The Manager will work directly with the Executive Director to spearhead development strategies, cultivate donors and manage giving campaigns and grants. They will also help shape the Trust’s public voice through compelling digital and print communications, oversee donor and media content, and manage the website. Additionally, the role includes building community connections across the 14-town region by supporting outreach programs, events, and partnerships that deepen public engagement and advance the organization’s conservation mission.

Joshua’s Trust’s is a collaborative team environment. All staff work together, to align strategies, share updates, and actively support a culture rooted in communication, cooperation, and mutual respect.

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a creative, strategic, personable, out of the box thinker and collaborative team player who thrives in a mission-driven environment. They excel at crafting compelling communications and appeals, and executing giving campaigns that generate revenue. Working alongside the Executive Director, the Manager is comfortable with being forward facing, engaging with the community, and soliciting support from individuals, foundations, and businesses. The Manager is enthusiastic in attracting new supporters, elevating the Trust’s visibility, and translating our conservation work into lasting community impact.

Responsibilities include:

Development:

• Work with the ED to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies encompassing major gifts, annual reports and appeals, capital campaigns, individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and special events that build relationships, expand visibility, and generate support.
• Work with the ED to design, implement, and lead creative community engagement and fundraising initiatives that boost awareness and inspire support across JT’s 14-town region.
• Manage and maintain JT’s Little Green Light (LGL) donor database
• Oversee the gift acknowledgment process, collaborating with the Business and Administration Manager to ensure timely, accurate donor recognition.
• Lead the identification, application, and administration of grants to support operations, including drafting proposals and managing required follow-up reports.
• Prepare and deliver monthly development reports to track progress and inform decision-making.
• When applicable: supervise, train, and mentor development and communications interns or seasonal staff.
• Facilitate monthly Development Committee meetings.

Communications:

• Lead the implementation of JT’s comprehensive communications strategy to strengthen awareness of the land trust’s mission, programs, and impact.
• Analyze performance metrics and audience insights to inform content strategy and optimize campaigns.
• Capture and curate photography and video content to showcase preserves, stewardship efforts, and community programs.
• Develop and oversee the editorial calendar and press distribution list.
• Collaborate with the ED, staff, interns, and volunteers to build brand identity, maintain consistent messaging and visuals, and amplify fundraising initiatives and mission impact stories:
  • Social: Manage JT’s communications and oversee daily activity.
  • Print: Create and publish quarterly newsletter and marketing materials.
  • Email: Create and publish engaging digital newsletters.
  • Website: Co-lead the development of JT’s next website in collaboration with the Executive Director, while ensuring ongoing updates and content that reflect JT’s mission and programs.
  • Press: Co-lead media relations, drafting press releases, cultivating press contacts, and securing coverage for the land trust’s initiatives.

Community Engagement:

• Work with the Executive Director to support community engagement efforts and develop strategic partnerships across JT’s 14-town service area.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on programs, events, and the Annual Meeting to deepen public connection to land conservation and JT’s mission and work.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for JT at gatherings and meetings to broaden awareness and support.

Other Tasks as Assigned

Minimum Qualifications: This role requires a strong fundraiser and storyteller with a deep understanding of digital trends, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to balance creative and administrative responsibilities. The Development and Communications Manager must be an outgoing, energetic, and creative professional with exceptional public-facing skills and the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, donor relations, and/or nonprofit development (including campaigns, appeals, or grants), from concept through execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with experience managing multi-platform communications, including websites, social media, press/media, and digital marketing.
• Proficiency with donor databases and digital tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Little Green Light, Mailchimp, Sprout Social, Canva, basic video editing, and website management).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with strong interpersonal skills to engage donors, partners, and community members.
• Comfortable soliciting support from individuals, foundations, and businesses.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Dependable and team-oriented with a positive attitude and sense of humor.
• Genuine interest in land conservation, land trusts, and environmental stewardship.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree or at least 5 years of experience in related fields (land conservation, environmental, and/or community organizing).
• Familiarity with land trusts, conservation policy, or environmental nonprofits, and a passion for advancing conservation missions.
• Proven success securing major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships, with experience in donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Experience designing and leading innovative fundraising or community engagement initiatives that grow visibility and support.
• Skilled in planning and executing successful events, including fundraisers and community programs.
• Ability to analyze fundraising and communications data to inform strategy and improve results.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or managing staff, interns, or volunteers.
• Established relationships within the nonprofit, conservation, or philanthropic community that could help expand Joshua’s Trust’s reach and impact.

Benefits: Joshua’s Trust offers competitive salaries, premium insurance coverage (with 80% of health, paid for full-time employees), three weeks of paid time off to start, and 11 paid holidays.

To apply: Send resume, cover letter, and a list of three references in one .pdf document via email to administration@joshuastrust.org with the subject line reading “JT Development and Communications Manager.” No phone inquiries, please.

Application Deadline:Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

JT is a 501(c)3 non-profit and an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. JT provides equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination against all employees and applicants for employment based upon race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, creed, national origin and ethnic origin, age, citizenship, status as a perceived or actual victim of domestic violence, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a Vietnam Era or disabled Veteran, or any other legally protected status.