Development and Communications Associate

About the role

Friends of the Children Austin is seeking a Development and Communications Associate. This position will collaborate closely with the Deputy Director of Development & Communications and other team members to advance the organization’s mission and brand through high‑quality communications, marketing, and fundraising support.

Responsibilities

• Manage the planning, development, and delivery of communication and marketing materials to support organizational and fundraising goals, ensuring content upholds brand standards. Materials include monthly email newsletters, targeted letters/updates, the annual holiday card, event‑related collateral, and fundraising campaigns.
• Lead end‑to‑end project management and execution of the Annual Gratitude Report, including cross‑functional content coordination, vendor management, brand‑aligned production, and multi‑channel distribution.
• Oversee digital marketing strategy and execution, managing content, contracted marketing support, and brand‑aligned storytelling across all web and social channels.
• Manage regular maintenance and updates for the organization’s website, including events, announcements, listings, news/blog, and photos, making decisions on content updates and prioritization.
• Support the Deputy Director of Development & Communications (DDDC) in coordinating and advancing the work of the Community Champions Board, contributing to engagement strategy and facilitating quarterly meetings.
• Coordinate volunteer recruitment and engagement for key initiatives (e.g., Fall Festival, holiday gifts, summer needs), including outreach, communicating expectations, and aligning volunteers to organizational needs.
• Support the DDDC in advancing fundraising efforts to meet the organization’s annual budget (currently exceeding $5 million).
• Support signature fundraising events: Slay Bells, Jammies at Sammie’s (December); The Big Pickle (March); Dinner with Friends (May); and other donor gatherings/events and committee meetings throughout the year.
• Create presentation and pitch decks for companies, foundations, and donor meetings.
• Support the DDDC in stewarding and engaging individual and corporate donors through phone and email outreach, coordinated engagement efforts, and thoughtful donor communication.
• Assist the Director of Development & Communications (DDC) with Board fundraising by tracking and reporting on fundraising commitments, preparing updates for Board meetings, and assisting with committee meeting logistics, notes, and follow‑up.
• Partner with and manage outside contractors as needed.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Willingness to attend and actively participate in team meetings, staff functions, and development events, which can sometimes involve weekends and evenings.
• Close attention to detail; produce and edit written materials accurately and consistently.
• Ability to manage and prioritize daily work and juggle multiple deadlines, especially during high‑volume times of the year.
• Capability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Capacity to build authentic relationships with prospective and current supporters and key stakeholders.
• Ability to represent Friends Austin in the community to prospective and current supporters and partners.
• Self‑starter with a high level of initiative and willingness to learn.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Social‑media savvy.
• Commitment to excellence in design and execution at all levels; demonstrated experience developing marketing and fundraising collateral.
• Ability to collaborate across departments.
• Capacity to work primarily in the Friends Austin office, with some flexibility to work remotely.
• Possess a vehicle and ability to drive.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two to three years professional experience in writing, communications/marketing campaigns, and an understanding of design.
• A combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.

Benefits

• 100% employer‑paid premiums on dental, vision, and medical benefits, plus disability and life insurance.
• Three weeks paid vacation.
• Two weeks paid sick leave.
• Additional paid time off the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Simple IRA with up to 3% employer match.
• Eight weeks paid parental leave for primary caregiver (birth, adoption, foster).
• Respect for work‑life balance and a supportive organizational culture.
• Experienced and committed leadership mentorship.
• Engaged Board of Directors and Advisory Boards.
• Strong, cohesive team support committed to innovation and excellence.

Pay

$60,000–$65,000 annually.

Schedule

Full‑time, exempt position; occasional evenings and weekends may be required for events.