Communications and Grants Associate

Organization Overview

PathForward is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering adults experiencing homelessness in Arlington County. We provide services that offer stability, housing, medical care, and comprehensive support, transforming the lives of our community's most vulnerable members. At PathForward, you'll join a passionate team driven by innovation and impact.

Position Summary:

Are you a passionate storyteller with a knack for crafting impactful messaging that drives engagement and inspires action? PathForward is seeking a dynamic Communications and Grants Associate (CGA) to amplify our mission of transforming lives. Reporting to the Director of Development, the CGA supports PathForward's mission by delivering excellent work across communication and fundraising functions. This position is responsible for the successful development, planning, and execution of communication content and distribution related to branding, digital marketing, social media, media relations, publications, donor messaging, and event promotion. Additionally, the CGA strengthens fundraising efforts by writing compelling grant applications, creating donor stewardship materials, and designing volunteer recognition content. The CGA collaborates across departments to ensure consistent branding and messaging, represents PathForward at community and program events, and plays a key role in building awareness and support for our mission. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, results-oriented professional to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

How to Apply:

To be considered, ALL applicants must submit both a cover letter and resume. Applications without these documents will not be accepted. Visit our website to view current openings and apply at https://shorturl.at/lqmxA. If you have any questions, please reach out to HR@pfva.org. No phone calls or other inquiries will be accepted.

Key Responsibilities

Communications
• Under the direction of the Director of Development, create and implement an annual communications plan and calendar.
• Ensure all programs, services, and other organizational offerings conform to brand identity.
• Implement marketing strategies to build brand awareness, increase visibility, and support fundraising and volunteer engagement goals.
• Responsible for creating, distributing, and managing PathForward's digital and print communications tools including:

o Social Media - Plan and execute impactful and action-oriented content that is on-brand and optimized per channel for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to drive audience engagement and grow followers. Manage and recommend social media advertising within budget. Track and report monthly impact and reach metrics.

o Web - Maintain, update, and create new content for PathForward's website. Monitor, interpret, and report metrics on website visitation behavior and trends, and recommend strategies for increasing traffic.

o Email Marketing - Create and produce newsletter and other marketing emails. Identify compelling content and timely stories to grow subscribers, maintain existing followers, and ensure a high open rate. Track and report monthly results.

o Marketing Collateral and Publications - Coordinate editorial planning, creation, copywriting and proof marketing and promotional materials and products.

o Events - create sponsorship packages and deliver all commitments to annual partners and event sponsors. Manage event publicity and promotion.

o Volunteers - Support timely communication efforts and promote activities (e.g., Bagged Meal Program, food service) through digital and print communication
• Evaluate the organization's communications, marketing, and activities to meet/exceed goals/objectives through analytics and implement recommendations for improvement.
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant press and media.
• Collaborate with all departments to identify internal and external communications needs and effectively tell our story in a compelling and respectful manner.
• Manage and capture photography for distribution, promotion and communications efforts

Grants/Fundraising Development
• Draft content for grant applications
• Create a central repository of data and grant responses that enables PathForward staff and leadership to submit meaningful and thorough applications
• Research and identify funding opportunities
• Create fundraising content (e.g., mailed and electronic appeals) and oversee online fundraising campaigns (e.g., special days of giving).

General
• Be an internal and external ambassador, engaging and fostering relationships.
• Serve as an initial point of contact for general inquiries.
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Qualifications and Skills
• Dedication to PathForward's mission, programs, and clients, with a strong desire to operate under PathForward's values.
• Ability to create impactful material and messaging needed to exceed annual fundraising and volunteer goals.
• Excellent verbal, written, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage staff, donors, and volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
• Have a strong sense of teamwork with the agility to work across different departments.
• Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple projects simultaneously while managing tight deadlines.
• Ability to respond and operate strategically and effectively in a fast-past environment with a high level of professionalism.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Highly motivated self-starter with demonstrated ability to generate ideas, take initiative and execute tasks.
• Proven knowledge of and experience with effective marketing and communications strategies and industry trends.
• Ability to handle confidential materials with the utmost discretion.

Experience and Education Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in communications or related field, or equivalent experience in the field required.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in communications and fundraising/grant writing, preferably in a nonprofit organization
• Experience with grant writing and fundraising content development preferred
• Advanced computer skills with strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, InDesign, Constant Contact, Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, Publisher, Hootsuite, or WordPress.
• Familiarity with donor or constituent management applications such as DonorPerfect preferred, but not required.

Physical Requirements:
• A valid and current driver's license is required to fulfill the responsibilities of this role.
• Ability to vary work hours to accommodate "before, after and weekend hour" needs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Works primarily in a sedentary environment, utilizing various means of technology.
• Occasionally required to lift to 25 lbs.