Location: Arlington, Virginia/Hybrid Schedule
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full Time, Exempt

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DEADLINE TO APPLY

March 20, 2026

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ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Marshall Legacy Institute is a small nonprofit organization founded in 1997 to extend the vision and legacy of Nobel Peace Laureate General George C. Marshall by helping war-torn countries alleviate suffering, restore hope, promote social-economic growth and nurture stability.

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Our programs build local capacity in war-torn countries, both through humanitarian landmine action programs, as well as broader social impact programs that address economic and legal challenges, and provide unique, global educational opportunities.

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POSITION SUMMARY​

The Senior Manager, Development & Communications is responsible for leading the organization’s fundraising and external communications efforts to strengthen long-term financial sustainability. This role serves as the primary point of contact for private foundation and individual donors, manages grant writing and prospect research, and oversees public-facing communications including social media and digital content.

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This position is the lead staff member responsible for planning, organizing and executing the annual MLI Gala, our organization’s flagship fundraising event.

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We are looking for a strong writer with heavy attention to detail, a relationship builder, and strategic thinker who is passionate about advancing our mission, with experience managing special large-scale events.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for private foundation donors and individual donors

• Cultivate, steward, and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors

• Draft compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, donor reports, and acknowledgements

• Conduct grant research to identify new foundation, corporate, and individual funding opportunities

• Track fundraising activity and maintain accurate donor records.

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Communications & Public Engagement

• Lead the organization’s external communications strategy to support fundraising and visibility

• Manage social media accounts, including content planning, posting, and engagement

• Draft and edit public-facing content such as newsletters, website updates, impact stories, and program highlights

• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communications

• Collaborate with program staff to translate impact and outcomes into clear, compelling narratives

• Supervise and manage interns who support the organization’s communications and public engagement efforts to include social media, digital content, newsletters, and other communications tasks.

Annual Gala

• Develop and manage the Gala timeline, work plan and task tracking to ensure all deadlines are met

• Coordinate logistics including venue, vendors, program flow, guests and event-day execution

• Lead donor and sponsor engagement related to the Gala, including sponsorship outreach, benefits fulfillment and post-event communications

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, board members, and event volunteers to support fundraising goals and attendee engagement.

• Oversee Gala-related communications, including invitations, promotional materials, social media and follow up messaging

• Track event revenue and expenses and manage post-event reporting and donor acknowledgements

Strategy & Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Director to develop annual development and communications plans

• Support board members with fundraising and donor engagement efforts as needed

• Assist with planning and promoting fundraising campaigns or special events

• Monitor and report on fundraising and communications metrics to inform strategy

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, communications, or a related field

• 4–6+ years of experience in nonprofit development, with demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing and donor engagement

• Excellent writing and editing skills, particularly for grant proposals, donor communications and digital communications

• Experience managing fundraising events

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities independently

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with donor databases, graphic design platforms, and website development software

• Experience working with foundations and institutional funders

• Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising best practices

• Comfort working in a mission-driven, fast-paced environment

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $65,000 - $80,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. MLI offers excellent health and retirement plan benefits. Domestic and international travel opportunities may also be available.

HOW TO APPLY

Email a cover letter and resume to info@marshall-legacy.org by March 20, 2026.

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