Communications & Development Manager

Helpline House is a social service agency located on Bainbridge Island.  We are a community funded nonprofit agency providing a full range of cost-free services to those in need.  Needs are defined broadly and are not always financial.  Any community member in crisis or in need of social services consultation, volunteer opportunities, or other related services is welcome at Helpline House.

Position Summary

The Communications & Development Manager is a key member of our leadership team, responsible for advancing the mission of Helpline House through strategic communications, donor engagement, and fundraising initiatives. This role blends creativity with relationship-building to expand community awareness, strengthen donor and volunteer support, and secure resources that sustain and grow our programs.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder with strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a passion for community-based service.

Reports to:
Executive Director

Key Responsibilities

Development & Fundraising (50%)

• Create and implement an annual development fundraising plan aligned with Helpline House's mission and long-term strategic goals
• Oversee planning for all fundraising events
• Give presentations and speeches at various public-facing engagements
• Manage donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities
• Research, write, and track grants, ensuring timely submission and reporting
• Maintain accurate donor records and analytics using the organization's CRM/database
• Support and grow monthly giving, major donor, and planned giving programs

Communications & Marketing (40%)

• Create and manage an integrated communications plan across digital, print, and community platforms
• Maintain and grow the organization's website, social media, and e-newsletters
• Craft compelling stories, impact reports, and campaigns that highlight the organization's work and impact
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all internal and external communications
• Serve as media liaison and develop press releases, op-eds, and public statements

Community Engagement (10%)

• Collaborate with staff to promote volunteerism and community participation.
• Represents the organization at community events, networking opportunities, and donor meetings
• Support board and staff in fundraising and outreach activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3–5 years of professional experience in nonprofit communications, fundraising, or development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to craft compelling narratives
• Experience with donor databases/CRMs, social media platforms, and email marketing tools
• Strong public speaking skills
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively with staff, board members, volunteers, and donors
• Grant writing and reporting experience
• Graphic design and/or video editing skills
• Familiarity with food security or social service sectors
• Commitment to the mission of Helpline House and to advancing equity and inclusion

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel, type and reach with hands and arms; and requires the ability to occasionally push, lift and/or carry supplies up to 25 pounds.
• The employee is required to perform physical and repetitive motions

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time exempt position. Helpline House is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In addition, Helpline offers the following benefits to full-time staff:

Salary Range:
$80K– $90K/year

Paid Holidays:

There are 12 paid holidays each year. These are paid if it is a regularly scheduled day for the employees' schedule:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther Kings Birthday
• Presidents Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• 4th of July
• Labor Day
• Indigenous Peoples' Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving and the Friday after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

Medical and Dental Insurance

403B/Roth option:
Employees are eligible for the 403b/Roth option employer contribution plan after 2 years of employment