growth & relationship manager


ABOUT THE POSITION

We are seeking a dynamic and highly organized Growth and Relationship Manager to lead Drive Change’s storytelling, branding, and external engagement efforts. This role is ideal for someone who is both a skilled writer and strategic communicator, with the ability to create compelling content and manage memorable events that deepen relationships with stakeholders, supporters, and the public.

The  Growth and Relationship Manager will lead the planning and execution of public-facing events and oversee internal and external communications that amplify Drive Change’s mission, programs, and impact. This role requires a strong storyteller with excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities - ranging from press outreach and social media strategy to community engagement and stakeholder events. The  Growth and Relationship Manager will also play a key role in writing and editing grant proposals and grants management and reporting. They will work closely with our development and program staff to ensure timely, accurate, and mission-aligned communication with funders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications Management

  • Pitch stories to press and manage relationships with local media outlets and influencers.

  • Capture, curate, and share stories that highlight participant impact, community engagement, and mission-aligned work.

  • Oversee visual storytelling efforts in partnership with external photographers/videographers.

  • Develop and implement an annual communications calendar in alignment with strategic goals

  • Create compelling written content across channels including newsletters, blog posts, press releases, website, social media, and donor materials

  • Manage website updates and digital content creation in coordination with design and program teams.

  • Maintain a consistent and compelling brand voice across all platforms.

  • Develop messaging and talking points for executive staff, program launches, and media inquiries.

  • Ensure consistency and quality of voice, tone, and branding across platforms

  • Develop and manage communications systems and archives (press kits, photo libraries, testimonials)

  • Collaborate with program staff to elevate participant stories

Events Management

  • Lead planning and execution of key organizational events, including stakeholder gatherings, fundraising events, community activations, and internal celebrations

  • Manage event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, run-of-show, staffing, and registration.

  • Coordinate with vendors, venues, and staff to deliver well-run and mission-aligned events

  • Support public speaking engagements and community presentations with communications materials and prep

  • Manage event logistics and communications, including invitations, RSVPs, and follow-ups

Grants Management & Reporting

  • Draft, edit, and support the writing of grant proposals, reports, and supporting documents in collaboration with the development team

  • Collaborate with development staff to ensure communications materials (photos, testimonials, press coverage) are aligned with funder expectations.

  • Draft narrative sections of grant reports related to events, communications, and public impact.

  • Track and compile documentation of communications deliverables required by funders (logo placement, social media tags, press inclusion).

  • Support calendar and deadline tracking for grant-related communications and event-based deliverables.

General Administrative Record Keeping and Support

  • Track and analyze communications metrics and engagement

  • Assist with internal communication efforts to promote team alignment and transparency

Participate in cross-functional projects and events as needed

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES NEEDED:

  • 3+ years of professional experience in development, communications, events, journalism, marketing, or related fields

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a deep appreciation for clarity, tone, and audience

  • Experience managing events of multiple sizes from conception through execution

  • Familiarity with social media platforms, email marketing tools, and basic design platforms (Canva, Mailchimp)

  • Proficiency with office software (Google Workspace, Square Space, and monday.com)

  • Experience supporting or writing grant proposals and reports preferred

  • Ability to manage up, down, and across teams with confidence and clarity

  • Passionate about our mission and values, and eager to elevate the stories of those we serve

  • A "No task is too big or too small" mentality and positive attitude

  • Demonstrated ability for thoroughness, attention to detail, and good judgment

  • Ability to manage multiple (sometimes even conflicting) priorities 

  • Willingness and readiness for working with an early stage, small company

  • Passionate about food and hospitality, reimagining criminal justice, and building ethical food systems

  • Experience in a nonprofit setting, especially in youth development, workforce, or justice sectors preferred

  • Experience working with diverse communities and uplifting community voice through communications preferred

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is a full-time, hybrid position. Comp time provided if and when evening and/or weekend work is required. The office location for this position is Brooklyn, New York.

EXPECTED SALARY & BENEFITS

The expected salary is $70,000-$82,000 per year.

  • Competitive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance with employer contributions

  • Access to Employee Assistance Program, including therapy and family planning

  • Unlimited Paid Time Off 

  • Parental Leave

  • 401K plan

  • Professional development opportunities

  • Family meal provided most days

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY

To apply to the Growth & Relationship Manager role, please submit the following to people@drivechangenyc.org:

  • Resume

  • In lieu of a cover letter, answers to the following questions:

    • What aspects of this role are you most motivated by and why?

    • How does your personal and/or professional experience contribute to your commitment to working towards racial and economic justice for the young people that we serve? How specifically will it contribute to this role's expectations in stewarding others in their own process?

    • What does the Drive Change tagline, "Reimagine Justice, Reimagine Service" mean to you?

    • Share an example from your personal or professional life where you created compelling communications content that had a meaningful impact. What was the goal, how did you approach the process, and what was the outcome?

Drive Change is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, or current employment status. 

Drive Change values diverse experiences, including with regards to educational background and justice system involvement. We depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.