Communications & Development Specialist

Position Summary

The Communications & Development Specialist supports the Wendt Center’s fundraising, communications, and donor engagement efforts through high-quality content creation, database management, and event coordination. This role is ideal for a detail‑oriented, creative professional who thrives in a mission‑driven environment and wants to help expand the Center’s visibility and philanthropic impact. The Specialist reports to the Director of Development & Communications and collaborates with program, clinical, and administrative teams.

Key Responsibilities

Development Support

• Support annual fundraising efforts across foundation giving, individual giving, donor stewardship, and corporate partnership outreach.
• Prepare donor acknowledgments, impact updates, and stewardship materials.
• Assist with funder and donor research, proposal drafting, and reporting.

Database Oversight

• Oversee the maintenance, accuracy, and integrity of the donor database, including gift entry, coding, segmentation, and reporting.
• Implement data hygiene practices and ensure consistent data standards across the organization.
• Produce regular reports and dashboards to support fundraising analysis and forecasting.
• Train staff on database procedures and support organization wide data consistency.

Communications & Content Creation

• Develop and publish content for newsletters, social media, website updates, and donor communications.
• Create compelling stories that highlight client impact, program outcomes, and organizational milestones.
• Maintain brand consistency aligned with the Center’s values of healing, kindness, collaboration, and learning.
• Support media outreach and the development of press materials.

Event Coordination

• Assist with planning and executing the annual Benefit Gala and other fundraising or community events.
• Produce event materials, talking points, and promotional content.
• Support donor engagement and stewardship activities before, during, and after events.

Internal Collaboration

• Work with program and clinical teams to gather stories, data, and updates for communications and fundraising materials.
• Lead the production of the internal newsletter by gathering updates from staff, drafting and editing content, designing the layout, and managing timely distribution.
• Support the Director of Development & Communications in strengthening departmental systems and workflows.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to promote volunteer engagement and recognition.

Administrative Support

• Support scheduling, meeting preparation, and follow-up to keep development priorities and workflows moving smoothly.
• Maintain organized files, track deadlines and deliverables, and ensure key materials are accessible and up to date.
• Serve as a point of contact for internal teams, vendors, and partners, ensuring timely communication and effective coordination.
• Carry out related and/or unrelated tasks and projects as requested that support departmental goals and organizational priorities.

Qualifications

Required

• 2–4+ years of experience in nonprofit development, communications, marketing, or related fields.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Boomerang, DonorPerfect).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and comfort working with data.
• Utilize Microsoft 365 tools (Outlook, OneNote, Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) to support efficient communication, collaboration, and workflow management.

Preferred

• Experience in trauma-informed, mental health, or human‑services organizations.
• Graphic design or digital media skills (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Experience supporting fundraising events and donor stewardship.

Compensation & Work Environment

• Salary: $55,000 - $75,000 based on previous experience
• Hybrid schedule (Tuesday and Wednesday onsite in Washington, DC).
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement match, generous leave, and 20+ holidays.

About the Wendt Center

For 50 years, the Wendt Center for Loss & Healing has provided trauma-informed mental health services to individuals and families navigating grief, loss, and trauma. The Center is a $5–5.5M organization supported by government and foundation grants, fundraising events, and counseling fees.