ABOUT CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Established in 1923, Connecticut Community Foundation envisions an equitable, inclusive, just, and vibrant community in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills where all residents have what they need to thrive.

We work to achieve this vision by inspiring generosity, supporting organizations, and cultivating effective leaders. While serving this 21-town region, the Foundation provides leadership in addressing the community’s critical issues, strengthens local nonprofit organizations through grants and technical assistance programs, and works with individuals, families, nonprofit organizations, and corporations to administer more than 600 charitable funds.

 

Job Openings

Waterbury, CT

Reports to: President and CEO

 

WHO WE ARE:

Connecticut Community Foundation envisions an equitable, inclusive, just, and vibrant community in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills where all residents have what they need to thrive. Serving a 21-town region, the Foundation provides leadership in addressing the community’s critical issues, strengthens local nonprofit organizations through grants and technical assistance programs, and works with individuals, families, nonprofit organizations, and corporations to administer more than 600 charitable funds.

 

VALUES:

The Foundation strives to be open, strategic and fair as we seek to demonstrate integrity and commitment for the long term. We aim to be a welcoming partner that works to meet community needs by effectively transforming ideals into action. Values the Foundation embraces and practices include:

  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We welcome, invite, and commit resources toward the participation and well-being of all in our community.
  • Integrity and Transparency. We hold ourselves to high standards of ethics, service, stewardship, and accountability to our donors, partners, and community.
  • Courage and Purpose. We set ambitious goals, forge connections, and collaborate to address our community’s needs.
  • Thoughtful Leadership. We listen, learn, and evolve along with our community.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

As director of communications, you will report to the president and CEO and be a member of the management team. You will also work closely with personnel across all departments to convey the broad range of the Foundation’s work.

YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING:

  • Crafting and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy in coordination with other Foundation staff.
  • Supervising and mentoring a communications assistant.
  • In collaboration with the communications assistant, managing the Foundation’s website, social media accounts and broadcast email system, regularly creating compelling and accurate content and building the Foundation’s online community with a consistent voice.
  • In collaboration with other staff, identifying and telling stories that reflect the Foundation’s impact and that translate sometimes complex initiatives into accessible, compelling content that reflects our priorities and values.
  • In collaboration with the communications assistant and other staff, drafting and producing content for all print and digital publications and materials, including annual report, newsletters, press releases, social media posts, annual appeals, videos, advertisements and invitations.
  • Ensure that communications authentically reflect the Foundation’s commitment to racial equity and justice.
  • Procuring and coordinating the work of vendors (such as graphic designer, photographer, web developers, freelance writers, printing professionals) to manage major projects through completion.
  • Conducting and/or supervising regular public relations outreach, including building relationships with the media, keeping abreast of philanthropic news trends, pitching story ideas, drafting and sending press releases, acting as point person for all media contact and monitoring media coverage.
  • In coordination with Foundation staff, developing updated communications collateral, including brochures, website, social media posts and advertisements that serve development, programmatic, and brand purposes.
  • In coordination with the communications assistant and other staff, annually creating and executing an integrated communications marketing campaign for Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills, the Foundation’s annual 36-hour online giving event, and conducting all media outreach for the event.
  • Ensuring that the Foundation staff and board are familiar with key messages and branding and style guidelines, and are using them consistently and accurately.
  • Providing and/or overseeing communications support for the Foundation’s events, including development of print and/or digital invitations and coordinating photo, video, or media opportunities.
  • Maintaining a communications calendar to anticipate and meet deadlines for communications content and collateral.
  • Tracking and reporting on communications metrics to regularly assess and report about the effectiveness of communications strategies.
  • Effectively managing timelines and the communications and marketing budget.
  • Collaborating with Foundation staff to identify opportunities to communicate with the public about the Foundation’s initiatives, grants, scholarships, donor services, and other activities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We’re looking for a team player with:

