Communications & Development Officer

The Second Step•Newton, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Second Step, based in Newton, MA, provides free, trauma-informed services for survivors of domestic violence throughout Greater Boston and beyond. We are dedicated to ending the cycle of abuse with our wraparound support, including safety planning, legal services, counseling, housing stabilization, support groups, and community education. These services help survivors heal and thrive while raising awareness to prevent abuse and build healthier communities.

Requirements

2+ years communications or marketing experience
Strong writing and communication skills with the ability to adapt tone for different platforms
Comfort with sensitive topics such as domestic violence, advocacy, and survivor stories
Experience creating content for social media platforms.
Experience using Canva or similar design tools.
Experience with Constant Contact or similar email marketing platform.
Familiarity with WordPress (or similar CMS), Google Analytics and SEO.
Ability to manage time efficiently and meet required deadlines.
Positive attitude, sense of humor, flexibility, and desire to work collaboratively.
Deep understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion and their role in contributing to a workplace that is welcoming to all.
A strong commitment to The Second Step's mission and values
CORI (Criminal Offender Record Inquiry) check following the first interview
Reliable car/transportation as role requires ability to travel to events and meetings. Mileage and parking costs are reimbursed per organizational policy

Responsibilities

Implement communications and donor engagement strategies that support The Second Step's fundraising, marketing, and community education goals.
Increase awareness of The Second Step's mission.
Support fundraising efforts through effective communications, timely donor acknowledgment, and strategic prospect research.
Create digital and print communications content.
Maintain consistent organizational messaging following The Second Step's Brand Standards Guide.
Support donor stewardship and prospect research.
Maintain website content.
Collaborate with staff to share The Second Step's impact through compelling stories and timely communications.
Create compelling stories, program updates, and opportunities to highlight The Second Step’s mission, services, and impact.
Coordinate opportunities to capture photos and video that showcase The Second Step’s work.
Attend selected community events to gather content.
Implement and manage The Second Step’s social media strategy to increase awareness, engagement, and fundraising.
Manage established social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Create and schedule platform-specific content (4–5 posts per week), including graphics, videos, stories, and captions.
Monitor social media engagement and analytics, sharing insights and recommendations with the Development Team.
Use Constant Contact to create newsletters (approximately monthly).
Coordinate with development team and program staff to gather stories, program updates, and organizational news for newsletters.
Maintain current, engaging website content and implement updates as needed.
Monitor website performance using Google Analytics and provide regular reports to the Development Team.
Participate in training on SEO and emerging AI search best practices, recommending and implementing improvements to increase visibility.
Conduct donor and prospect research to assess philanthropic interests, affinity, and giving capacity.
Update donor records in Salesforce, documenting research findings, interactions, and outcomes.
Generate timely gift acknowledgment letters using Apsona document merge integrated with Salesforce.
Recommend personalized stewardship for key donors.
Partner with Development Team members to develop donor-facing communications, including appeals, acknowledgments, and stewardship materials.
Assist with donor follow-up communications related to special events and cultivation opportunities.
Collaborate with the Development Team to prioritize potential donors for engagement.
Work closely with program staff to stay informed about the Second Step’s services and impact.
Engage in professional development opportunities to stay current with trends and best practices in nonprofit communications and fundraising.
Represent The Second Step at community events or networking opportunities to expand visibility and build new relationships.
Perform other duties as determined with supervisor.

Benefits

Salary starts at $62,000
Mid-year and end-of-year bonuses
Generous PTO including 3 weeks vacation, 13 holidays, 2 floating personal days, ample sick time, bonus days off
Agency contribution to health and dental insurance
100% agency paid vision insurance
403(b) plan with employer matching up to 3%
Flexible Spending Account
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Student loan repayment assistance
Professional development opportunities