Grants & Communications Specialist Position Overview The Grants & Communications Specialist supports Housing Development Alliance, Inc.'s (HDA) fundraising and communications efforts by managing the day-to-day execution of grant writing, donor communications, content creation, and development operations. Working in close partnership with the Director of Development & Communications, this position helps HDA secure grant funding, steward donors, and tell the story of its mission to build affordable, high-quality housing and stronger communities in our Eastern Kentucky counties. This is a hands-on, production-focused role for a strong writer and organized project manager who can move fluidly between researching grants, drafting proposals, creating social media content, managing donor records, and supporting events. The Specialist helps ensure that deadlines are met, messaging stays consistent, donors are thanked promptly, and HDA's work is visible across all communication channels. Success in this role is measured by timely and well-prepared grant submissions, consistent and compelling communications output, accurate development records, and responsive, meaningful donor engagement. Core Responsibilities 1. Grants & Institutional Funding Support

• Research federal, state, and private foundation grant opportunities aligned with HDA's mission
• Draft, format, and assemble grant proposals, narratives, budgets, and supporting materials under the direction of the Director
• Maintain the grants calendar, tracking application deadlines, reporting requirements, and funding commitments
• Prepare and submit interim and final grant reports, gathering program data and outcomes from staff
• Organize and maintain grant files, documentation, and compliance records 2. Donor Stewardship & Development Operations
• Prepare and send timely donor acknowledgments, thank-you letters, and receipts, including memorial and honorary gifts
• Maintain accurate donor records in HDA's CRM/donor database, including gift entry, contact updates, and segmentation
• Generate donor and campaign reports to track giving trends, retention, and campaign progress
• Support monthly giving efforts, including onboarding new recurring donors and sending welcome communications
• Assist with donor outreach lists, mailings, and follow-up 3. Communications & Content Production
• Create and schedule social media content across HDA's platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X), including graphics, photos, and captions
• Draft newsletters, blog/news posts, homeowner and impact stories, and email appeals
• Assist in producing print and digital materials such as flyers, brochures, one-pagers, and campaign assets
• Help maintain and update the HDA website with current, mission-aligned content
• Capture and organize photos and video from job sites, events, and volunteer groups for storytelling use 4. Campaign & Event Support
• Support the execution of fundraising campaigns, including content, tracking, and donor communications
• Assist with planning and logistics for events such as groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, volunteer weeks, and celebrations
• Prepare invitations, media advisories, press packets, and follow-up communications
• Coordinate event materials, signage, and on-site needs 5. Data, Reporting & Administrative Coordination
• Track communications and fundraising metrics and help compile them into reports
• Maintain organized digital files for photos, templates, stories, and campaign materials
• Support the production of HDA's annual report by gathering data, drafting content, and coordinating design elements
• Help ensure accuracy and consistency across documents, applications, and published materials 6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work with program staff to gather project updates, impact data, and client stories
• Coordinate with the Director to ensure messaging alignment across grants, donor communications, and public content
• Support AmeriCorps members and volunteers as needed on communications and outreach tasks
• Reporting Relationship
• Reports to the Director of Development & Communications
• Works collaboratively with program staff, finance, and organizational leadership
• May support and coordinate the work of AmeriCorps members or volunteers on specific projects
• Key Performance Outcomes
• Grant proposals and reports are accurate, well-written, and submitted on time
• Donor acknowledgments are sent promptly and records are kept accurate and current
• Social media, newsletters, and other communications are produced consistently and on schedule
• Campaign and event materials are prepared and delivered smoothly
• Development data and reporting are organized, reliable, and readily available
• Qualifications Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience in grant writing, nonprofit communications, development, or related work preferred
• Demonstrated writing and editing ability across professional and public-facing formats Skills and Competencies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to grammar, accuracy, and detail
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple deadlines
• Proficiency with social media platforms and basic graphic/content creation tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud a plus)
• Comfort with CRM/donor databases, spreadsheets, and digital file management
• Ability to gather information from staff and translate it into clear, compelling content
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and collaborative, with a solutions-oriented mindset
• Commitment to HDA's mission and to serving Appalachian communities
• How This Role Supports the Department This position is intentionally designed to complement, not duplicate, the Director of Development & Communications.

While the Director sets fundraising strategy, leads major-gift and media relationships, and shapes HDA's overall messaging and brand, the Grants & Communications Specialist carries much of the execution and production — writing, content creation, donor stewardship, data management, and deadline tracking — that keeps the department running smoothly and allows the Director to focus on strategy and growth. What We Offer

• Competitive Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision, Bridge Plan, FSA, Simple IRA, Life, Short-term Disability, Long-term Disability)
• Professional Development Opportunities Ready to Apply? Please send the following to taylor@hdahome.org to apply for this position:
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 3 Professional References
• Brief Portfolio (2-4 relevant samples that demonstrate writing, communication, and content creation skills) Housing Development Alliance, Inc.

is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Pay:

$35,000.00

• $45,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person