External Affairs Manager
Who We Are
Murmuration is a nonprofit organization that amplifies the power of civic engagement by providing data, digital tools, and research-driven insights to community-focused organizations so that together we can create an America where everyone can lead healthy, free, and dignified lives.
Every day, people are trying to shape our future for the better. Fighting for water that’s safe to drink. Schools that serve students equitably. Gun laws that make sense. And rallying people who care like we do. And yet too often the skillful organizers working to mobilize communities lack access to technology that could supercharge their efforts. Knocking on every door instead of knowing which will open most easily. And going up against outside interests that have half the heart, but twice the tools.
In communities across America, Murmuration’s partners are leveraging our data, tools, and insights to help thousands of organizers orchestrate millions of individual people to do big things together. Demand big things together. To create the world they want. Together.
About the Position
The External Affairs Manager will support a dynamic and growing body of work related to creative partnerships and philanthropic opportunities that promote investment in targeted areas of Murmuration’s work. Reporting to the VP of External Affairs, the person in this role will be self-sufficient, proactive, motivated, and detail-oriented, with an understanding of and interest in fundraising and storytelling. As a member of the External Affairs team, the External Affairs manager will play a critical role in telling Murmuration’s story through proposals, grant reports, marketing collateral, pitch decks, and other means, and help position Murmuration’s brand to the world. The External Affairs Manager candidate should have a keen eye for design, an interest in impact-focused work, and the ability to bring strategy to life.
Note: At Murmuration, we are committed to becoming an even more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. To this end, all staff members are expected to actively participate in DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging) programming.
What You’ll Do:
Work with the VP of External Affairs to develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising plan for the organization that drives revenue growth and long-term financial sustainability;
Research, draft, and edit compelling proposals, one-pagers, and other fundraising materials and track and document submissions;
Research prospects and donors, prepare briefing materials for meetings, and coordinate all follow-ups to steward relationships;
Develop grant reports and other donor communications, as needed, and regularly collect and package relevant impact stories;
Develop brand-aligned marketing materials in collaboration with the Communications Team, including one-pagers, pitch decks, etc. for prospects, donors, and other strategic partnerships;
Help position the Murmuration brand and ensure brand compliance across materials;
Assist with planning and executing special events and projects, as needed, including the organization’s ongoing rebranding efforts; and
Create consistency and efficiency in the team’s data collection, metrics tracking, administrative needs, and reporting requirements.
Talented External Affairs Managers come from all walks of life and career. If you are passionate about civic engagement and technology, please apply, even if you do not check every box!
What You Should Have
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex ideas in a compelling, digestible way.
Experience proofreading and copyediting.
Experience developing materials from conception through execution for a variety of audiences.
Strong skills in grant writing and/or proposal development.
High degree of organization, a knack for being detail-oriented, and an ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Self-motivation and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Strong understanding of how to bring copy to life via design.
A background in development at nonprofits, marketing, or investor relations.
An interest in civic engagement, democratic participation, community organizing, etc.
What You Could Have
A background in journalism, creative writing, PR, copywriting, and/or storytelling.
Experience in event planning, public programming, and/or brand activation initiatives.
Location and Compensation
The External Affairs Manager is a full-time, salaried position with a comprehensive benefits package (more detail below). It is based anywhere in the U.S. The salary range for this position is $70,000-$110,000 and is commensurate with experience.
Our Culture of Care
We work hard to create a culture of care to ensure that our staff are best equipped to lead happy, healthy, and balanced lives. To that end, we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes:
Health, vision, and dental insurance with 100% of premiums covered for you and qualifying family members;
Retirement benefits with a 4% employer match;
A flexible unlimited PTO plan;
Generous paid parental leave;
Pre-tax commuter benefits;
A company laptop;
A flexible remote work environment;
A home office setup stipend for all new employees;
Monthly reimbursement for remote work expenses;
A yearly professional development fund;
Mental health and wellness benefits through Calm and Better Help; and
Yearly in-person staff retreats; and
A welcoming culture that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion.
An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity
Murmuration is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation and national origin. We reasonably accommodate staff members and/or applicants with disabilities, provided they are otherwise able to perform the essential functions of the job