Development & Communications Manager

About the role

The Development & Communications Manager leads City Garden Montessori School’s annual fund, donor communications, fundraising events, stewardship activities, and development operations. This position ensures that fundraising campaigns are executed effectively, donors receive meaningful engagement throughout the year, and City Garden’s impact is communicated consistently and compellingly. The Development & Communications Manager serves as the operational and communications engine of the advancement department.

Reports To Director of Development

Key Responsibilities

Annual Fund Management

• Plan and execute annual fund campaigns, including fall, year-end, spring, and Day of Giving appeals.
• Manage campaign calendars, timelines, and project execution.
• Coordinate donor segmentation and targeted outreach strategies.
• Monitor fundraising performance and recommend adjustments.

Communications and Storytelling

• Develop and manage an annual communications calendar.
• Create donor communications including appeals, newsletters, impact reports, stewardship materials, and campaign messaging.
• Gather stories, photos, and program highlights from across the school.
• Manage the school’s social media and website.
• Maintain consistency in fundraising messaging and donor communications.

Events

• Manage logistics and communications for fundraising and donor engagement events, including the Fall Affair, Day of Giving, and other events.
• Coordinate cultivation gatherings, donor visits, and stewardship events.
• Track follow-up activities and outcomes.

Donor Stewardship and Engagement

• Coordinate stewardship activities and donor recognition programs.
• Support donor cultivation events and volunteer engagement opportunities.
• Ensure timely and meaningful donor acknowledgments.

Development Operations

• Maintain donor records and campaign tracking systems, in partnership with the Executive Assistant.
• Generate fundraising reports and donor lists.
• Support prospect research and donor pipeline management.
• Coordinate grant reporting and sponsorship fulfillment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, or marketing.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Experience with CRM systems and donor databases.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Passion for educational equity and Montessori education.

Success Measures

During The First Year, Success Will Include

• Successful execution of all annual fund campaigns.
• Consistent communications calendar implementation.
• Timely donor stewardship and acknowledgment practices.
• Accurate fundraising reporting and campaign management.
• Increased donor retention and engagement.

Goals Over The Next Four Years Will Include

• Partnering with the Director of Development to grow and strengthen City Garden’s Annual Fund campaign (currently bringing in $960K in gross revenue).

Compensation

• Salary range of $65,000–$75,000.
• Robust benefits including medical, dental, pension (vested after five years), school admission preference (discounted preschool and before/after care).
• 21 days annually of Personal Time Off, in addition to federal holidays and school breaks.
• On-site position with the possibility of some remote work, upon agreement with supervisor.