Overview
Development & Communications Specialist Jobs in Greater Colorado Springs Area at RiseUP
Title: Development & Communications Specialist
Company: RiseUP
Location: Greater Colorado Springs Area
RiseUP Development and Communication Specialist Job Description
Position Title: Development & Communications Specialist
Reports To: Chief Development Officer
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Salary: Approximately $60 – $65,000 annually
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary
RiseUP (formerly Roundup Fellowship) is seeking a passionate and creative Development & Communications Specialist to join our growing Development Department. This individual will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Development Officer through marketing, donor engagement, social media strategy, and local business outreach. The ideal candidate is an energetic communicator, a strong visual storyteller, and a natural relationship builder who believes in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and neurodiversity, and creating transformative communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee, develop, and manage social media content and campaigns to increase visibility and engagement across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.). This may include working with contractors to create and implement SM strategy.
- Assist in creating and distributing newsletters, donor communications, and event promotions.
- Maintain consistent brand voice and visual identity across marketing channels.
- Support the Chief Development Officer with outreach to local small businesses and community partners for sponsorships, partnerships, and donations. This may include going out to meet with local businesses for relational and marketing purposes.
- Assist in coordinating meetings, presentations, and events related to development initiatives and donor cultivation.
- Connect with staff across the organization and collaborate with them to generate stories and content that highlight RiseUP’s mission, impact, and programs.
- Provide graphic design support for print and digital materials using Canva or similar tools.
- Maintain and update donor and contact databases as needed, managing donor relationship systems including recording donor details, tracking interactions, ensuring timely follow-up.
- Support donor stewardship through preparation of thank-you notes, acknowledgments, and consistent communication to maintain long-term relationships.
- Track marketing and campaign metrics to evaluate effectiveness and suggest improvements.
- Coordinate with and supervise marketing contractors to ensure effectiveness.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong relationship-building skills, both through virtual communication and in-person engagement including networking.
- Knowledge of marketing strategy and implementation, with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred and 2+ years of experience in marketing, communications, or development roles.
- Experience in managing social media accounts for organizations or businesses.
- Comfortable working with website content management systems (WordPress or similar).
- Organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills in a cross-functional environment.
- Proficiency in Canva and basic graphic design tools (Adobe Suite experience a plus).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
Preferred Experience (Not Required)
- Some previous experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or neurodiverse populations.
- Established professional connections within the Colorado Springs business or nonprofit community.
- Experience with nonprofit fundraising or event coordination.
- Grant research and/or writing experience and/or experience working with foundations would be highly valuable.
About You
You’re a relationship builder who thrives on creativity and connection. You believe storytelling and community partnerships can make a real difference. You’re organized, dependable, and motivated by purpose—not just process. You value inclusion, teamwork, and the opportunity to make an impact every day.
About RiseUP
RiseUP (formerly Roundup Fellowship) is a nonprofit organization serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Colorado. Since 1973, we’ve been building transformative communities that empower people to grow in dignity, independence, and belonging. Learn more at www.rup.org.
To Apply: Please send your resume, a brief cover letter, and two samples of design or social media work to [email protected] with the subject line Development & Communication Specialist Application – [Your Name].
