Donor Communications Manager

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. 

Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, Donor Communications Manager is a skilled writer and storyteller who creates compelling donor-facing content that deepens engagement, inspires generosity, and advances KIND’s mission. This is a managerial-level position that plays a central role within the Development department, working in close collaboration with the Communications department to ensure that all fundraising content is on message, on brand, and aligned with KIND’s strategic priorities.

The Manager brings a sophisticated understanding of donor audiences—from first-time supporters to major philanthropists—and tailors written communications accordingly. The incumbent is a vigilant observer of the current climate for KIND’s work and brings both sensitivity and strategic acumen to how that work is framed and communicated to supporters. They are equally comfortable drafting an emotionally resonant stewardship letter, distilling a complex policy moment into accessible donor language, or crafting a high-touch proposal for a mid- or major-level prospect.

This is a remote position based from any location in the U.S.

It is contingent upon continued funding.

Donor Content Creation and Writing

Serves as a primary writer for a broad range of donor-facing materials, including solicitation letters, stewardship reports, impact updates, proposals, acknowledgment letters, newsletter content, and other cultivation and engagement communications.

Writes for a spectrum of donor audiences, adapting tone, complexity, and narrative approach for annual fund supporters, mid-level donors, major gift prospects, and planned giving audiences.

Partners with Communications to identify compelling stories to share with donors that humanize KIND’s work, highlight impact, and speak to the organization’s programmatic priorities without compromising the dignity or safety of individuals served.

Drafts correspondence and briefing materials on behalf of senior Development staff and organizational leadership for use in donor meetings, events, and high-priority communications.

Produces timely and responsive content that reflects an accurate understanding of KIND’s current programs, policy landscape, and the evolving context in which the organization operates.

Brand Alignment and Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Partners closely with the Communications department to ensure all Development content is consistent with KIND’s brand voice, messaging framework, and style guidelines.

Maintains an ongoing, proactive working relationship with Communications colleagues to stay current on organizational messaging priorities, active campaigns, and any shifts in language or framing required by the current environment.

Participates in cross-departmental content planning to align fundraising narratives with broader organizational communications strategies.

Supports the Development team in auditing and refreshing donor content to ensure materials remain current, accurate, and reflective of evolving organizational priorities.

Strategic and Climate-Aware Messaging

Monitors the political, legal, and media landscape relevant to immigration, child protection, and humanitarian issues to help inform how KIND’s fundraising communications are framed.

Adapts messaging strategies as needed in response to shifting public discourse, policy developments, or organizational priorities, ensuring donor communications remain credible, sensitive, and strategically sound.

Supports the Development team in crafting rapid-response donor communications when significant news or policy developments affect KIND’s mission or donor community.

Project and Content Management

Manages multiple writing projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines while maintaining consistently high standards for quality, accuracy, and editorial polish.

Develops and maintains a content calendar for donor communications in coordination with the Vice President of Development and other members of the Development team.

Proofreads, edits, and provides substantive feedback on content drafted by Development colleagues, ensuring consistency in voice, tone, and adherence to KIND’s style guidelines.

Maintains organized archives of donor materials, boilerplate language, approved program descriptions, and key messaging documents to support team-wide content efficiency.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, English, nonprofit management, or a related field; equivalent professional experience will be considered.

Minimum five (5) years of professional writing experience, with at least two (2) years in a fundraising, development, or advocacy communications context.

Exceptional writing skills across a range of formats and audiences; demonstrated ability to write with clarity, emotion, and precision in both long-form and short-form contexts.

Demonstrated experience tailoring written communications for distinct donor audiences, including annual fund, mid-level, and major gift donors.

Strong understanding of, or keen interest in, U.S. immigration policy, child protection, and the humanitarian issues central to KIND’s mission.

Ability to translate complex programmatic and policy content into compelling, accessible donor language.

A vigilant awareness of the current political and social climate for KIND’s work and a demonstrated ability to adjust messaging with sensitivity and strategic care.

Experience collaborating with communications or marketing teams to ensure brand consistency and message alignment.

Familiarity with KIND’s style and brand guidelines, or demonstrated experience working within established organizational style frameworks.

Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, remote environment.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred) and familiarity with digital email platforms a plus.

Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment; ability to prioritize tasks and delegate as appropriate.

Ability to multitask and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance. 

Experience working and communicating in a remote environment preferred but not required.

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with KIND paying 100% of the employee only portion of the premium for one of the three medical plan options, dental, and vision. 

- Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for both medical and dependent care.  

- Pre-tax transit and parking spending account.  

- Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.  

- Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance.  

For a complete list of benefits, please click here. 

KIND recognizes that our ability to help our clients starts with helping our team members. KIND has prioritized wellness for employees through Mindfulness and Wellness Trainings, Wellness Platforms, Employee Assistance and Resilience Programs, Time Away and Office Wellness Activities. 

For more information regarding our Wellness initiatives please visit this link.  

To be considered for this role, please submit an employment application at supportkind.org/join-the-team, along with your resume and cover letter.