Development & Communications Manager at First Exposures

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Development and Communications Manager Job Description

First Exposures is seeking an experienced Development and Communications Manager with a passion for arts equity, youth mentoring, and fundraising. We are looking for a highly organized, responsible, and motivated individual with development and communications experience to cultivate, steward, and expand our relationships with public foundations, corporations, and individual donors.

ABOUT FIRST EXPOSURES:

First Exposures (FX) leverages the power of mentoring relationships and photography to empower young people to thrive, express themselves creatively, and become leaders in their communities. We nurture the academic and social development of youth impacted by socioeconomic inequities by providing a program to uplift their self-confidence, develop their creativity, and gain a sense of community. Our yearlong, summer, and residency programs provide free classes and technology resources to FX youth. For the first time, the organization is in a permanent youth arts space in the heart of the Mission District and is entering an exciting new phase of growth.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Development and Communications Manager is the voice of First Exposure’s mission and work. They are responsible for securing and increasing revenue through developing fundraising strategies, mobilizing resources, raising visibility, and establishing strategic partnerships for philanthropic investment in First Exposures’ ongoing impact and growth. They will represent First Exposures in a variety of venues, for key stakeholders, program participants, and audience members. This position also develops and executes a communication strategy for First Exposures through social media, newsletters, and media assets to increase community engagement and amplify our work. This position is vital to the delivery and expansion of our programs. Ideal candidates are passionate about getting others engaged in our mission.

The Development and Communications Manager reports to the Executive Director and is a full-time position, at 32 hours a week, with full benefits. This is a hybrid position with a minimum of 50% onsite work, including some Saturdays and events.

DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES (75%)

• Lead fundraising initiatives, setting and tracking goals, outcomes, and timelines, both independently and collaboratively.
• Manage donor cultivation and stewardship, ensuring positive relationships, high engagement, and retention through effective outreach, communications, and special events.
• Identify and cultivate new prospects for revenue growth from corporate and individual donors.
• Leads and authors institutional giving grant applications, submissions, compliance, and reporting with the Executive Director.
• Stay informed of philanthropy trends and apply learnings to improve fundraising efficacy.
• Support the Executive Director in facilitating and preparing for funder meetings and gift requests, maximizing the involvement of the Advisory Board in mobilizing resources.
• Collaborate with the Advisory Board and Youth Advisory Board on philanthropic initiatives. Serve as staff liaison to the board Advancement Committee and provide support as needed.
• Provide strategic input from a development perspective to programmatic, outreach, and communications initiatives.
• Support and document donor events and engagement to increase visibility and financial resources on social media.
• Strategically design fundraising events, including securing sponsors, managing marketing efforts, and overseeing ticket sales. Execute these events with support from the Development Associate.
• Oversee the integrity of donor data systems, including gift acknowledgment, tracking, and reporting, with support from other team members.
• Manage relationships with funders and contractors, ensuring compliance and accurate reporting.
• Support the Executive Director in facilitating and preparing for funder meetings.
• Partner with the Executive Director to develop earned income strategies and corporate engagement opportunities.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES (25%)

• Create and execute communications strategies and marketing timelines across platforms, including direct mail, email, on the website, and social media.
• Author key marketing materials and talking points to ensure compelling and consistent messaging, and increase donor and audience engagement.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, plan funding appeals across platforms. Execute said appeals with support from the Development Associate, working to meet deadlines and fundraising targets.
• Liaise with the Program Manager to incorporate participant photographs and stories in marketing and fundraising materials. Accurately communicate the achievements, objectives, and needs of the organization.
• Create and maintain content for social media and the website.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, with 3-4 years of nonprofit fundraising and partnership development with a proven track record of increasing organizational revenue and fostering partnerships and donor base. The position will require you to have excellent written and verbal communication with the ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders. Experience in youth programs and/or arts administration is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be able to work with diverse communities and high-level donors
• Aligns with our Equity Statement
• Comfortable using Google Workspace, Slack, and other remote platforms
• The ideal candidate would also have a passion for photography and youth empowerment.
• Please note that First Exposure employees are required to complete criminal background checks and show proof of their being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

COMPENSATION

• $32.00/hour for a 32-hour workweek
• As a project of Tides Center, First Exposures offers competitive benefits including flexible scheduling, the ability to work some days from home, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement benefits through a 403b program, employee assistance plans, and competitive vacation time/PTO. We are not offering relocation costs for this position.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Interacts regularly with the Executive Director, Public Programs Manager, Advisory Board, and teaching artists. Responsible for communication with contractors and vendors as it relates to development needs, such as fundraising events. Acts as a public program representative as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to operate and use a computer and phone for up to 8 hours a day and complete reading and writing tasks. Must be able to lift and move 20 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is a hybrid position, and the hired candidate will work remotely for approximately half of the time. However, there is a requirement to come into the office 50% of the time for meetings and events that need to take place in person. Our office space is located in our Mission District facility in San Francisco.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Submit your application here
• Please submit an application here with a cover letter and resume
• Priority will be given to candidates who can start by the end of August
• Please provide three references

First Exposures, a project of Tides Center, is an "at-will" and equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage women, people of color, bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical condition, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions. Also, pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we encourage and will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise First Exposures/Tides Center in writing of special needs at the time of application.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply! We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in the arts and culture space and what you hope to bring to this role.