Development & Communications Manager

The Dovetail Project is seeking a highly motivated, innovative, and strategic Development & Communications Manager to lead fundraising support, donor engagement, communications, public relations, and digital storytelling efforts for one of Chicago’s leading fatherhood organizations. The Dovetail Project is a privately funded nonprofit organization supported through individual donors, family foundations, traditional foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, community supporters, and emerging digital giving platforms, including cryptocurrency philanthropy. This role is ideal for a forward-thinking professional who understands that the future of nonprofit growth requires strong storytelling, relationship-building, digital engagement, AI-assisted communication strategies, and modern fundraising approaches. The Development & Communications Manager will play a critical role in strengthening The Dovetail Project’s fundraising operations, public visibility, donor engagement, and brand alignment across all communication channels. This individual will support fundraising campaigns, grant writing, donor communications, media opportunities, sponsorship development, social media engagement, and organizational storytelling while helping position Dovetail for long-term growth and national visibility. The ideal candidate is both creative and organized — someone who can think strategically, communicate effectively, leverage technology and AI tools, and execute high-quality work in a fast-paced nonprofit environment. The Dovetail Project is regularly featured in local and national media and collaborates with leading organizations, brands, and partners focused on fatherhood, family engagement, and community impact. This role requires professionalism, strong communication instincts, and the ability to manage a respected and growing public-facing brand. Key ResponsibilitiesDevelopment & Fundraising Support Support and help manage annual fundraising strategies and donor engagement initiatives Research, write, edit, and submit grant proposals, sponsorship requests, donor communications, and fundraising materials Assist with online fundraising campaigns, annual giving initiatives, donor stewardship efforts, and fundraising events Help cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors, family foundations, corporate sponsors, and community partners Support fundraising reporting, donor tracking, sponsorship activity, and grant management processes Assist leadership with sponsorship presentations, fundraising opportunities, and partnership engagement Maintain awareness of emerging fundraising trends, including AI-driven fundraising tools, digital donor engagement, and cryptocurrency philanthropy Communications, Media & Brand Management Manage and align organizational communications, storytelling, and digital engagement efforts Oversee social media content and communication strategies across organizational platforms Develop compelling content for newsletters, campaigns, donor communications, sponsorship materials, reports, press opportunities, and public engagement Coordinate media inquiries, press opportunities, public-facing messaging, and community communications Ensure consistency in organizational messaging, storytelling, and brand presentation Support communications tied to events, partnerships, campaigns, and community initiatives Assist with website updates, digital content management, and communication calendars Support the creation and editing of short-form video and digital storytelling content for marketing and engagement purposes Strategy & Operations Utilize AI platforms, donor management systems, and digital communication tools to improve efficiency, fundraising outreach, content development, and campaign performance Collaborate closely with leadership and program staff to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals and public engagement efforts Maintain organized records of grants, donor communications, fundraising campaigns, media outreach, and communication strategies Analyze communication and fundraising engagement metrics to improve outreach effectiveness and audience engagement Perform other duties as assigned Qualifications & Skills Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Journalism, Business, Public Health, or a related field preferred Minimum 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, development, public relations, marketing, or donor engagement Strong grant writing and storytelling experience with the ability to communicate organizational impact effectively Experience supporting fundraising campaigns, donor engagement initiatives, sponsorship development, or community partnerships preferred Strong understanding of social media management, digital communications, and public-facing brand messaging Experience using AI tools, CRM systems, automation platforms, and digital communication technology preferred Knowledge of emerging fundraising trends, online fundraising strategies, and cryptocurrency philanthropy is a plus Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and presentation skills Strong relationship-building and interpersonal communication abilities Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment Creative thinker with strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and digital communication platforms Experience with website content management systems and basic video editing software preferred Commitment to the mission and values of The Dovetail Project Benefits Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Short-Term Disability Insurance Long-Term Disability Insurance About The Dovetail Project: The Dovetail Project is a fatherhood intervention organization that provides support for families across Chicago. The organization teaches young fathers the responsibilities of parenthood while emphasizing their importance in the lives of their children. Pay: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour Benefits: Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Professional development assistance Vision insurance Work Location: In person