Development and Communications Coordinator

At Summer Search, we believe in 'No Ceilings' and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the United States, students from underserved communities – disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation – face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential. Since 1990, Summer Search has partnered with young people during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities, professional mentoring, and a community of support. Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, break new ground for their families and communities, and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose. THE OPPORTUNITY Summer Search National is seeking a part-time Development and Communications Coordinator to support national fundraising, communications, and events across our five sites. This role supports development, communications, and events through a mix of project coordination, donor and event data management, and administrative support. You’ll help strengthen donor stewardship, bring our mission to life through compelling storytelling, and contribute to successful fundraising efforts—an excellent opportunity for a development professional to build skills across development, communications, and events. The Development and Communications Coordinator will report to the Director of Marketing and Development and will collaborate closely with the Donor Communications & Events Manager. This is a part time (50%) role with a three day schedule and an 75 hour per week schedule. WHAT YOU’LL DO Responsibilities will ebb and flow throughout the year based on events, fundraising, and communications cycles. Approximate allocation of time includes: Supporting development and donor engagement activities for major gifts (35%) by: Drafting thank you notes, preparing donor materials, and supporting stewardship activities. Providing coordination and administrative support for the national major gifts pipeline, including maintaining prospect tracking, coordinating next steps, and helping ensure timely follow-up. Maintaining accurate donor and prospect records in Raiser’s Edge, including timely entry of notes, interactions, and other relevant information. Elevating our brand and mission to external audiences (30%) by: Assisting with content collection, including student stories, photos, testimonials, and program highlights, in collaboration with program staff. Creating and customizing polished, on-brand communications and collateral using Canva, with a strong eye for visual presentation and consistency. Customizing branded content across communications channels and supporting social media posting (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.). Track key performance indicators across email, social media, and Google Ads, and lead quarterly analysis to identify trends, evaluate performance, and inform future communications efforts. Lead on website updates and digital asset management. Supporting strong event execution and communications (30%) through: Coordinating event workplans, timelines, and follow-up to help ensure key tasks and deliverables stay on track. Customizing templated event collateral and materials, including invitations, signage, programs, and other event materials. Executing customized event communications, including invitations, reminders, and post-event follow-ups. Providing coordination and execution support to the Donor Communications & Events Manager throughout the event planning process. Coordinating regular MarComms/events check-ins, including preparing agendas, tracking next steps, and following up on action items. Supporting development and marketing/communications priorities (5%) by: Collaborating with development and marketing colleagues on shared initiatives and projects. Providing additional coordination and execution support as priorities and needs evolve. WHO YOU ARE The National Development and Communications Coordinator calls for an organized and detail-oriented project manager with strong writing and communications skills. Specifically, this hire will bring: EXPERIENCE: At least 2 years of non-profit development experience inclusive of donor communications or social media management. PROJECT MANAGEMENT: You take initiative to create systems and structures to achieve goals and objectives. You succeed at managing multiple workstreams with competing deadlines and motivating, coordinating, and directing others to stay on track. ADAPTABILITY: You tackle challenges and unfamiliar scenarios head-on with a solutions-oriented, flexible, and curious approach. You are willing to try new things and actively seek to understand multiple perspectives. ACCOUNTABILITY: You hold yourself and others responsible for processes, decisions, actions, and commitments to results to drive high quality outcomes. You're responsive to the needs of stakeholders and follow through on commitments. CRITICAL CONCIOUSNESS: You have an understanding of the root causes of societal discrimination and injustices and are self-reflective about your own privilege and positional power. You apply critical thinking and take action toward liberatory and inclusive practices. TECHNOLOGY SKILLS: Experience with Donor Moves Management System, Canva, and social media platforms. Raiser’s Edge NXT and Adobe Suite experience a plus. In addition, all Summer Search staff bring a commitment to our mission of igniting students’ potential through mentoring and transformative experiences, as well as the ability to thrive in an environment that values excellence, gratitude, well-being, diversity, authenticity, and collaboration. LOCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS This is a remote role with the option to work in person at one of our site offices. New hires are expected to work 3 days per week (Tue-Thu) during standard business hours (10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.). New hires must also reside in California, Washington, Pennsylvania, New York, or Massachusetts by their start date.