Job Title: Storytelling & Impact Communications Manager
Department: Development
Reports to: Director of Development
Status: Full-time, Salaried (Exempt)
Location: RMHC (position requires occasional nights and weekends)
Job Purpose
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin (RMHC) is a premier Wisconsin nonprofit committed to keeping families together and promoting the health and well-being of children. Guided by core values of communication, creating connections, community, and compassionate care, RMHC serves families, engages supporters, and inspires those who believe in our mission.
The Storytelling & Impact Communications Manager plays a central role in advancing RMHC’s mission by capturing, developing, and sharing authentic stories that communicate the organization’s values, impact, and purpose. This role centers the lived experiences of families, donors, volunteers, and staff to deepen emotional connection, strengthen donor stewardship, and inspire engagement across all audiences and platforms.
Through thoughtful storytelling, the Storytelling & Impact Communications Manager translates moments of impact into compelling, mission-centered narratives that are shared across fundraising events, digital campaigns, direct mail, stewardship communications, and web and social platforms. Working collaboratively with development, events, and program teams, this position ensures storytelling is integrated into all fundraising and “friend‑raising” efforts—from campaign planning and content calendars to post-event follow-up and donor recognition.
Responsibilities
Storytelling & Content Development
- Identify and develop compelling stories that highlight mission, impact, and community support (families, volunteers, partners, staff).
- Conduct story gathering (interviews, note-taking, photo/video selection) while ensuring appropriate permissions and sensitivity.
- Ensure all communications align with RMHC brand standards, voice, and values.
- Collaborate across departments to surface stories and align messaging with organizational priorities.
- Write clear, inspiring copy for multi-channel use—short-form (social) and long-form (web/print/email).
Brand & Cross-Team Collaboration
- Ensure brand consistency, tone, and accessibility across all communications.
- Collaborate across Development, Programs, and Leadership to understand priorities, surface stories, and align messaging.
- Work with external vendors/partners (printers, photographers, designers, digital vendors) as assigned.
Stewardship Communications & Donor Experience Support
- Develop donor-centered stewardship content such as impact updates, donor spotlights, gratitude messaging, sponsor thank-you content, and campaign wrap-ups.
- Support the stewardship plan through coordinated touchpoints across email, print, web, and social.
- Ensure donor recognition is accurate and timely across relevant channels (digital acknowledgements, event recognition, web listings, and printed materials).
- Maintain reusable stewardship assets (impact stories, quotes, photo library, messaging blocks) for consistent storytelling.
Website & Social Media Management
- Create, update, and maintain website content (landing pages, event pages, donation/impact content, news/updates, calls-to-action).
- Manage organic social media content planning and publishing (platform-appropriate storytelling, program highlights, donor/volunteer recognition, event promotion).
- Support consistent, mission-focused storytelling that highlights families served, volunteers, donors, and community partners. (Draft and schedule posts, write captions, create lightweight graphics, and coordinate approvals.)
- Monitor engagement and route inquiries appropriately according to organizational guidelines.
Event Marketing & Communications Support
- Partner with event leads to develop and execute marketing and communications plans for fundraising and friend-raising events (timelines, assets, promotions, and post-event follow-up).
- Create event-related collateral and messaging across channels (web pages, registration copy, email, social media, signage, day-of materials, and sponsor recognition).
- Coordinate photography/video capture needs and ensure consistent brand presentation across event touchpoints.
- Ensure brand consistency and accurate messaging across all event touchpoints.
Digital Marketing (Email + Campaigns + Analytics)
- Build and deploy email marketing campaigns (appeals, invitations, stewardship touches, updates), including segmentation support and A/B testing as appropriate.
- Maintain a consistent content calendar aligned with campaign priorities, event milestones, and stewardship touchpoints.
- Track and report key performance indicators (email engagement, web traffic, social performance, campaign results) and recommend optimizations.
- Coordinate with database/development staff for accurate lists, tracking, and attribution.
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Direct Mail Production & Coordination
- Support the planning and execution of direct mail appeals, invitations, and stewardship pieces (copy drafts, proofs, data coordination, print/mail vendor timelines).
- Manage production schedules and collaborate across teams to ensure accurate messaging, branding, and deadlines.
- Assist with versioning/personalization logistics (e.g., segmented asks, tailored stewardship language) in partnership with database staff.
Core Competencies
- Professionalism: Represents the organization with dignity and consistency across all channels and external interactions.
- Collaboration: Works effectively across departments and with partners to meet goals and deadlines.
- Communication: Strong writing/editing skills; produces accurate, donor-centered messaging.
- Storytelling: Crafts mission-driven stories that resonate with donors and stakeholders.
- Project Management: Manages multiple deadlines, stakeholders, and production schedules with strong attention to detail.
- Data-Informed Marketing: Uses metrics to improve engagement and performance.
Qualifications
Required
- Experience in nonprofit communications, storytelling, journalism, or related field.
- Demonstrated strength in narrative writing and interviewing.
- Experience creating content for digital and print platforms.
- Ability to work with emotionally sensitive subject matter with professionalism and care.
- Demonstrated experience supporting marketing, communications, or development communications (digital and/or print).
- Experience updating website content (CMS) and publishing social media content.
- Proficiency with common marketing tools (email marketing platforms, content scheduling, basic design tools, analytics).
- High attention to detail for proofing, version control, and production readiness.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Preferred
- Nonprofit experience and familiarity with donor stewardship communications.
- Experience in donor stewardship or fundraising communications.
- Familiarity with trauma-informed storytelling practices.
- Direct mail coordination experience (print specs, mail house processes, segmentation support).
- Basic graphic design skills (Canva/Adobe) and comfort working with brand standards.
- Familiarity with SEO best practices and Google Analytics.
- Photography/video coordination and asset management experience.
Email Resume and Cover letter by Friday, April 24 to clockrem@rmhc-easternwi.org