Development and Communications Manager

Crisis Support Services of Alameda County

Job Description

Full job description

Description


The Development and Communications Manager plays a key role in Crisis Support Services’ fundraising and communications strategy. Working closely with the Operations Officer, Executive Director, and the Board of Directors, the Manager will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s fund development efforts, which include securing grants, managing individual donor relations, and executing events. Additionally, this position will focus on driving the development of compelling communication strategies across multiple channels, including social media, to engage and grow CSS's donor base. The Development and Communications Manager also leads a Development Coordinator, ensuring efficient and effective support for fundraising and events initiatives.


Core Responsibilities


Grants and Foundation Support:
  • Research and identify diverse funding sources (foundations, government agencies, corporations, etc.) to support the organization’s mission and goals.
  • Write, edit, and submit grant proposals and reports that align with CSS’s mission, goals, and strategic objectives. Tailor content to meet each funder's unique guidelines and priorities.
  • Coordinate with program staff to collect data, reports, and impact metrics required for grant submissions and follow-up reports.
  • Track deadlines for applications, progress reports, and other required communications. Ensure timely and accurate submission of all materials.
  • Maintain a database of current and prospective funders, and track ongoing grant opportunities. Assist with reporting on grant progress to stakeholders and ensure compliance with funder requirements.
Individual Giving and Donor Relations:
  • Cultivate relationships with current and potential donors, fostering long-term engagement and retention. This includes creating personalized stewardship plans and ensuring timely acknowledgments.
  • Collaborate with the Development Coordinator and Marketing Program Assistant to design and execute fundraising campaigns (annual appeals, online giving, special projects) to meet specific revenue targets.
  • Oversee the development and dissemination of compelling materials such as newsletters, donor communications, impact reports, one-pagers, FAQs, and presentations. Implement a strategy for donor acquisition and retention, targeting both new and lapsed donors.
Social Media and Communications:
  • Develop, execute, and optimize social media strategies to promote fundraising campaigns, increase awareness, and engage potential donors. This includes creating and scheduling development-focused posts across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, etc.).
  • Manage social media communications (including content creation, scheduling, and engagement) to strengthen the agency’s position within the community and attract individual donors.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels, including website, social media, email, and event promotions.
  • Use social media best practices to increase engagement and maximize reach, focusing on both online giving campaigns and long-term donor development.
  • Analyze social media analytics and donor feedback to adjust strategies, improve engagement, and measure success.
 
Fundraising Events:
  • Lead and oversee planning and execution of CSS’s major fundraising events, including the annual Mini Golf Tournament, Walk/Run/Move, and donor recognition events.
  • Develop creative strategies to engage staff, volunteers, and the community in events to maximize participation and revenue.
  • Work closely with the Operations Officer, Executive Director and Board to ensure successful event outcomes, including identifying new revenue streams and sponsorship opportunities.

Overall Expectations:
  • Ensure all fundraising activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines for nonprofit fundraising.
  • Maintain a strong commitment to best practices in donor relations and fundraising principles, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Regularly update and maintain the donor database to ensure effective fundraising, accurate reporting, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Create monthly reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors to track progress against fundraising goals and provide updates on key donor and grant activity.
  • Manage and provide weekly supervision to the Development Coordinator to ensure efficiency and that deadlines are met.
  • Actively contribute to the agency’s administrative and team meetings as needed.
  • Actively contribute to the agency’s positive culture of support, inclusion and belonging

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise


  • Strong alignment with CSS’s mission and values, including a commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).
  • At least 3 years of experience in fundraising and grant writing, ideally within the nonprofit sector.
  • Proven ability to research and identify funding opportunities and successfully write grant proposals.
  • Expertise in social media strategy and content creation, with a strong understanding of how to leverage these platforms for nonprofit fundraising and communications.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences.
  • Ability to create and manage donor communications materials, including email appeals, newsletters, and digital content.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, including donors, Board members, and internal staff.
  • Analytical and interpretive skills to assess fundraising progress, donor engagement, and social media performance.
  • Experience using donor management databases and analytics tools to track engagement, giving, and outcomes.
  • Ability to oversee successful program and project implementation with minimal supervision.
  • Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising databases (e.g., Network For Good, DonorPerfect, Salesforce, or similar platforms).
  • Experience managing a small team or supervising a development staff member.
  • Strong interest in working with diverse communities and engaging in social justice work.
 


Benefits, Schedule and Additional Requirements


Benefits:
This position is full-time and eligible for benefits. Medical, dental, vision, retirement matching, 14 paid holidays, vacation, sick time, and floating holidays.

Schedule:
This is a full–time, exempt (40 hours per week) position and qualifies for up to 3 days of remote work per week. Offices are located in North Oakland. The position is expected to attend monthly virtual development committee meetings from 5-6pm. Up to 7 evening/weekend day availability (annually) is required to attend agency events.

Additional Requirements:
  • Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 required
  • Must complete Background Check (DoJ) and LiveScan
  • Must work at least 2 days in the office

About Crisis Support Services of Alameda County


Founded in 1966, Crisis Support Services of Alameda County offers a broad range of counseling, education and prevention services in a safe environment. CSS’ 24-hour crisis hotline responds to more than 65,000 calls each year. Services include on-going therapy groups, school-based counseling, supportive services for seniors, suicide prevention for youth; and community education.

Crisis Support Services of Alameda County recognizes and understands the impact of trauma including the challenge of accessing supportive services. Our mission is to provide a welcoming and safe environment, rooted in the belief that through collaboration with clients at every stage of service healing is possible.

We invite you to learn more about our agency by exploring our website.
 

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