Senior Manager of Strategic Communications & Grants

3CDC•Cincinnati, OH

5d•$70,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Strategic Communications & Grants leads 3CDC's grant strategy and organizational storytelling to secure public and philanthropic funding and elevate impact. This position manages the full lifecycle of grants - including research, proposal development, submission, and compliance - while maintaining a strong pipeline and funder relationships. The Senior Manager shapes clear, compelling narratives that translate complex development and community outcomes for diverse audiences; produces and oversees content across channels partners cross-functionally to capture and communicate impact; and supports executive and board communications to ensure consistent, mission-aligned messaging.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university in related field preferred.
Minimum 5–7 years of experience in grant writing, communications, or a related role, preferably in real estate development, community development, or public sector contexts
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across a range of formats and audiences — this will be assessed through a writing sample and may include a writing exercise as part of the hiring process
Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage credibly with funders, community stakeholders, and organizational leadership.
Ability to synthesize technical, financial, and programmatic information into compelling narratives.
Highly organized, self-directed, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Comfortable working and collaborating in a fast-paced environment across departments and disciplines.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with community development finance tools, including tax credits (NMTC, LIHTC, Historic Tax Credits),TIF, Opportunity Zones, or public incentives
Familiarity with Cincinnati, its neighborhoods, and its civic landscape
Experience managing or contributing to organizational brand and communications strategy
Demonstrated success securing grants from government and philanthropic sources
Proven oral and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines through self-organization and prioritization.
Must be able to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive grants strategy aligned with 3CDC’s organizational priorities, including identifying prospective funders across federal, state, local government, and philanthropic sources
Research funding opportunities relevant to 3CDC’s redevelopment, affordable housing, historic preservation, commercial district management, and community programming work
Lead end-to-end proposal development, including project conceptualization in partnership with program and finance staff, narrative writing, budget coordination, and submission
Manage all aspects of grant compliance, including tracking deliverables and deadlines, coordinating reporting across departments, and maintaining funder relationships
Maintain a grants calendar and pipeline tracking system to ensure timely submissions and reporting
Cultivate and steward relationships with program officers and funders, representing 3CDC in funder conversations with clarity and credibility
Serve as 3CDC’s organizational storyteller — developing and maintaining a cohesive narrative framework that articulates the mission, impact, and vision of 3CDC’s work across its full portfolio
Translate complex financing structures, development activity, and community outcomes into clear, compelling language accessible to diverse audiences
Write and edit content across communications channels, including website copy, annual reports, impact briefs, presentations, donor materials, press releases, social media, and e-newsletters
Partner with project teams, leadership, and external consultants to capture and communicate milestones, community impact, and organizational progress
Support board communications and executive presentations with polished, audience-appropriate materials
Develop case studies, project profiles, and success narratives that can be adapted across grant applications and public-facing communications