Marketing and Development Manager
Marketing and Development ManagerAre you seeking a professional position that makes a difference in the lives of young adults? Are YOU whom we are seeking to employ?
Thinks strategically, envisions growth and changeExperienced marketing and fundraising professionalEffectively uses public relations to optimize community presenceCultivates relationships with community partners, foundations, current and future donors
About The Horizons School
The Horizons School is a nonprofit postsecondary program dedicated to helping young adults with learning disabilities, autism, and other learning differences develop the skills necessary to live independently, pursue meaningful employment, and lead fulfilling lives.
We are seeking a creative, organized, and motivated Marketing & Development Manager to lead our marketing, communications, fundraising, and community engagement efforts.
Position Overview
The Marketing & Development Manager plays an important role in increasing awareness of The Horizons School, building supportive relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners, and supporting the school's continued growth.
This position oversees the school's marketing and communications strategy while managing fundraising initiatives, special events, donor stewardship, and digital outreach. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who enjoys both creative and strategic work, can manage multiple projects independently, and is comfortable representing the school in the community.
Roles and Responsibilities
Develop fundraising events, secure donor gifts and sponsorships, and build sustaining business relationships
Implement an annual fundraising strategy with measurable goals, event budgets, and timelines
This is a team-based position, including the expectation to effectively work with school staff and directors, businesses, community leaders, foundations, and new donors
Cultivate a program of annual and planned giving from new and current donors to sustain the organization
Maintain a database of donors for fundraising events, annual, and planned giving
Ensure donors receive timely communication, informative materials, and recognition tailored to their interests
Interact with donors in person, by phone, and through written and digital communication
Maintain a system of gift processing, acknowledgement, reporting, and receipting
Track performance and provide regular reports on progress toward revenue goals
Develop annual goals for public relations and marketing to enhance public awareness
Execute an innovative communications plan to share our brand, including social media and networking (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Effectively use print and digital media to promote the agency and recognize its staff, donors, and supporters
Maintain consistent brand awareness and messaging across all communication channels
Manage the school’s website, including content updates, search engine optimization (SEO), and general maintenance
Design marketing materials using tools such as Canva and Adobe Creative SuiteIdentify opportunities to improve donor engagement and public reach
Research grant opportunities and assist with grant applications and reporting
Collaborate with school staff, the executive director, board members, and volunteers to execute strategic plans for fundraising, marketing, and student recruitment
Evaluate event performance and recommend improvements for future events
Propose new activities and events to increase agency visibility and revenue
Maintain high standards of professional practice
Exercise sound judgment and maintain positive work relationships
Participate in school-wide meetings and events (staff education, school fundraisers, student registration and orientation, open house, commencement)
Periodic traveling with some evening and weekend work
Represent the school professionally with donors, board members, community partners, and others, sharing our mission, impact, and funding needs
Qualifications
Strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive innovation in development and fundraising
Excellent communication, presentation, and customer service skills with attention to detail
Verified project and time management skills
Ability to work autonomously and as a valued team member
Highly motivated, organized, displays sound judgment, and integrity
Demonstrated experience with fundraising events, planned giving, grants, and donor stewardship
Experience managing social media platforms and creating digital content
Proficiency with Canva, MS Office, website management platforms, and databases
History of working with nonprofit boards and staff is a plus!
Undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution with specialization in marketing, communications, or nonprofit management and fundraising. CFRE certification is a plus!
Knowledge of autism and learning differences is beneficial but not required
Flexibility in work hours and location. This position may require occasional evening work. 3 or more professional references that will attest to your work performance
Hold a valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance
Position SummaryJob Title: Marketing and Development ManagerLocation: Birmingham, AlabamaReports to: Executive DirectorEmployment Type: Full-timeAvailability: 2026 Fall
The Horizons School (https://horizonsschool.org) offers competitive wages and benefits, including paid leave and school holidays, employer-paid individual health plan, workers’ compensation and disability insurance, retirement plan, optional dental and vision plans, optional employee participation Premium Only Plan (POP), travel reimbursement, cell phone allowance, and professional development assistance.
The Horizons School is an equal opportunity program and does not discriminate against prospective or current students or employees according to gender, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disabilities, or veteran’s status pursuant to the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other applicable statutes.
Submit a resume and cover letter, work samples, plus full contact information for three professional references to: Dr. Brian Geiger, bgeiger@horizonsschool.org; Tel: 205 322 6606. Anticipated hire in November 2026.