  • A commitment to working in service to the community.
  • A belief that diversity, equity and inclusion bring value to the workplace.
  • A commitment to and nuanced understanding of the pursuit of racial equity.
  • The ability to lead and inspire.
  • A positive and flexible attitude.
  • A passion for telling stories.
  • A preference for working collaboratively to achieve shared goals and enhance programs and services.
  • A willingness to learn new skills.
  • An eagerness to stay abreast of developments and trends in professional communications and philanthropy; and
  • A commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher or equivalent experience in public relations, communications, or marketing, preferably in a the philanthropic, nonprofit, or social sectors.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in managing the development and implementation of strategic marketing and communications plans.
  • Penchant for listening and a preference for working collaboratively across differences to achieve shared goals and enhance programs and services.
  • Experience with and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, racial equity, and the tenets of trust-based philanthropy.
  • Experience working with a racial equity lens.
  • Qualities of cultural competency and humility.
  • Strong project management experience and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects at once and to prioritize and delegate work.
  • Ability to self-manage and work independently, but also collaboratively.
  • Strong supervision and mentoring skills.
  • Excellent writing and editing skills, particularly for storytelling.
  • Demonstrated ability to implement public relations strategies.
  • Substantial experience with social media, email marketing and content marketing strategies.
  • Proficiency in WordPress, troubleshooting website issues, and resolving theme and plugin-related issues.
  • Familiarity with email marketing systems.
  • Basic knowledge of Photoshop, Premier, InDesign and Adobe Illustrator strongly preferred.
  • Experience with Google Analytics and Google Grants a plus.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining close attention to detail.
  • Donor communications experience and knowledge of community philanthropy and local nonprofit organizations a plus.
  • Demonstrated qualities of integrity and discretion.
  • Bilingual preferred.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, open and collaborative environment.
  • Ability to balance long-term vision with daily tasks, and
  • A love of Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills and a strong desire to help foster an equitable and inclusive community throughout our 21-town region.

WHAT WE OFFER:

This is a full-time hybrid position. Employees are expected to work from Connecticut Community Foundation’s office in Waterbury, CT two days/week. The salary range for this position is $90,000 – $110,000 annually. Benefits include:

  • Dental Insurance.
  • Disability Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Flexible Spending Account.
  • Health Insurance.
  • Life Insurance.
  • Paid Time Off.
  • Parental Leave.
  • Retirement Plan with matching.
  • Tuition Reimbursement.

Additionally, we offer a team-oriented work environment, and opportunities to build skills, make creative contributions and develop professionally.

 

TO APPLY:

To apply, send a cover letter, résumé, and writing sample to Barbara Ryer, director of finance and administration, at jobs@conncf.org 

Waterbury, CT

Reports to: Vice President of Community Impact

 

WHO WE ARE:

Established in 1923, Connecticut Community Foundation fosters an equitable and inclusive community in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills by inspiring generosity, supporting organizations, and cultivating effective leaders. While serving this 21-town region, the Foundation provides leadership in addressing the community’s critical issues, strengthens local nonprofit organizations through grants and technical assistance programs, and works with individuals, families, nonprofit organizations, and corporations to administer more than 600 charitable funds.

VALUES:

The Foundation strives to be open, strategic and fair as we seek to demonstrate integrity and commitment for the long term. We aim to be a welcoming partner that works to meet community needs by effectively transforming ideals into action. Values the Foundation embraces and practices include:

  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We welcome, invite, and commit resources toward the participation and well-being of all in our community.
  • Integrity and Transparency. We hold ourselves to high standards of ethics, service, stewardship, and accountability to our donors, partners, and community.
  • Courage and Purpose. We set ambitious goals, forge connections, and collaborate to address our community’s needs.
  • Thoughtful Leadership. We listen, learn, and evolve along with our community.

THE BRASS PROGRAM:

BRASS (Bringing Resources to Action to Serve Seniors) is a city-wide initiative primarily funded by Connecticut Community Foundation and collectively operated by a coalition of local nonprofit and governmental partners that support older adults in the city of Waterbury. Launched in 2011 as a “senior center without walls,” the program regularly serves over 1,000 seniors each year through a strong network of providers that enable Waterbury’s older adults to connect, stay healthy, keep learning, contribute, and enjoy life.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

After 12 years in operation, BRASS is ready for a fresh perspective to enhance its overall vision and strategy and identify new ways of working. Reporting to the Vice President of Community Impact, the Program Director position is a new role that focus on enhancing the effectiveness of the network model, support partners in new and meaningful ways, and ensure the equitable delivery of high-quality services to Waterbury’s diverse population of older adults. Specifically, the Program Director will:

Provide strategic and operational leadership for the continued growth and evolution of BRASS.

