Development & Communications Manager

About KDC

At Kennedy-Donovan Center (KDC), we empower individuals and families to reach their full potential through community-based programs that foster inclusion, independence, and opportunity. Our mission-driven team works every day to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, adults, and families across Massachusetts.

About this role:

The Development & Communications Manager plays a key role in advancing KDC’s mission by overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Development & Communications department. Reporting to the Director of Development & Communications, this position leads fundraising initiatives, manages communications and brand strategy, and ensures the success of campaigns that enhance visibility, engagement, and revenue growth.

This is an ideal opportunity for a collaborative, organized, and mission-driven professional who thrives in a creative environment and brings strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.

Compensation: $75,000-80,000/annually | Schedule: Monday-Friday
Location: Foxboro, MA (based at KDC Headquarters, with travel to all KDC locations as needed)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in development and communications, or nonprofit leadership.
• Demonstrated success managing fundraising campaigns, events, and donor relations.
• Strong supervisory and project management skills.
• Experience overseeing brand, marketing, and communications strategies.
• Proficiency with donor databases (e.g., GiveSmart ) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Constant Contact or similar digital communication tools.
• Excellent writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience collaborating with Finance and leadership teams on reporting and analysis.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or certification in nonprofit management, communications, or fundraising.
• Experience managing a team in a nonprofit or human services organization.
• Knowledge of best practices in digital marketing, social media, and storytelling for impact.
• Familiarity with event planning software and project management tools.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Primarily office-based, with flexibility for hybrid work as approved.
• Occasional travel to KDC sites, community events, and off-site meetings (less than 50% of time).
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds (event materials, supplies, etc.) and participate in setup and logistics for events.
• Occasional evenings and weekends required to support events and campaigns.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Regular use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Occasional standing, walking, and reaching during presentations or events.

Key Responsibilities:

Department Leadership & Team Management

• Oversee the daily operations of the Development & Communications department, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Supervise and mentor the Brand & Design Specialist and Development & Communications Specialist, fostering a positive, high-performing team culture.
• Collaborate with the Director on departmental planning, budgeting, and goal setting.
• Manage timelines, deliverables, and workflow across fundraising, events, and communications initiatives.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Lead all fundraising initiatives, including annual appeals, campaigns, sponsorship outreach, and donor engagement.
• Plan and manage fundraising and community events that elevate KDC’s visibility and meet financial goals.
• Oversee donor data integrity, processing, and reporting in GiveSmart , ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Develop and maintain systems for donor acknowledgment, stewardship, and retention.
• Track performance metrics and prepare results reports for leadership and the Board.

Communications & Brand Oversight

• Manage all communications and brand initiatives to ensure creativity, consistency, and mission alignment across platforms.
• Guide digital content creation—including KDC Conversations , Stories of Impact , and other storytelling efforts.
• Oversee social media strategy, analytics, and engagement.
• Collaborate with the Brand & Design Specialist on visual, digital, and print materials.
• Partner with the Director on media relations and public visibility efforts.

Cross-Department Collaboration & Strategic Support

• Partner with program leaders to identify and promote stories and impact metrics that demonstrate KDC’s work.
• Collaborate with Finance and leadership on accurate development reporting.
• Represent the department in agency meetings and strategic initiatives.
• Support donor cultivation, board engagement, and organizational events as needed.

KDC values a diverse workforce. We are committed to a culture of equality and inclusivity that fosters dialogue, innovation, compassion, respect, and collaboration. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, neurodiversity, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Your uniqueness drives our excellence!