Manager of Communications and Development

Title: Manager of Communications and Development

Reports To: Executive Director

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Areas of Focus: Communications, Fundraising, Development, Education, Youth Development

Salary & Benefits: $60,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience. AALEAD offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Fully paid life insurance
• Fully paid Short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Professional development stipend
• 10 days of annual leave per year, 6 days sick leave, paid federal holidays, and paid parental leave
• Hybrid telework schedule

Asian American LEAD (AALEAD) supports underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth through educational empowerment, identity development, and leadership opportunities. AALEAD delivers after-school, summer, and mentoring programs that promote academic success, confidence, and long-term leadership development. Learn more at www.aalead.org.

Position Summary: AALEAD is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Manager of Communications and Development to lead the organization’s communications strategy and fundraising engagement efforts. This role is communications and fundraising focused in its initial phase, with an emphasis on storytelling, donor engagement, fundraising events, and systems that support organizational sustainability.

AALEAD currently partners with an external grant consultant for grant writing. Over time, this role will intentionally develop strong grant writing and grant management capacity, with the goal of transitioning grant development fully in-house within one to two years.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, and excited to grow professionally alongside a mission driven organization. This individual will bring structure, creativity, and strategic thinking to AALEAD’s communications and development efforts, while working closely with the Executive Director, staff, Board of Directors, and external consultants. A sense of humor and a passion for supporting AAPI communities are essential.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communications & Marketing (Primary Focus – Year 1)

• Lead AALEAD’s overall communications and storytelling strategy to increase visibility, donor engagement, and community awareness
• Manage the production of high-quality print and digital communications, including newsletters, annual materials, and donor communications
• Maintain and update AALEAD’s website and social media platforms
• Ensure consistent branding, messaging, and voice across all communications channels
• Capture and elevate program impact stories that support fundraising, donor stewardship, and grant development

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Plan and lead all fundraising and donor cultivation events, including stewardship and community engagement activities
• Design and implement individual donor cultivation and stewardship strategies
• Implement corporate and foundation donor engagement strategies in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Produce timely acknowledgement letters, thank-you notes, donor updates, and recognition materials
• Track all donor activity, gifts, and communications using Bloomerang CRM
• Represent AALEAD in donor meetings, community events, and speaking engagements
• Coordinate donor site visits at program locations and special events

Grant Development (Current & Future Growth Area)

• Coordinate with AALEAD’s external grant consultant on proposal development, reporting timelines, and submission requirements
• Collaborate with program and finance staff to gather data, outcomes, and narratives for grant applications and reports
• Gradually assume increased responsibility for grant writing, starting with co-writing sections, smaller grants, and renewals
• Develop grant-writing skills with the goal of independently managing and writing grants within one to two years

Administrative & Board Support

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop and manage the annual Communications & Development budget
• Prepare development and communications materials for Board meetings and committees
• Support staff in strengthening development- and communications-related systems and practices
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• Strong alignment with AALEAD’s mission and commitment to supporting AAPI communities
• 3–5 years of experience in communications, fundraising, development, or a related nonprofit role
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail and time management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience with donor engagement, fundraising events, and storytelling
• Interest in developing grant-writing skills over time (prior grant experience a plus, but not required)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends

Mental and Physical Demands

• High level of concentration and attention to detail
• Ability to drive – reliable means of transportation to travel locally throughout the region;
• Ability to work a regular Monday–Friday schedule with flexibility for evening and weekend responsibilities as needed

Equal Employment Opportunity

Asian American LEAD is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, age, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, genetic information, or any other non-merit factor.

How to Apply: Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to info@aalead.org, addressed to Executive Director, Siu Cheung Rossmark. Please include “Application for Manager of Communications and Development” in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Salary & Benefits: $60,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience. AALEAD offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Fully paid life insurance
• Fully paid Short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Professional development stipend
• 10 days of annual leave per year, 6 days sick leave, paid federal holidays, and paid parental leave
• Hybrid telework schedule

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• Strong alignment with AALEAD’s mission and commitment to supporting AAPI communities
• 3–5 years of experience in communications, fundraising, development, or a related nonprofit role
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail and time management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience with donor engagement, fundraising events, and storytelling
• Interest in developing grant-writing skills over time (prior grant experience a plus, but not required)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends