The Opportunity
The Foundations Communications Manager exists to provide communication strategy and support for the Foundations Department, including Grants Administration (60%), the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative (DVULI) (40%), and occasionally other Foundation programs or initiatives. The Communications Manager will be skilled at finding and writing stories, demonstrate strong editing skills, and be a team player capable of multitasking. Position reports to the Director, Foundation Administration, with a dotted line to the DVULI Director of Communications.

Culture and Work Environment
The Foundations and Philanthropy team at RDV Corporation has a culture of collaboration, compassion, and providing outstanding service to our foundation trustees, program participants, and communities where we serve.

As an employee of RDV Corporation, you will experience a workplace that is founded on the respect and well-being of others – our employees, their families, and the families that we serve. Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, we are a team of highly competent professionals who are gracious and trustworthy.

Duties and Responsibilities
Grants Administration

• In cooperation with other Foundation team members, complete due diligence and summary write-ups for specified grant requests. This may include ensuring completeness of the information submitted, contacting representatives of requesting organizations to clarify request, or exploring the appropriateness of funding.

• Research and review grant proposals by gathering information, making site visits, and analyzing information; developing analyses of grant requests.

• Responsible for oversight and creation of Foundations Annual Reports.

Find and Generate Stories

• Identify and create stories relevant to the Foundations and DVULI in written and other formats (digital media, print media, photography, presentations, copywriting, audio, etc.).

• Develop annual communication strategy and media plan. Manage creative projects throughout the year, execute content development and publish to plan deadlines.

• Generate concise executive summary documents that accurately portray key points.

• Edit material for grammar, consistency, mechanics, clarity, context, and voice.

• Write stories and create materials that speak to and resonate with a range of audiences including individual foundation trustees, program participants, urban youth workers, and grant seekers.

DVULI

• Coordinate and create written and graphic content for primary DVULI media platforms: weekly social media posts, monthly online e-blast, quarterly print newsletter, and website.

• Proofreading and editing of any of the above written content when submitted by contributing writers.

• Fully manage the above print and online projects from inception to final product.

• Contribute to occasional branding and creative elements of the DVULI communication team needs.

Website and Social Media

• Regularly identify, create and update content on websites and social media platforms.

• Support program staff and manage vendors responsible for website maintenance and design.

Other Responsibilities

• Develop content for news media as needed.

• Occasionally support Community Initiatives and other Foundation programs with editing, writing and communication projects.

• Maintain archives of communications and media content.

• Other duties as assigned.