Sr. Strategic Partnerships & Communication Manager

JOB OBJECTIVE:

This individual will help to drive Usona Institute’s mission by leading philanthropic initiatives, managing project and proposal development activities, and enhancing communications. This role will focus on expanding and managing donor relationships, creating innovative partnerships, and ensuring effective communication of Usona's mission through various platforms. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align efforts with Usona’s strategic goals, leveraging cross-functional expertise to advance organizational initiatives.

CORE DUTIES:

1. Lead Donor Engagement and Relationship Management: In collaboration with Usona leadership, expand donor relationships and fundraising potential, including cultivating relationships with foundations, individuals, and other partners. Develop customized engagement strategies and systems to ensure alignment with Usona's mission, ongoing donor satisfaction, and meaningful involvement.
2. Research and Cultivate Funding Opportunities: Conduct research to identify prospective partners, foundations, and funding opportunities. Assist in documenting new partnership models and strategies to support Usona's research and philanthropic initiatives.
3. Proposal Development and Grant Writing: Lead the preparation of compelling proposals, ensuring compliance and timely submission. Collaborate with research teams to identify funding needs, develop impactful proposals, and oversee the grant lifecycle. Prioritize grant applications to meet deadlines and align with high-impact initiatives.
4. Project Management for Philanthropic Activities: Plan and execute donor events, webinars, and meetings. Provide seamless coordination, engagement, and follow-ups, ensuring all initiatives align with Usona's mission and donor expectations. Manage timelines and deliverables for development projects.
5. Networking and Relationship Building: Expand donor relationships and broaden networks within related fields. Cultivate relationships with foundations, high-net-worth individuals, corporate partners, advocacy, policy, and other strategic contacts. Develop customized engagement strategies to ensure alignment with Usona's mission, ongoing donor satisfaction, and meaningful involvement.
6. Oversee CRM and Donor Data Management: Act as the primary CRM manager (currently Salesforce), optimizing data management, donor tracking, and exploring AI tools to enhance efficiency. Maintain clean, accurate data and collaborate across teams to ensure timely, impactful donor updates.
7. Support Development Strategy with Reporting and Communications: Track fundraising progress, manage donation acknowledgments and reporting requirements, and ensure compliance with IRS guidelines. Develop and distribute impact reports, newsletters, and progress updates to communicate the value of contributions to donors.
8. Content Management for Communication Platforms: Create and maintain content across Usona’s website, social media, blog posts, and philanthropic reports. Ensure that messaging is consistent and effectively conveys Usona's mission and impact to target audiences. Incorporate responsive messaging strategies and real-time communication for engaging with stakeholders dynamically.
9. Cross-Functional Collaboration for Messaging: Work with program and research teams to understand initiatives and develop targeted communication materials that convey Usona’s mission and impact clearly and compellingly. Collaborate effectively to ensure cross-departmental consistency in messaging and timely responses to external inquiries.
10. Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.
11. Embracing and being open to incorporating Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.
12. Understands and complies with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, communications, marketing, or a related field.
2. 7+ years of experience in project management, philanthropy, communications, or proposal development.
3. Strong project management, organizational, and multi-tasking skills.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a focus on relationship building.
5. Ability to work independently and as part of collaborative teams.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience working in a non-profit or research-based environment, especially within the mental health or life sciences sectors.
2. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (Salesforce), as well as a strong capacity for incorporating AI tools.
3. Donor relations experience, including cultivating relationships with foundations and high-net-worth individuals.
4. Experience with grant writing, managing partnerships, and coordinating philanthropic events.
5. Familiarity with additional communication tools (e.g., email marketing software, project management platforms for event planning).