Development and Community Relations Manager
About The Position
Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Development & Community Relations Manager supports and executes Gateway Center’s fundraising, donor engagement, grant management, and community outreach efforts. The role is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive fund development strategy that advances Gateway Center’s mission, strengthens its financial sustainability, and elevates Gateway Center’s visibility throughout Monterey County. The Manager serves as a key representative of the organization and a strategic partner to the executive leadership, donors, funders, and community stakeholders. This role is designed to grow as Gateway Center’s fundraising capacity expands and may evolve in scope and compensation over time. The ideal candidate is a results-oriented development professional with strong relationship-building skills, sound judgement, and the ability to independently manage priorities, initiatives, and outcomes.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience required in fund development, grant management, donor relations, community engagement, or public relations.
- Demonstrated experience leading fundraising initiatives and managing donor or grant portfolios.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and web/social media platforms.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Passion for Gateway Center’s mission and commitment to inclusion, equity, and community empowerment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with donor databases/CRMs (e.g., Bloomerang, Salesforce, Auxilia etc.) a plus.
Responsibilities
- In coordination with the Executive Director, lead donor strategy, including prospect identification, segmentation, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Implement and manage Gateway Center’s annual fund development plan, including individual giving, campaigns, events, sponsorships, and appeals.
- Partner with the Executive Director to support principal gift solicitation and Board engagement in fundraising activities.
- Oversee donor data management systems (CRM – currently Auxilia), ensuring timely gift processing, donor stewardship, data integrity, reporting accuracy, and meaningful analysis of donor trends.
- Establish and manage stewardship calendars, donor recognition strategies, and impact communications.
- Track fundraising performance against goals and prepare regular reports for leadership and the Board.
- Draft and personalize acknowledgment letters, thank-you notes, and donor impact communications.
- Conduct donor and grant prospect research, prepare briefing materials, and track giving trends.
- Partner with the Executive Director to coordinator and manage fundraising events, campaigns, and donor recognition activities.
- Research, write, and submit grant proposals and letters of inquiry in collaboration with the Executive Director and internal partners.
- Maintain a grants calendar and assist with meeting reporting deadlines.
- Manage grant compliance, reporting schedules, and funder communications to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
- Coordinate with program and finance staff to collect outcomes data, narratives, and financial information required for grant reporting.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen Gateway Center’s public image, partnerships, and community presence across Monterey County and beyond.
- Collaborate with cross-department teams to promote programs, services and resources at community events, resource fairs, and public meetings to raise awareness of the agency’s services and mission.
- Cultivate relationships with local businesses, civic organizations, and potential partners to generate collaboration and sponsorship opportunities.
- Coordinate and promote volunteer engagement activities and community presentations.
- Assist in planning and executing outreach campaigns that highlight Gateway’s impact in the community.
- Advise Executive Director on community trends, partnership opportunities, and reputational considerations.
- Coordinate and produce content across Gateway Center’s social media platforms, newsletters, and website.
- Create promotional and informational materials (flyers, event collateral, press releases) in coordination with staff.
- Capture stories and photos that illustrate Gateway Center’s programs, residents, and community partnerships.
- Support brand consistency and public visibility across all outreach materials
Benefits
- Full benefits package and access to professional development opportunities.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
Associate degree
