Development & Communications Coordinator

Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full-Time, Exempt (40 hours/week)
Location: Saint Paul Park, Minnesota, with regular work in the community

About the role

Basic Needs is seeking an organized, detail-oriented professional to help lead the execution of our fundraising, communications, and community engagement efforts. This position is well suited for someone early in their career, or interested in a career change, who is organized, detail-oriented, and dedicated to growing their skills in nonprofit development and communications.

Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Manage donor databases, gift processing, donor profiles, and stewardship records with a high level of accuracy.
• Develop and execute assigned digital and community-based fundraising campaigns with measurable revenue goals.
• Manage donor acknowledgments, stewardship communications, prospect research, and follow-up systems.
• Independently prepare smaller grant applications and reports while supporting larger proposals led by the Executive Director.
• Manage defined sponsorship opportunities, coordinate sponsorship fulfillment, and maintain corporate partner follow-up and reporting.
• Support major donor cultivation through prospect research, donor profiles, stewardship preparation, and follow-up.
• Prepare monthly fundraising reports, dashboards, and campaign performance analysis.

Communications & Storytelling

• Lead the organization’s social media, website, and email communications calendar.
• Create print and digital marketing materials using Canva and other communication platforms.
• Develop impact stories and coordinate with photographers and videographers to produce mission-focused content.
• Draft press releases, newsletters, donor communications, and annual report content.

Community Engagement & Events

• Own the organization’s community engagement calendar and coordinate outreach opportunities.
• Recruit, train, and schedule volunteer ambassadors for community events and tabling.
• Lead planning and execution of assigned fundraising and community engagement events.
• Support larger fundraising events through logistics, communications, sponsorship coordination, registration, and volunteer management.

Administrative Operations

• Maintain development calendars, project timelines, grant deadlines, and campaign milestones.
• Ensure development records, reporting, and backend processes are completed accurately and on time.
• Collaborate across departments to keep fundraising, communications, and engagement projects on schedule.
• Assist Food Market and Thrift Shop operations during periods of increased community need.

Performance Accountability

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Achievement of assigned fundraising campaign and revenue goals.
• Accuracy and completeness of donor and development records.
• Timely completion of grant applications, reports, and sponsorship deliverables.
• Consistent execution of donor stewardship and communications.
• Successful coordination of community engagement activities and assigned events.
• Quality, timeliness, and professionalism of development and communications work.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to take ownership of assigned projects and follow them from planning through execution and evaluation.
• Professionalism, emotional intelligence, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Ability to learn and effectively use fundraising, CRM, and communications platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, interns, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Basic Needs.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Business, Public Relations, or a related field. Equivalent experience or demonstrated skills will be considered.
• One to three years of experience in nonprofit development, communications, marketing, sales, customer engagement, or a related field.
• Experience with GiveButter, HubSpot, Meta Business Suite, Canva, QuickBooks, or similar fundraising and communications platforms.
• Experience with donor databases, fundraising campaigns, grant writing, events, or community engagement is a plus.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Full-time, primarily in-office position with regular work throughout the community.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for meetings, events, and fundraising activities.
• Local travel throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally assist Food Market and Thrift Shop operations.
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods and perform the regular physical activities associated with events and community outreach.

Benefits

• Paid health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, sick and safe leave.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Professional development opportunities.
• 10% employee discount at the Basic Needs Thrift Shop.

Pay

$50,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience

Supervision & Collaboration

The Development & Communications Coordinator reports directly to the Executive Director and will supervise interns assigned to development and communications projects. The Coordinator will also work collaboratively with volunteer leaders and volunteer ambassadors to execute fundraising, communications, events, and community engagement activities.