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Communications and Engagement Associate, The Funders Network

The Organization

The Funders Network (TFN) engages a network of more than 130 member foundations across the United States and Canada. As a philanthropy serving organization (PSO), TFN works in support of efforts to create communities that are sustainable, prosperous, resilient — and above all — equitable and inclusive.[1] With a mission to leverage philanthropy’s unique potential to help create communities and regions that are sustainable, prosperous and just for all people, TFN seeks to inspire, strengthen, and expand the funding, leadership, and learning that deepens connections, ignites action and improves outcomes. Racial equity is centered at the heart of TFN’s mission as we work for urgent and sustained action that builds power, addresses environmental, economic and racial injustice, and creates communities and regions where all people thrive.

TFN believes that structural racism, inequity, and other social disparities are the root causes of our environmental and economic challenges. As a network, we are committed to questioning, challenging, and confronting the systemic racial inequities and injustices that persist as malign influences on policies, practices and psyches. We are committed to creating a community of funders equipped with the tools to challenge and confront the power dynamics and structural racism that have historically fostered inequities and informed policies and practices.

[1] TFN is a member of the United Philanthropy Forum, a network of nearly 90 regional and national philanthropy-serving organizations (PSOs), representing more than 7,000 funders, who work to make philanthropy better.

Position Overview

The Communications and Engagement Associate is responsible for working across the intersections of communications, membership, and data and information management at TFN. Working with TFN’s Senior Director of Communications, the associate helps ensure TFN uses communications as effectively as possible to advance the organization’s mission, vision and goals. In collaboration with TFN staff, the associate helps TFN align its communications, membership and customer relations management (CRM) activities to meet strategic goals. The associate helps find creative applications of data for communications, membership and engagement purposes. Portfolio distribution is estimated as: 50 percent communications; 30 percent outreach and engagement; and 20 percent operations and membership. In addition to the Senior Director of Communications, the Communications and Engagement Associate works closely with the Director of Data and Information Technologies, Director of Member Services, and Executive Vice President as part of the Membership and Communications team.

The associate should enjoy working in a small, entrepreneurial environment that is mission-driven, high-performing and results-oriented. The associate interacts with all levels of staff, board members, member organizations, and others in a fast-paced, sometimes pressure-filled environment with respect, flexibility, initiative, resourcefulness, humor, and efficiency. Occasional travel is required. The associate must have the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, have strong written and oral communication, administrative and organizational skills, and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities. The associate should be able to work independently on projects from conception to completion.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Support the Senior Director of Communications in the creation and coordination of:

  • Content for TFN website and updates and changes to the website’s design, structure and navigation.
  • Production and distribution of TFN e-newsletters, including for TFN funder working groups.
  • TFN marketing materials, including promotions for TFN programs, events and services, membership recruitment and retention, and strategic partnerships and sponsorships.
  • Communications and marketing for TFN’s conference and other events, including promotions, on-site and virtual materials, use of social media, etc.
  • TFN’s social media communications, including LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook,  and TFN’s blog.
  • Key TFN publications (e.g., research reports, annual report, etc.) and media relations efforts.
  • Talking points, speeches, presentations, and slide decks for the CEO and other members of the TFN team.
  • The effective use of TFN’s brand identity in TFN communications.
  • Outside vendors used to support TFN’s communications efforts.
  • Member engagement, outreach, resource development, and sponsorship campaigns.
  • Simple user studies (e.g., email a/b tests) and integration of web analytics outcomes and testing into communications strategy.

Skills/Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred (or a commensurate amount of work experience).
  • Strong demonstrated writing, editing and oral communication skills.
  • Experience in managing and updating websites using WordPress or similar platform; knowledge of HTML and basic CSS preferred.
  • Experience in crafting and deploying strategic marketing communications.
  • Experience in using a range of communications tools and channels, including e-mail marketing, various social media channels, blogs, video, podcasts, etc.
  • Effective project management and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a high performance, collaborative, constructive staff team.
  • Advanced skills and proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office 365 applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), email marketing systems (such as Mailchimp, Constant Contact, MadMimi, or others), Salesforce or other CRM, videoconference platforms (such as Zoom), project management systems (such as Asana, Jira and Trello), and intra-office communication tools (such as Slack, Microsoft Teams).
  • A familiarity with the values embedded in REI (Race, Equity and Inclusion) work, and a desire to champion these values as an essential component of TFN’s communications and brand identity.
  • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, initiative, independence, and ability to be a constructive team player.
  • Ability to undertake occasional travel.[1]

Preferred

  • Familiarity with the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.
  • Experience with associations.
  • Interest in and ability to optimize and think creatively about virtual platforms.

Organizational Relationships:

Reports to and supervised by the Senior Director of Communications. Coordinates across internal TFN teams, including communications, membership, and data/information management (CRM), in particular. In addition to the Senior Director of Communications, the Communications and Engagement Associate works closely with the Director of Data and Information Technologies, Director of Member Services, and Executive Vice President as part of the Membership and Communications team.

Office Location:

TFN is a remote organization, with staff located across the country. While TFN is a Florida not-for-profit corporation that maintains a virtual office address in Coral Gables (Miami), Fla., all staff team members work remotely and receive a quarterly office expense stipend.

Compensation

TFN offers excellent benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, 401(k) matching contributions, paid time off (PTO), and generous holiday and office closure schedules. Competitive salary range of $55,000 – $65,000 (based on philanthropy serving organization (PSO) benchmarks) commensurate with experience.

[1] For example, TFN typically hosts a three-day annual conference that all staff attend (which can include 3 – 4 nights of travel depending on the location; note, TFN will not convene the conference in 2024 as we explore the future schedule and cadence). Most other meeting or event-related travel opportunities range from 1 – 3 nights.

How To Apply

Please send application materials by July 19, 2023, to: info@fundersnetwork.org. The subject line should read: Communications and Engagement Associate. Attach the following in your email:

  • Resume
  • A cover letter that explains: 1) how your skills and experiences are a fit for the duties and qualifications of this position, and 2) why you are motivated to work for The Funders Network.

The position will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

TFN is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, disability, medical condition, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, age, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. We celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive and supportive workplace.

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