Fund Development & Communications Sr. Manager-Jacksonville Public Education Fund
Categories Development Officer
Expires Oct 31, 2025
Description
About the Organization
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) is an independent think-and-do tank that activates community support, connects partners, and advances effective ideas for the success of all students. We work tirelessly to close opportunity gaps in public education. We convene educators, school system leaders and the community to pilot and scale evidence-based solutions that advance school quality in Duval County.
JPEF has a highly engaged board, significant fiscal resources and talented staff to drive the organization’s work. The fast-paced and entrepreneurial organization has more than a decade-long track record of helping public schools to significantly improve outcomes for students through innovative, community-focused, and data-driven solutions.
Position Summary
The Senior Manager of Development & Communications plays a critical role in advancing JPEF’s mission by leading donor database/CRM management, grant writing and reporting, and donor-centric communications. This role is also responsible for telling the story of JPEF’s impact, engaging with legislators to advocate for funding and support, and stewarding donors and partners through compelling, mission-driven communications.
The Senior Manager will manage a portfolio of grants, create and implement donor stewardship communications, oversee the integrity and use of JPEF’s CRM, and serve as a storyteller and advocate for public education in Jacksonville.
Commitment to a Culture of Belonging
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position. We are committed to creating an environment where staff and stakeholders from all backgrounds can thrive.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Development & Grants • Manage and optimize JPEF’s donor database/CRM, ensuring data integrity, timely entry, and accurate reporting to support fundraising strategy. • Lead grant management for a portfolio of ~35+ grants, including research, proposal development, quality writing, and timely reporting. • Collaborate with research and program staff to gather data and impact stories for use in grant proposals and reports. • Support the Fund Development Director in developing revenue forecasts, donor pipelines, and progress reports. • Research and cultivate new grant, corporate, and foundation opportunities aligned with JPEF’s mission. Donor & Stakeholder Communications • Develop and implement donor-centric communications, including appeals, acknowledgments, annual and impact reports, and event sponsorship materials. • Capture and share compelling impact stories that illustrate the return on donors’ investments in JPEF and the students and educators of Duval County. • Partner with the communications team to ensure alignment of fundraising and advocacy messaging with JPEF’s overall brand. • Lead storytelling strategies that elevate the voices of students, educators, and community partners. Advocacy & Legislative Engagement • Build and maintain relationships with local and state legislators, advocating for funding priorities aligned with JPEF’s mission. • Represent JPEF in meetings, events, and convenings with policymakers, preparing briefing materials and talking points as needed. Events & Campaigns • Collaborate with Development Director on donor engagement through events (e.g., EDTalks, EDDY Awards, cultivation dinners, golf tournament), ensuring mission alignment and compelling donor experiences. • Support fundraising campaigns and digital initiatives, helping to coordinate cross-functional staff involvement. • Ensure donor recognition and stewardship strategies are executed effectively across all events and campaigns. General & Organizational • Develop internal systems and processes to manage grants, reporting, and donor communications efficiently. • Actively participate in internal meetings, retreats, and cross-team collaborations, contributing to a culture of learning and impact. • Support other projects and priorities as organizational strategy dictates.
Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities • Exceptional writing and storytelling ability, with capacity to translate data and impact into compelling narratives. • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with donors, partners, legislators, and colleagues. • Familiarity with Jacksonville’s philanthropic, civic, and political landscape preferred. • Ability to maintain and respect the sensitive, private, and confidential nature of information related to grants, donors, advisors, and the organization. • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize deliverables and handle unanticipated demands and requests. • Excellent interpersonal skills, adaptability and a collaborative style with ability to engage colleagues at all levels. • Confidence to work internally and externally with various leaders, partners, staff and consultants to support the organization’s efforts. • Experience and comfort working with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Office applications, Teams), online communications tools (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and various web-based applications. Additional Qualifications • Clear commitment to the importance of providing a high-quality public education for all students in Jacksonville, particularly historically underserved student populations. • Ability to work effectively in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, deadline- and goal-driven organization. • Excitement and openness to continued learning and development. • Knowledge of Jacksonville is preferred but not required.
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, or related fields. • Proven experience with donor database/CRM systems (Salesforce, DonorPerfect, or similar). • Demonstrated success in grant writing and grant portfolio management. • Experience in donor communications, storytelling, or advocacy campaigns. • Experience engaging directly with donors, investors, legislators and public officials preferred.
How to Apply
Please apply on the career’s page of JPEF’s website https://www.jaxpef.org/about-us/careers