POSITION TITLE: Development Manager, Storytelling and Content Strategy

SUPERVISOR: Director, Stewardship

LOCATION: Baltimore, MD; Remote

TRAVEL: Low

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP Empowerment Programs), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for equal rights, seeks a Development Manager, Storytelling and Content Strategy, who is a strategic and creative communicator.

This role is responsible for conceptualizing, researching, writing, and managing compelling fundraising narratives and content strategies that support donor engagement and philanthropic growth across the organization.

This role operates within a client-service model across the Development Department, producing high-quality, inspiring, best-in-class collateral for a range of audiences including donors, prospects, philanthropic partners, and stakeholders. The Development Manager will develop written content across traditional and non-traditional media channels, ensuring messaging is clear, compelling, and aligned with the NAACP’s mission and strategic priorities.

This role plays a critical part in supporting the Development Department charged with meeting its annual fundraising target and advancing long-term philanthropic growth, including early-stage planning for a comprehensive campaign. The position works closely with both individual giving and institutional giving teams, as well as senior leadership, program staff, and external affairs.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled storyteller and content strategist who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This individual brings exceptional writing and project management skills, the ability to manage multiple deadlines, and a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

Under the direction of the Director, Stewardship, the Manager, Storytelling and Content Strategy will perform the following duties, to include, but not limited to:

• Storytelling Strategy and Content Development

• • Develop and lead a strategic approach to storytelling that supports fundraising and donor engagement efforts across the organization.
  • Translate programmatic work, advocacy priorities, and organizational impact into compelling donor-facing narratives.
  • Establish messaging frameworks that align communications across individual giving, institutional giving, and national fundraising initiatives.
  • In partnership with the Marketing and Communications team, ensure all storytelling reflects the NAACP’s mission, voice, and strategic priorities.

• Development Writing and Fundraising Communications

• Conceptualize, write, and edit a wide range of development materials, including:

• • Donor proposals and pitch decks
  • Grant proposals and institutional funding requests
  • Corporate sponsorship materials
  • Gift and naming agreements
  • Event collateral
  • Stewardship reports and acknowledgement letters
  • Annual appeals and year-end impact reports
  • Donor-facing newsletters and web content

• Tailor messaging for diverse audiences including individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and philanthropic stakeholders.
• Develop content in multiple leadership voices, including senior executives and organizational leadership.

• Content Strategy and Campaign Alignment

• • Develop and implement content strategies that support fundraising campaigns, donor engagement initiatives, and national development priorities.
  • Ensure consistency and alignment of messaging across channels including direct mail, digital fundraising, major gifts, and institutional giving.
  • Support content needs tied to major fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and donor engagement strategies.

• Project Management and Development Coordination

• • Manage multiple writing and content projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met with high quality and accuracy.
  • Support project management and coordination of development communications and collateral across teams.
  • Take ownership of projects from concept through completion, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic goals.
  • Complete special projects and other duties assigned by development leadership.

• Cross-Team Collaboration

• • Work closely with individual giving, institutional giving, and development leadership to develop tailored fundraising materials.
  • Collaborate regularly with executive leadership, program staff, and strategy teams to gather content and align messaging.
  • Partner with Marketing and Communications to ensure messaging aligns with organizational voice and brand standards.

• Perform any other duties as assigned by the title of position’s manager/supervisor or other designee.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree required in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising communications, content strategy, development writing, and/or grant writing.
• Experience working in a fundraising, advocacy, higher education, or similarly complex environment preferred.
• Proven experience writing donor proposals, grant applications, and fundraising appeals.
• Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with strong command of the English language (grammar, punctuation, syntax).
• Ability to write in multiple voices, including senior leadership and executive communications.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work quickly, collaboratively, and proactively across print, digital, and other formats.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to take projects from concept through execution.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and content development tools.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across all levels of the organization.
• Commitment to advancing the mission and values of the NAACP.