Communications, Development & Strategic Initiatives Specialist

COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR AUTISTIC ADULTS & CHI•Montgomery Village, MD

7h•$51,000 - $56,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications, Development & Strategic Initiatives Specialist provides direct support to the Director of Growth, Outreach and Strategic Initiatives across communications, fundraising and development, community outreach and engagement, and organizational initiatives. This is a hands-on role requiring strong organizational, communication, technology, and project coordination skills. The Specialist is expected to be proactive, resourceful, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities. The successful candidate will be able to anticipate needs, troubleshoot routine issues independently, follow projects through to completion, and identify solutions rather than waiting for direction at every step. The Specialist supports a wide range of activities, including website and digital content management, graphic design, donor and CRM management, fundraising campaigns and events, community outreach, research, presentations, communications materials, and special projects.

Requirements

Associate's degree required.
Demonstrated experience in communications, marketing, development/fundraising, community outreach, engagement, or a related area.
Experience creating professional communications and marketing materials for digital and print use.
Experience maintaining websites and making routine content updates using WordPress.
Experience working with a CRM or donor management system, including maintaining accurate records, generating reports, and tracking constituent or donor activity.
Experience supporting fundraising campaigns, donor communications, sponsorship outreach, events, or other development activities.
Experience coordinating multiple projects, deadlines, vendors, and stakeholders simultaneously.
Proficiency in Canva, including creating and modifying professional graphics, presentations, social media content, flyers, newsletters, and other branded materials.
Proficiency with WordPress, including routine page and content updates, image replacement, links, basic formatting, and troubleshooting common content issues.
Proficiency with CRM systems, including maintaining accurate records, entering and retrieving data, generating reports, and supporting donor and outreach tracking.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Ability to quickly learn and effectively use new digital platforms, communications tools, databases, and technology.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong proofreading and attention to detail.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and competing priorities.
Proactive and self-directed, with the ability to anticipate needs and move work forward with appropriate independence.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, including the ability to identify an issue, research possible solutions, and recommend or implement an appropriate course of action.
Strong follow-through and commitment to completing projects accurately and on schedule.
Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with the Director and other members of the team.
Ability to shift priorities and respond effectively to emerging organizational needs and special projects.
Professional judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.
Collaborative, dependable, and comfortable working with staff, community partners, donors, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Ability to travel between CSAAC sites and participate in on-site meetings, events, and observations.
Ability to operate a computer, keyboard, and other standard office equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, community members, and other stakeholders in person, virtually, and by telephone.
Ability to move office supplies, event materials, or equipment weighing up to ten pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit management, business, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with annual fundraising campaigns, appeals, special events, sponsorships, and other development activities.
Maintain accurate donor and constituent information within the organization’s CRM.
Prepare donor acknowledgments, correspondence, appeals, and other donor communications.
Conduct donor, prospect, corporate, foundation, and sponsorship research as assigned.
Assist with donor cultivation and stewardship activities.
Coordinate sponsorship outreach and track responses, commitments, and follow-up activities.
Produce fundraising reports, analytics, dashboards, mailing lists, and other development-related information.
Assist with event logistics, materials, communications, and follow-up.
Maintain and update the CSAAC website using WordPress, including routine changes to text, images, pages, links, and other website content.
Develop and coordinate content for organizational social media channels.
Draft, edit, proofread, and distribute organizational announcements and communications.
Create and design newsletters, flyers, invitations, presentations, social media graphics, signage, and other print and digital materials using Canva and other available tools.
Assist with photography, content gathering, and storytelling related to CSAAC programs, events, staff, and organizational activities.
Maintain consistency in organizational branding, messaging, tone, and visual identity across communications.
Maintain organized digital files and archives for communications materials, photography, graphics, and other assets.
Coordinate with printers, designers, photographers, and other communications vendors as needed.
Support community outreach and engagement efforts with families, partners, businesses, community organizations, donors, and other stakeholders.
Assist with outreach communications, correspondence, meeting preparation, presentations, and informational materials.
Support the coordination of community events, meetings, tours, and other engagement activities.
Assist with advocacy-related communications and materials as directed.
Track outreach and engagement activities and maintain accurate records of contacts, follow-up items, and outcomes.
Prepare professional public-facing documents, presentations, handouts, and other materials.
Support the Director with organizational initiatives and special projects from planning through completion.
Conduct research and summarize findings to support projects, planning, outreach, fundraising, and organizational decision-making.
Prepare reports, presentations, briefing materials, spreadsheets, and other project documents.
Develop and maintain project timelines, task lists, and tracking tools.
Coordinate information and follow-up among internal departments, external partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Monitor deadlines and proactively follow up on outstanding action items.
Identify potential issues, research solutions, and bring recommendations to the Director when appropriate.
Provide direct administrative and project support to the Director of Growth, Outreach and Strategic Initiatives.
Manage scheduling, meeting coordination, document preparation, correspondence, and follow-up activities as assigned.
Prepare meeting materials, presentations, agendas, notes, and supporting documentation.
Assist with vendor communications, purchasing coordination, invoices, and project-related administrative needs.
Maintain organized electronic and physical project files.
Track deadlines, commitments, and follow-up items to help ensure projects remain on schedule.
Anticipate upcoming needs and proactively prepare materials, information, or follow-up as appropriate.