  • Drive the mission, vision, and goals of the program, working closely with partners to ensure the program delivers high quality and culturally responsive programming across all BRASS sites.
  • Oversee all aspects of program management and operations, inclusive of contracts, vendors, evaluation, marketing, grant writing, and budget management.
  • In collaboration with BRASS sites, define, implement, and uphold quality standards in order to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery of programs.
  • Regularly assess the program’s mission fulfillment, impact, member satisfaction, and operational effectiveness through regular program evaluations.
  • Monitor research and trends in the field of gerontology and older adult services, with an emphasis on serving a racially and ethnically diverse community.
  • Prepare reports and documentation of the program for BRASS partners, the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and the Pathways Grant Committee.
  • Collaborate with and support relevant Foundation staff, as needed, with a particular emphasis on the work pertaining to older adults.
  • Ensure that program activities align with the Foundation’s mission, strategic plan, and overall goals, including a deep commitment to equity.

Grow, facilitate, and support a network of community partners.

  • In close collaboration with BRASS partners, co-design, codify, and coordinate key activities and offerings.
  • Create a culture of feedback and shared learning, leveraging partner feedback to innovate and enhance programming.
  • Build and sustain trusting relationships with diverse partners. Model and foster a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and cultural responsiveness.
  • Manage meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities with site partners.
  • Attend community events and regularly visit BRASS sites to engage with partners and participants.
  • Communicate with the public about the impact of the BRASS program, including advocating for BRASS with local and state leadership.
  • Ensure partners have the support and resources they need to deliver on their program commitments.
  • Hold a strong understanding of the communities and operational context of each BRASS site to identify needs and opportunities.

WHO YOU ARE:

  • You are a champion for Connecticut Community Foundation’s mission and values. You believe in fostering equitable and inclusive communities in which people have what they need to thrive. You succeed on a team that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, integrity and transparency, courage and purpose, and thoughtful leadership.
  • You are a nonprofit leader with demonstrated knowledge of services for older adults. You bring at least 8 years of experience in serving older adults or in the field of gerontology, with demonstrated success in a leadership role. Knowledge of benefits for older adults (e.g., Medicare, Social Security) and/or Waterbury community is a plus.
  • You are a “big picture” thinker with the ability to implement tactically. You take a hands-on approach to operationalizing strategies, setting priorities, and creating systems and processes that foster programmatic excellence and measurable impact. You build upon an organization’s past work and knowledge in order to incorporate learnings into new and fresh ways of thinking.
  • You are a collaborative people leader who leverages others’ strengths and promotes teamwork. You bring skill in guiding and facilitating others to a common goal, working across differences, and creating the conditions for groups to do their best work. You lead with intention and believe that multiple perspectives generate better outcomes.
  • You are an approachable relationship builder who communicates clearly and inspires trust. You are emotionally astute with a warm, energetic, and authentic personality that results in strong interpersonal connections with diverse sets of stakeholders. You are a deep listener and reflect an understanding of others’ perspectives in your interactions. You operate with the utmost integrity and sound judgment.
  • You are a well-organized “doer” and program manager. You have strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work under multiple deadlines. You bring familiarity with program management, including experience managing a program budget, grant writing or fundraising, and contracting with service providers and vendors.
  • You are an adaptable, agile, and resourceful colleague. You thrive in a philanthropic/funder environment with the ability to stay focused and nimble in the face of growth and change. You have a learner’s mindset with a willingness to try new things.
  • You are a catalyst for diversity, equity, and inclusion in philanthropic work. You possess humility and are committed to trust-based philanthropy and redistributing power – systemically, organizationally, and interpersonally – in service of fostering a more equitable community. You have experience working with a racial equity lens that honors the lived experiences and perspectives of racially diverse communities.

The following skill is strongly preferred:

  • Spanish language proficiency.

LOCATION, SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This is a full-time hybrid position. Employees are expected to work from Connecticut Community Foundation’s office in Waterbury, CT two days/week. The salary range for this position is $95,000 – $115,000. Benefits include:

  • Dental Insurance.
  • Disability Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Flexible Spending Account.
  • Health Insurance.
  • Life Insurance.
  • Paid Time Off.
  • Parental Leave.
  • Retirement Plan with matching.
  • Tuition Reimbursement.

Additionally, we offer a team-oriented work environment, opportunities to build skills, make creative contributions and develop professionally.

TO APPLY:

If this opportunity calls out to you, please apply here with 1) your resume and 2) a targeted cover letter that explains your interest in this position and Connecticut Community Foundation. Please address your cover letter to Wanda Correa, Vice President, Community Impact. We review applications on a rolling basis and strive to get back to applicants within two weeks.