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Development Communications Manager Jobs in Portland, OR

Energy Trust of Oregon

Communications Manager

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$97K - $152K/yr

Under direction of the Marketing and Communications Lead, manage stakeholder-facing communications and manage staff responsible for the development and delivery of communication products for ...

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Development Communications Manager information

See Portland, OR salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$141K

How much do development communications manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for development communications manager in Portland, OR is $82,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $96,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Communications Manager?

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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Development Communications jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Development Communications jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Development Communications Manager jobs in Portland, OR?

For Development Communications Manager jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Development Communications Manager jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Communications Manager jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Development Communications Manager jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Development Communications Manager job openings:

Development Communications Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Communications Manager job openings in Portland, OR as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,124 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Director of Development & Communications

Portland, OR • On-site

Edison High School
See more jobs at Edison High Schoolexternal

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS

JOB SUMMARY:
As part of the Leadership team, the Director of Development & Communications will focus on the smooth operation of annual fundraising and communications for Edison High School. The brand of the Development and Communications Office is upbeat, positive, and reflects the Board and President’s objectives for the School. This position and its successful candidate will mirror that brand. The Director of Development and Communications will have a remarkable opportunity to build upon a record-breaking fundraising year and contribute to a defining moment in Edison’s history through the capital campaign.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
Annual Fund and Major Gift Fundraising:
  • Lead annual fund and major gift fundraising efforts, including donor identification, relationship management, personalized outreach, and gift solicitation.
  • Build and strengthen relationships with current, lapsed, and prospective donors—including parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends of Edison—through personal visits, events, and ongoing engagement.
  • Develop and execute strategies for annual fund and campaign giving, including direct mail, digital fundraising, and online giving initiatives.
  • Oversee timely and meaningful donor recognition and stewardship for annual fund, endowment, and campaign supporters, ensuring donors receive appropriate communication and acknowledgment.

Capital Campaign and Advancement Initiatives:
  • Support and help advance the capital campaign in collaboration with the President, Special Assistant to the President, and the Board Campaign Committee. 
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective and current campaign donors.
  • Oversee Planned Giving, Bright Minds Partnership, and President’s Club giving programs.
  • Oversee the Development and Communications Coordinator’s research of prospective grant funders and collaborate on the development and submission of targeted grant proposals.
  • Partner with special events team in the planning and production of the annual Brilliance Benefit.

Alumni and Community Relations:
  • Design, implement, and manage an effective Alumni Relations program.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with alumni, current and former parents, grandparents, donors, and friends of Edison.
  • Attend and actively participate in school gatherings, including Open House, Back to School Night, parent picnics, and other community events, to develop and strengthen relationships with donors and families.
  • Grow Edison’s participation in the Association of Learning Differences Schools.

Communications and Marketing:
  • Work with outside consultants and manage outside vendors to review current plans, strategies and initiatives.
  • In alignment with the strategic plan, develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-channel communications and marketing strategy.
  • Oversee and implement cohesive communications strategy for current and prospective families.
  • Manage and execute all external and major internal communications.
  • Manage media relations and oversee crisis communications.
  • Oversee the Development and Communications Coordinator in ensuring advancement objectives are effectively represented across the school’s website, social media channels, publications, and campaign communications.

Budget and Development Management:
  • Develop and oversee fundraising and communications budgets.
  • Provide strategic direction and oversight for fundraising and communications activities and initiatives.
  • Lead and coordinate the Development and Communications Coordinator’s efforts, in collaboration with members of the school community, to ensure alignment of development and communications priorities and objectives.

Other Duties as Assigned:
  • Collaborate with the President, Special Assistant to the President, Development and Communications Coordinator, special events team, and other school leaders to advance Edison’s fundraising, communications, and community engagement objectives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS and MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum of five years of professional experience in fundraising, communications, or a related field, with a demonstrated track record of success.
  • Experience with Raiser’s Edge or other donor database systems preferred.
  • Experience with donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and relationship management required.
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Essential Attributes:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to quickly establish, cultivate, and maintain meaningful relationships on behalf of Edison.
  • Positive, outgoing, and professional demeanor.
  • Strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and proactively manage multiple priorities and projects.
  • Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and a commitment to the mission and values of Edison.
  • Understanding of fundraising and sales principles, with the confidence and willingness to regularly engage with donors and prospects outside of the office.
  • Ability to represent Edison professionally and effectively with donors, families, alumni, community members, and other constituents.
 
Certificates and Clearances:
  • Criminal Justice Fingerprint and Background Clearance.

Reporting:
  • This position reports to the Principal of Edison High School.
  • This is a full-time, onsite position, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Regular travel throughout the local community for donor and constituent visits is expected.
  • Occasional evening and weekend work is required for school events, donor meetings, and fundraising activities.
  • Professional business attire is required.
  • Edison offers a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Salary range: $90,000-$100,000 contingent on experience. 

To Apply:
  • Please send cover letter, resume and references to Ashley Amato, Special Assistant to the President, at aamato@edisonhs.org.