Role Overview

The Communications and Development Manager is responsible for developing and implementing communications, marketing, and development strategies to advance the mission and programs of Telluride Association, a nonprofit that provides free educational programs and scholarships for high school and college students.

This role serves as an ambassador for the organization, crafting compelling content across print, digital, and social media channels. The position also assists the Executive Director and Board in overseeing donor cultivation, stewardship, appeals, and fundraising campaigns. Key responsibilities include collaborating on an integrated strategic communications plan, producing external and internal communications, implementing marketing initiatives, managing fundraising programs, tracking metrics, preparing reports, overseeing contractors, and supporting recruitment and alumni engagement efforts. Strong project management skills, a systems approach, and a passion for Telluride’s mission are essential for success.

The Communications and Development Manager reports to the Executive Director, and works closely with staff and Board on a variety of projects.

• Position Type: Salaried Exempt / Regular Full-Time
• Work Schedule: 40 hours/wk over 5 days per week. Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
• Work Location: Remote or hybrid/on-site at a Telluride office (option of either office, located in Ithaca and Ann Arbor)
• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel required for Board, recruitment, and alumni events (estimated 2-4 weeks per year)
• Position Duration: 12 months/year
• Benefits Eligibility: Eligible for paid time off and SELECT benefits (including retirement plan and health insurance, if elected

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in communications, marketing and/or development roles.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication abilities; ability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of communications best practices across print, digital, and social media platforms.
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising campaigns and/or development strategies.
• Highly creative and innovative thinker.
• Outstanding organizational, project management and problem solving skills.
• Works well with teams and independently; self-motivated and flexible.
• Passion for the mission and programs of the organization.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and other web-based communication apps.
• Experience with a technological/systems approach to outreach and organizational management
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders, including stakeholders that are diverse in terms of age (including students), relationship with Telluride Association, and professional background.
• Ability to meet travel requirements of the position.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, business, or related field preferred.
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM preferred (training provided)
• Experience in working with nonprofits, mission-driven organizations, and/or participatory democratic organizations.
• Experience managing contractors and/or volunteers.
• Experience with and commitment to enacting anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Experience with communities of color and communities that Telluride Association serves.

Responsibilities

Communications & Marketing - 45%

• Work with the Executive Director and Board to develop and execute an integrated strategic communications plan to reach target markets, promote programs and events, and highlight impact.
• External communications
  • Manage and produce external communications including website, social media, newsletters, annual report, press releases, etc.
  • Build and maintain relationships with media contacts. Pitch stories and respond to media requests and inquiries.
  • Serve as point person for crisis communications, and lead crisis communications planning.
• Internal and program communications
  • Support and produce internal communications for staff, Board, and program participants, including onboarding communications, emails, reports, surveys, etc.
  • Support event planning and communications
• Marketing
  • Create compelling print and digital content including brochures, flyers, emails, web site, social media, graphics, and videos.
  • Support program recruitment efforts, including working with staff and Board to develop recruitment strategies, creating recruitment collateral, and planning and presenting at recruitment events.

Development - 30%

• Assist Executive Director and Board in managing fundraising programs and campaigns including appeals, events, grants, major gifts, individual donor engagement, institutional funding, and other sources.
• Research and cultivate new funding prospects.
• Plan and implement donor acknowledgment and stewardship communications.
• Track and analyze key metrics to monitor success of fundraising initiatives. Prepare progress reports.
• Foster a culture of alumni engagement, including both fundraising and volunteerism.

Administration & Planning - 20%

• Serve as staff liaison for Board committees related to communications and alumni development. Work with the Board and Executive Director to develop annual communications and development plans and budgets, and achieve objectives within budgets.
• Collaborate with staff, board members, donors, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee contractors needed for communications, marketing, and development functions (for instance, designers, social media specialists, web designers, etc.)
• Track and analyze key metrics to monitor success of communications and fundraising initiatives. Prepare and present progress reports.
• Attend the annual Convention of the Board in person (generally in late May/early June) and present as needed.

Professional Development - 5%

• Pursue professional development opportunities with the agreement of supervisor.

Other Responsibilities

• Enact Telluride Association’s commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all activities and duties.
• Support Telluride Association to maintain a safe working environment. Act proactively to prevent accidents and injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
• Be familiar with and follow any applicable compliance standards, regulations, and Telluride Association policies/procedures.
• Support the general activities of Telluride Association and carry out other duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Essential physical requirements: typically lifts less than 10 lbs. May occasionally lift 50 lbs. Travel required. Evening and weekend work required.
• Visual: normal concentration
• Hazards: limited exposure

Telluride Association is committed to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion in our programs and our workplace. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities. Telluride Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Telluride Association participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Learn more here.

If you need an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please contact telluride@tellurideassociation.org.