Development & Communications Associate

DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

Reports to the Director of Development & Communications

TO APPLY:

Email resume and cover letter to Jordan Newcomer: jordan@mainesalmonrivers.org.

Review of applications will begin on August 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF) conserves and restores wild sea-run fish and their habitats in Downeast Maine, promoting the abundant return of these species for the ecological, cultural, and economic benefit of the region and beyond. DSF is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where lived experience, local knowledge, and a variety of perspectives are valued, and where every team member feels respected and supported.

As a member of the DSF team, the Development & Communications Associate (DCA) plays an integral role in advancing the organization's mission by supporting its fundraising and communications efforts. Working closely with the Director of Development & Communications (DDC) and the Executive Director (ED), the DCA helps strengthen relationships with individual, foundation, business, and government supporters while increasing awareness of DSF's work across a variety of audiences.

This position supports all aspects of DSF's fundraising and communications efforts, including donor cultivation and stewardship, content development, management of digital and print communications, event and project coordination, gift processing, database management and reporting, and other initiatives that strengthen relationships, increase public awareness, and grow support for DSF's mission and strategic priorities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Fundraising

• Assist with the design, execution, tracking, and reporting of a comprehensive annual fundraising and communications plan.
• Provide executive support for major and planned gifts cultivation and stewardship for the ED, DDC, and board members, including scheduling, meeting logistics, materials preparation, and follow-up communications.
• Coordinate annual giving and appeal initiatives.
• Support prospect research and maintain records to track the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of relationships with individuals, foundations, businesses, and government funding sources.
• Coordinate and provide acknowledgments, tax receipts, recognition, and stewardship for all gifts, grants, and sponsorships.
• Maintain and optimize the CRM donor, grants, and sponsorship databases; develop and provide reports as determined. Ensure DSF’s CRM systems function well and serve the range of organizational needs for data capture, audience-specific communications, and moves management.
• Manage charitable solicitation registrations and annual compliance filings in applicable states.

Grants and Sponsorships

• Support effective use of the annual grants and sponsorships calendar allowing for timely proposal development, submission, and required reports.
• Assist with research and identification of foundation, government, and business grant and sponsorship opportunities aligned with DSF priorities.
• Maintain an accessible database of DSF’s grant and sponsorship proposals.
• Track grant and sponsorship writing assignments and provide support, as determined.
• Write and edit grant and sponsorship proposals, as assigned.
• Support grants and sponsorships reporting.

Communications & Engagement

• In collaboration with the DDC, manage DSF’s digital communications tools and systems, including the website, social media channels, and email communications, while implementing strategies that deliver clear, consistent messaging to multiple audiences and uphold DSF’s brand.
• Maintain and manage the organization's communications calendar by coordinating content, campaigns, events, and key messaging across digital, print, and outreach channels to ensure timely, consistent, and strategic communications.
• Generate copy and coordinate design for organizational communications that reflect ongoing learning, strategic positioning, mission impact, community engagement, partner relationships, and funder expectations.
• Produce newsletters, annual reports, news releases, social media posts, donor communications, presentation materials, signage, and other media.
• Coordinate and support DSF’s annual and one-time events.
• Support the DDC, ED, staff and board members in their communications roles.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

All DSF staff members are expected to:

• Contribute to building and stewarding a collegial, respectful, and collaborative organizational culture.
• Participate in organization-wide initiatives and “all hands on deck” tasks and events as assigned.
• Maintain productive relationships with local community members and other stakeholders including those capable of influencing land and fish conservation.
• Stay current with development and communications best practices.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, business, public relations, or a related discipline.
• Three to five years of professional experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, communications, or a similar role.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Successful candidates will bring to the position a strong interest in conservation, fisheries restoration, and rural community development, with many of the following skills, experience, and attributes.

• Experience in nonprofit fundraising or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to support and execute strategic fundraising and communications plans that advance organizational goals.
• Excellent written, verbal, and storytelling abilities; proven experience as a compelling copywriter.
• Familiarity and experience producing a range of communications materials in varied media.
• Skills in producing and/or coordinating graphic design.
• Superb administrative and project management skills requiring great attention to detail.
• Significant experience with donor databases, grants management software, or related CRM systems.
• Collaborative work style with strong interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience using the following software and platform based tools:

• Proficiency with Google Workspace
• Constituent relationship management (CRM) databases such as NEON
• Website management systems such as WordPress
• Email marketing platforms such as Constant Contact
• Project management tools such as Asana
• Design software such as Canva
• Social media management through Meta platforms
• Grant research tools such as Candid

We recognize that skills and experience may be gained through a variety of professional, academic, and lived experiences and encourage candidates who meet most of the qualifications and are excited about the mission to apply.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is a hybrid role based out of DSF's offices in East Machias and Columbia Falls, Washington County, Maine. While some work may be performed remotely, the position requires regular in-person meetings, collaboration, and participation at both office locations.

COMPENSATION:

The salary range for this position is $57,000-$67,000 based on experience. DSF provides health, dental and vision insurance, retirement contributions, vacation time (3 weeks) and 13 paid holidays annually.

DSF provides health, dental and vision insurance, retirement contributions, vacation time (3 weeks) and 13 paid holidays annually.

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