Job Description
Job Title: Development and Communications Specialist
Department: Development and Donor Connections
Reports To: Director of Development
FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Position
Landing Page: https://cooksonhills.org/employment
The Opportunity
Cookson Hills is excited to announce an opening for a Development & Communications Specialist to join our Development & Donor Connections (DDC) team. This role is part of the Development team and plays a key role in advancing the mission by connecting strong storytelling with intentional donor engagement.
We are looking for a highly motivated, mission-minded individual who is both relational and strategic. The successful candidate should be able to communicate the impact of the ministry in a compelling way while also actively supporting fundraising efforts. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of storytelling, donor relationships, and mission advancement.
Our Culture & Ministry Environment
Since 2019, Cookson Hills has been recognized by Best Christian Workplaces for its commitment to a healthy, Christ-honoring culture. Joining the team means stepping into more than a job, it’s becoming part of a mission-driven community. Every role contributes directly to providing home, school, and therapy for at-risk children. The work is deeply relational, offering regular opportunities to connect with students, houseparents, and staff in meaningful ways. Team members collaborate closely across departments to ensure clear, mission-aligned communication and strong donor engagement. As the Development team continues to grow, there are also ongoing opportunities to develop skills in strategy and deepen impact in donor relationships.
Candidate Requirements
The ideal candidate must be Kingdom-minded, with a passion for ministry and a desire to connect people to the mission of Cookson Hills through both communication and relationship-building. The successful candidate will demonstrate a teachable spirit, a can-do attitude, and the ability to remain gracious and flexible in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
- The ideal candidate demonstrates an active Christian faith aligned with Cookson Hills’ Statement of Faith and Lifestyle Agreement. They are a strong communicator and storyteller, able to clearly and compellingly share the mission across multiple platforms. They are relationally driven, comfortable engaging with donors, guests, and ministry partners in both group and one-on-one settings, and are proficient with tools like Google Workspace and CRM systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Support donor engagement and relationship-building efforts
- Assist with fundraising initiatives and campaigns
- Develop and share content that communicates mission and impact
- Help manage digital communications and online presence
- Assist with planning and executing events and engagement opportunities
- Support grant writing and research efforts
- Provide administrative and operational support to the Development team
- Collaborate with team members and support additional duties as needed
How to Apply
If you are passionate about ministry, gifted in communication, and energized by building relationships that advance a mission, we would love to hear from you.