Role of a Development and Communications Manager at Groundwork Southcoast
Gianna's role as Development & Communications Manager at Groundwork Southcoast, a local chapter of a national nonprofit, involves "producing all foundation materials," overseeing fundraising events and individual giving, and managing communications and marketing. The insightful aspect of their career is the integrated approach to these responsibilities, viewing marketing and communications as "the fundamental building block of individual giving programs," rather than separate functions, reflecting a holistic and impactful approach to nonprofit work.
Grant Writing, Fundraising, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Marketing
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Gianna Sollitto
Development & Communications Manager
Groundwork Southcoast
Bryant University
N/A
Communications
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Sales and Client Management
Disabled, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Develop and implement fundraising strategies, including grant writing, research, and reporting
2. Oversee major fundraising events, individual giving, and corporate sponsorships.
3. Manage communications and marketing efforts, encompassing website content, social media engagement, and newsletters
Transcript
What are your main responsibilities within your current role?
Groundwork South Coast is an independently operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are part of a national network of Groundwork chapters across the country.
Each Groundwork nonprofit operates a little differently, responding to specific community needs. We focus on the South Coast of Massachusetts, investing in transforming community and climate. We build local solutions through youth and workforce development and employment opportunities.
I'm passionate about the grassroots, people-centered side of things and community-based transformation. I get to apply this to the larger goal of stewarding the climate and creating a more livable world for future generations, starting at the local level.
My role involves producing all foundation materials for Groundwork South Coast. This includes writing and applying for grants, grant research, prospecting, and grant reporting, which takes up a significant portion of my day.
I also oversee major fundraising events, individual giving, and corporate sponsorships. We're actively working to build our individual giving program from the ground up. Additionally, I manage our communications and marketing efforts, including our website, social media, and newsletters.
Historically, large nonprofits have often viewed fundraising, communications, and marketing as separate pillars. Some even break these down further into foundations, individual giving, marketing, and communications.
While having specialized staff is beneficial for expanding impact, I believe this siloed approach can be a disservice. It disconnects these functions from fundraising, which is their fundamental building block.
Marketing and communications are crucial for movement and community building, but they are also the foundation of individual giving programs. Viewing them separately from fundraising can be shortsighted. I appreciate being able to apply my passions for all these areas in my role, while also looking at everything through a fundraising lens.
Advizer Personal Links
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/giannasollitto
Twitter: x.com/GiannaSollitto
Instagram: www.instagram.com/giannasollitto/