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Development Communications Manager Jobs in Rhode Island

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Development Communications Manager information

See Rhode Island salary details

$25K

$79.2K

$145K

How much do development communications manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for development communications manager in Rhode Island is $79,151.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $91,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Development Communications Manager typically collaborate with fundraising and program teams?

A Development Communications Manager works closely with fundraising teams to craft compelling donor communications, campaign materials, and impact reports that align with organizational goals. They also partner with program staff to gather stories, data, and updates that illustrate the real-world impact of fundraising efforts. This cross-functional collaboration ensures messaging is both authentic and effective, helping to engage donors and build long-term support. Regular meetings and ongoing communication with both teams are essential to stay aligned and responsive to evolving needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Communications Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Communications Manager, you need expertise in nonprofit fundraising, strategic communications, and content creation, often supported by a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems (like Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce), email marketing platforms, and analytics tools is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, project management, and relationship-building skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for effectively engaging donors, driving fundraising success, and advancing the organization's mission.

What is the difference between Development Communications Manager vs Communications Specialist?

AspectDevelopment Communications ManagerCommunications Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field; experience in nonprofit or development sectorsBachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field; entry-level to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, NGOs, or development agenciesVarious industries including corporate, nonprofit, or government
Employer & Industry UsageFundraising, donor engagement, and awareness campaignsMedia relations, content creation, and internal/external communications

The Development Communications Manager focuses on creating strategies to promote fundraising and donor engagement within nonprofit sectors, requiring specialized knowledge of development goals. In contrast, a Communications Specialist handles broader communication tasks across industries, often with less emphasis on fundraising. Both roles require strong communication skills, but the Development Communications Manager's role is more strategic and sector-specific.

What does a Development Communications Manager do?

A Development Communications Manager is responsible for creating and implementing communication strategies that support fundraising and development efforts within an organization, often a nonprofit. They craft compelling messages, manage donor communications, and produce materials such as newsletters, annual reports, and fundraising appeals. Their goal is to engage donors, increase awareness, and strengthen the organization's relationships with its supporters. They often collaborate with development, marketing, and leadership teams to ensure consistent messaging and effective outreach.
What are popular job titles related to Development Communications Manager jobs in Rhode Island? For Development Communications Manager jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Development Communications Manager job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,151 per year, or $38.1 per hour.
Sr Communications Officer - Philanthropy

Sr Communications Officer - Philanthropy

Brown University Health

Providence, RI

$67K - $111K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Brown University Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

493rd of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

SUMMARY The Sr. Communications Officer reports to the Director of Development Communications and Marketing (DevComm) and serves as a primary content partner for philanthropy-focused communications. The Development Communications and Marketing team is a specialized function within Development, supporting fundraising strategy through integrated communications and donor engagement.

This role is responsible for the development and execution of donor-facing content across multiple channels, including affiliate publications, direct marketing, events, and digital platforms. The Sr. Communications Officer leads story development, conducts interviews, and produces compelling narratives featuring patients, donors, clinicians, and hospital leadership to support fundraising priorities.

The Sr. Communications Officer functions as an integrated member of the Development team and serves as an embedded communications partner within assigned hospital development team(s), contributing to both strategy and execution to ensure alignment in messaging, tone, and fundraising priorities. In addition to core writing and content responsibilities, the Sr.

Communications Officer contributes to special projects as assigned, including support for multimedia and video production initiatives, and collaborates closely with DevComm colleagues and partners across communications and marketing functions. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers, and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done.

The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate RESPONSIBILITIES Leads the planning, development, writing, and editing of donor-focused content supporting hospital-specific fundraising initiatives, including events, direct marketing, web, and publications. Serves as an embedded communications partner within assigned hospital development team(s), contributing to strategy and execution as an extension of the team to ensure alignment in messaging, tone, and fundraising priorities. Researches and develops content through interviews with medical staff, hospital leadership, patients, and donors to produce compelling fundraising narratives.

Owns execution of content projects from concept through production, in alignment with established project work plans and timelines. Supervises, in conjunction with project management, the overall execution of development communications strategies and tactics, including photography when appropriate. Proactively collaborates with development colleagues and partners across marketing and communications functions, as well as clinicians and other internal stakeholders, to identify, shape, and advance compelling story ideas that support fundraising priorities and donor engagement.

Collaborates with DevComm colleagues to ensure consistency in messaging, voice, and strategic direction across all development marketing and communication materials. In assigned areas, may serve as the primary lead for media relations and public relations efforts in coordination with internal PR partners, including developing messaging, preparing media materials, and supporting media engagement to advance fundraising initiatives, events, and patient stories. Contributes to multimedia storytelling efforts, including content development support for video and other digital formats as needed.

Gathers feedback from stakeholders to assess effectiveness of communications and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Provides staff support for special events, donor dedications, etc., as requested. Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BASIC KNOWLEDGE: Bachelor's degree in English, Communications or related field or equivalent professional experience in similar field will be considered in lieu of degree. EXPERIENCE: Five years or more experience in a staff level organizational communications position, including experience with communications planning including media iteration, writing and editing to include feature writing, preferably gained in a health care development environment. Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and photo editing software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed in a typical office environment requiring extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking. INDEPENDENT ACTION: Incumbent functions independently within the department's policies and procedures. Refers specific complex issues to director when clarification of policies and procedures is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY None Pay Range $67,724.80 - $111,716.80 Location Corporate Headquarters - 15 LaSalle Square Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Work Type M-F 8-5pm Work Shift Day Daily Hours 8 hours Driving Required No Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Apply


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