This Communications and Donor Services Officer will use their creative writing and visual design skills to tell our Community Foundation’s story to a wide range of audiences in and beyond the Manistee County area. The Communications & Donor Services Officer will implement and coordinate all marketing and communications to ensure they are the highest quality, present a consistent and compelling message, and support the goals and mission of the Community Foundation. The person hired for this position will serve as an integral member of a highly collaborative, dedicated, and supportive team.
Organizational Background
MCCF was established in 1987 by a group of community leaders who envisioned a bright future for Manistee County and created the Foundation as a vehicle to connect philanthropy with community needs and opportunities. Over the past several years, MCCF has experienced an exciting period of rapid growth and change and is now positioned to serve the community at a new level. MCCF leadership includes a dedicated and engaged Board of Directors and the organization is staffed by a strong professional team. Today the MCCF administers more than 100 funds with total assets of approximately $40 million and awards grants and scholarships totaling more than $1 million annually. MCCF is one of 65 community foundations in Michigan and one of more than 1,000 community foundations across the U.S. and is a member of the Council of Michigan Foundations.
Compensation and Benefits
MCCF offers a competitive salary for the position (starting salary range of $50,000-60,000, commensurate with experience), qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (QSEHRA), MI Tri-Share child care benefit, paid holidays, generous paid time off, parental leave, professional development opportunities, and a retirement plan with employer match. An Employee Handbook is available upon request.
Workplace Environment
MCCF offices are within a contemporary, riverfront suite in downtown Manistee, Michigan, within the West Shore Community College Manistee Downtown Education Center, a recently renovated collaborative education center and office building. Our offices feature inspiring riverfront views, an open office environment, collaborative workspaces, private meeting rooms, a conference room, and access to an outdoor terrace and Riverwalk. Additional meeting spaces and classrooms within the building are available by reservation. MCCF makes a strong commitment to employee health and wellbeing.
Job Description
JOB TITLE
Communications and Donor Services Officer
REPORTS TO
President & CEO
STATUS
Salaried, full-time, exempt (37.5+ hours/week)
The Communications and Donor Services Officer for the Manistee County Community Foundation (MCCF) plays a key role in growing the Foundation’s community impact through cultivating and sustaining positive relationships with donors and the greater community by developing and implementing effective communications, outreach, and stewardship strategies. This position also typically serves as the first point of contact for visitors and requires outstanding customer service skills including excellent verbal and written communication.
Working collaboratively with the Foundation team, primary areas of responsibility include developing communications and marketing strategies, print and digital content, donor database management, public and media relations, coordinating special events, providing customer service and supporting donor relations.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Communications and Marketing Strategy/Content
- Develop and implement effective communications strategies for print, web and social media using targeted strategies to reach all key audiences and support organization goals
Develop an internal communications calendar to support implementation of the strategies and track progress
- Work with the Foundation team to identify storytelling opportunities focused on donors, grant partners and the community that can be used in multiple ways including to promote a culture of generosity
- Work with the Foundation team to ensure all external communications (donor acknowledgement letters, grant award letters, reports and updates, invitations, etc.) are of professional quality and aligned with the brand and mission of the Community Foundation
- Identify and implement opportunities to strengthen the Foundation’s internal communications to keep staff informed about current projects and goals and to foster positive internal culture
- Manage the mailings of any print materials
- Facilitate and support other communication opportunities, including preparation of any presentation materials or electronic presentations
- Assist with identifying and coordinating professional services necessary to support communications such as photographers, videographers, or other specialized services
Digital Strategy and Database Management
- Manage and grow the Foundation’s digital footprint including regularly updating the Community Foundation’s website and social media channels
- Develop content for and manage distribution of all electronic communications, including e-newsletters
- Maintain and utilize the Community Foundation’s customer relationship management (CRM) platform in Foundant CommunitySuite to update profiles, develop campaigns, and create mailing lists
Public Relations/Media Relations/Events
- Coordinate public relations and media efforts, including the development of material such as press releases and speaking points for public presentations to manage the Foundation’s public image
- Establish and maintain relationships with appropriate media contacts
- Take the lead working with the Foundation team to plan, organize, and execute special events
Customer Service and Donor Relations
- Provide outstanding customer service as the primary first point of contact for in-person guests and appropriately routing inquiries received by phone and email
- Support the President & CEO with donor development and stewardship, including assisting with campaigns, donor moves management, tracking, and generating related reports
- Manage incoming and outgoing mail related to donor acknowledgment and stewardship
- Work with the Director of Finance and Operations to create and monitor budgets that support public relations, communications, marketing and outreach
- Other internal and external communications and donor stewardship and engagement tasks as they arise
Other Requirements
- Occasionally requires working outside of regular business hours
- Driver’s license and ability to travel to locations within the MCCF’s service area and occasionally outside of the area, including possible overnight travel for professional development
Professional Development
- Keep current regarding best practices, trends, and developments in nonprofit communications and philanthropy
- Attend regional and/or national training, meetings, or conferences to maintain and improve skills necessary to job performance
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Experience with strategic thinking to further organization goals
- Excellent and professional written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively interact with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and varying communications styles
- A professional demeanor, a positive attitude, and a high degree of emotional intelligence to support public and donor relations
- Exceptional multitasking and time management skills including experience working within deadlines while maintaining close attention to detail
- Collaborative, flexible team player
- Strong ethical and professional standards including the ability to handle sensitive/confidential information
- Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace applications
- Proficient with graphic design software and mass marketing platforms
- Interest in technology and in learning new software and database programs
- Knowledge and experience with managing websites and social media sites
- Knowledge of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy desired
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required, with a degree in journalism, communications or marketing preferred
- 2-5 years of related communications experience and demonstration of successful implementation of communication strategies
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted through Friday September 26, 2025 at 5PM ET. Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to hiring@manisteefoundation.org. Only emailed applications will be considered. Interviews for invited candidates will be held on Friday October 10 or Monday October 13, 2025. The preferred start date for the position is early November 2025.
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