Communication and Development Specialist (Fully Remote Organization) - American Montessori Society

The American Montessori Society (AMS) is the foremost advocate for quality Montessori education, an innovative, student-centered approach to learning. AMS sets the high professional standards that inform Montessori education as practiced in AMS-accredited schools and taught in AMS-affiliated teacher education programs. A not-for-profit membership organization, with more than 19,000 members world-wide, AMS is the hub of all things Montessori: an information center for its members, the media, and the public; a voice in the public policy arena; and a mobilizing force for the global Montessori community, through support services, accreditation, credentialing, and affiliation services, research, and professional development events and offerings. 

AMS is classified as a 501(c) (3) organization. 

• To Apply: Only applications complete with a resume and two relevant writing samples will be considered for review.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. We thank all applicants for their interest in our organization.
 

Communication & Development Specialist:

• Reports to: Communication & Development Manager and Executive Associate & Board Liaison
• Classification: Full Time (FTE 1.0); Non-Exempt
• Worksite: This is a remote position working in the Eastern Time Zone. Must be eligible to work and reside in the United States.
• Salary Range: $45,000 – $50,000
• Travel: 2 – 3 times year, including Annual Conference

We are seeking a highly motivated and passionate individual to join us as a Communication and Development Specialist. 

In this role, you will play a vital role in:

• Implementing effective communication strategies 
• Engaging community members
• Increasing public awareness of our work
• Supporting our fundraising efforts
• Developing donor relations
• Managing grant-related activities 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communication Work

• Writing and Editing
  • Write compelling original content for various platforms including the website, blog, magazine, social media, newsletters, press releases, donor communications, and annual reports
    • AMSHQ.org
    • Montessori Life magazine
    • Montessori Life blog
  • Copyedit various newsletters, reports, conference materials, webpages, etc. 
  • Collaborate with the marketing department to maintain an editorial calendar, ensuring consistent messaging and timely content delivery
• Design and Graphics
  • Create visually appealing and engaging multimedia content (e.g., images, videos) to enhance communication
• Community Engagement
  • Gather stories, testimonials, and impact data to showcase AMS's achievements and history
  • Build relationships with AMS members, donors, partners, and community members

Development Work

• Database Management & Administrative Work
  • Pull mailing lists for print mailings (including, but not limited to, donor reports, holiday mailings, and thank you cards) and e-mailings and update database for any mailings or emails that are returned
  • Support and maintain dashboard reporting on funds and giving communities
  • Schedule and manage the development committee tasks and projects. 
  • This can include, but not limited to, calling lists, sub-committee support in meetings and scheduling, providing assistance to committee members in setting up meetings, etc.
  • Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress, donor contributions, and annual appeal results
  • Other duties as assigned

• Donor Stewardship
  • Maintain strong communication with donors (regardless of amount) to support relationship building and future fundraising (including reaching out to donors with a personal call after donating)
  • Support and assist committee and staff with personal connections such as written thank yous and gifts
  • Research and identify grant opportunities and potential donors that align with AMS's mission and programs and maintain positive relationships with giving partners.
• Events
  • Support multiple online and in person events throughout the year, including a major fundraising gala
  • Provide assistance in communication (pre-event and post-event)
  • Support administrative details 
  • Other duties as assigned

The AMS Communication & Development Specialist is a mission-driven, self-starter with an understanding of nonprofit stewardship and development and a strong commitment to writing, storytelling, and copyediting. This person must be deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and antiracism; have strong organizational skills; and be able to complete multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with high attention to detail. 

• At least two years of related experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences
• Strong storytelling and content creation abilities, organizational skills, attention to detail, and creativity
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven team environment
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to handle issues with respect and positivity
• Comfort speaking with donors via phone call and email 
• Demonstrates initiative and problem-solving skills and includes perspective taking
• Passion for nonprofit work and for AMS's mission and commitment to making a difference in the community
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

The American Montessori Society is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, family responsibility, political affiliation or any other status protected by applicable laws.

No calls, please.