Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Development & Communications Manager Marian Middle School

Marian Middle School

Development & Communications Manager

Be a Catalyst for Change

Are you ready to join the only school of its kind in St. Louis that is fundamentally changing the trajectory of girls' lives?

Marian Middle School is more than an educational institution; we are an 11-year commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty through transformational education. Our mission is bold, our results are life-changing, and we are looking for a Development & Communications Manager to be a powerful engine for our growth.

This is a full-time, high-impact role for a strategic thinker, relationship-builder, and passionate advocate for Marian Girls. If you're driven by mission and ready to translate powerful stories into life-changing support, we encourage you to apply with gusto!

 

Your Mission: Driving Impact & Inspiring Generosity

As the Development & Communications Manager, you will be a vital leader on a dynamic team, owning key areas that fuel our mission. Your focus will be on inspiring, connecting, building and celebrating the community that makes Marian's work possible.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead Donor Relationships & Mid-Level Giving

  • Be a Chief Relationship Builder: Take ownership of our mid-level donor portfolio and giving program, serving as the primary point of contact for acquiring and retaining these crucial supporters.

  • Innovate Stewardship: Design and execute a personalized, best-in-class stewardship program for this portfolio—from sophisticated email campaigns and personalized tours to creative, impactful thank-you communications that deepen donor loyalty.

  • Drive Results: Work collaboratively with the Development Team, Board Members, and the Advancement Committee to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects to exceed annual fundraising goals.

  • Mission-Focused Connections: Oversee our unique Career Luncheons, leveraging these mission-centric events to foster new donor acquisition and sponsor stewardship through meaningful connections between students and professional women.

2. Elevate Signature Events

  • Design Unforgettable Experiences: Lead the strategy, content creation, and execution for Marian’s signature fundraising events, especially our Spring Gala and Fall Online Giving Campaign. Your goal is to not only raise funds but also to acquire new donors, thrill existing supporters, and increase mission awareness.

  • Own the Outcome: Manage budgeting, scriptwriting, and sponsorship outreach. Work closely with the Development Associate on marketing materials and invites, and sponsorship coordination, and partner with outside consultants to ensure a flawless, inspiring guest experience.

  • Re-Engage and Renew: Spearhead targeted solicitation and stewardship to re-engage lapsed donors and sponsors, acquire new donors and sponsors, and retain current donors and sponsors. 

3. Champion Communications & Corporate Support

  • Tell Our Story: Collaborate with the Development Associate to oversee Marian’s digital donor communications, including engaging e-newsletters and social media, leveraging the power of storytelling to connect hearts to our mission, and continue building donor loyalty, excitement, and trust.

  • Steward Critical Partners: Lead the relationship management for our corporate supporters and organizational grantors, coordinating closely with the grant writer to ensure timely and impactful reporting.

 

What You Bring to the Team

We're looking for an exceptional professional who is passionate about our work and ready to hit the ground running.

Skills & Experience

  • 3–5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or related fields. Experience in messaging, marketing and communications is a major plus.

  • Non-profit experience is essential. You understand the unique environment and demands of a mission-driven organization.

  • Familiarity with donor management software; experience with Raiser’s Edge/BlackBaud/NXT is strongly preferred.

Qualities That Matter

  • A Strategic Doer: You are a strategic thinker who can not only plan independently and manage up effectively but also execute with attention to detail and commitment to excellence. You have a knack for anticipating needs and identifying opportunities.

  • A Collaborator and Leader: You thrive in a team setting, can effectively manage the Development & Communications Associate and external vendors, and co-lead our critical Advancement and Marketing Communications committee.

  • Driven by Mission: You are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and are driven to advance Marian’s mission through top-quality work. You are a powerful advocate who sees the potential in every Marian Girl.

  • A Storyteller at Heart: You have a passion for community engagement and an ability to translate complex impact into compelling, emotional content.

  • You are a Leading Representative of Marian Middle School: Your presence is exemplary of how you’d meet with a donor, and steward that relationship. How you show up throughout this interview process is how we’ll get a feel for your ability to present the mission, identify opportunities, and build relationships with donors. 

 

The Details

  • Reports to: Director of Development and Communications

  • Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly manages the Development & Communications Associate and oversees projects with outside vendors (e.g., printers, graphic designer).

  • Work Environment: This position is based in our school and requires someone who can actively navigate a four-floor building (no elevator) and occasionally move materials up to 40 pounds for event preparation. Once you get the hang of things, we can identify a flexible schedule that includes a portion of hybrid work. 

If you are ready to use your skills to make a profound, measurable difference in the lives of young girls, their families, and their community, we encourage you to apply. Join Marian Middle School and help us write the next chapter of success for Marian Girls.

LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATION(S) REQUIRED:
•  Valid driver’s license

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000, in addition to medical health insurance covered by the school, and a 403b plan with matching benefits.