Communications and Development Associate

ABOUT THE LITHUANIAN FOUNDATION

The Lithuanian Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing financial support for initiatives that preserve and foster Lithuanian traditions and values. Lithuanian traditions and values will thrive for generations not only in Lithuania but also in the US and other parts of the world. The Lithuanian Foundation’s goal is to be the most prominent non-governmental organization funding initiatives that contribute to a stronger national identity and society, foster the Lithuanian culture, traditions and ties with the homeland.

JOB SUMMARY

The Communications and Development Associate will be responsible for developing the organizational communications programs and will communicate the Lithuanian Foundation’s impact to a wide variety of audiences via our website, social media, email, printed materials, etc.  The ideal candidate will possess experience in communications, social media management, brand management, and marketing development to execute all programming and related campaigns.

The Communication and Development Associate will also be responsible for managing and implementing development efforts to support the organization’s goals and mission, leading the execution of the development, donor outreach, and communication portions of the Lithuanian Foundation’s Strategic Plan to enhance the Lithuanian Foundation’s impact.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Associate plays a key role in supporting the quality and efficiency of Lithuanian Foundation’s communication and development processes. The Associate will also be responsible for attending Development Committee meetings, provide minutes of those meetings, and submit development status reports to the Board as required.

While the Executive Director maintains overall accountability for the Foundation’s communication and development efforts, the Communications and Development Associate ensures that day-to-day communication and development administrative tasks are carried out with consistency, attention to detail, and a commitment to operational excellence.

The Associate will also support Foundation operations, including the production of meeting documents and other materials  and interaction with interested parties both inside and outside the organization. Emphasizing a customer service mindset, the role requires initiative, flexibility, and a strong ability to adapt and contribute across multiple aspects of the organization’s operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications

• Communicate the Lithuanian Foundation’s brand, achievements, and initiatives efficiently and accurately via our website, social media, email, printed materials, etc.
• Develop and implement website content, updates, and designs while working closely with our third-party, web manager to ensure that the Lithuanian Foundation’s website functions properly.
• Develop marketing and social media strategies; lead efforts to continue sharpening social media presence to engage supporters and to share grant and scholarship recipients’ success stories.
• Design and publish marketing materials, create shareable video content, utilizing emerging tools to help increase awareness of the Lithuanian Foundation’s program areas.
• Create, format, and distribute regular email newsletters, as well as update, and manage email lists using IContact (or other software).
• Manage media relations, including building relationships with media contacts and proactively securing media opportunities.
• Manage the Lithuanian Foundation’s communications assets, including photo library, success stories, logo library, and design files.

Development

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with existing and prospective donors.
• Prepare and implement plans targeting the Lithuanian Foundation’s scholarship and project beneficiaries.
• Lead outreach and public relations initiatives to increase the size and diversity of the membership base.

Events Support

• Provide administrative support for special events (such as the Lithuanian Foundation’s Gala) including mailings, marketing, and other communication initiatives.
• Work closely with the Lithuanian Foundation, Inc.’s Executive Committee and Executive Director to develop new events to support our mission.
• All staff are expected to attend and assist with public events hosted by the Foundation, such as the Gala and the Annual Meeting.
• Board Committees supported by the Communications Associate meet in the evenings and some weekends, which the Associate will be expected to attend.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a field related to the nonprofit sector.
• Language: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, in both English and Lithuanian.
• Professional Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a role with administrative responsibilities.
• Mission alignment: Demonstrated commitment to the values of the Foundation.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office. Ability to analyze the effectiveness of marketing and communications efforts.
• Proficiency in using content creation software.
• Attention to Detail: Superior accuracy and commitment to consistent, high-quality work products.
• Time Management: Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines, often simultaneously; ability to anticipate and proactively respond to work requests.
• Must be able to work in the United States.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with database management and CRM systems.
• Experience and/or knowledge related to the types of organizations and activities supported by the Lithuanian Foundation.
• An understanding of the philanthropic and non-profit landscape.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Flexibility, curiosity, commitment to teamwork, and a sense of humor.
• Capacity to work amicably in a small office with high volume of work, as well as a deep sense of responsibility and accountability.
• A record of recognizing and acting on opportunities to continuously improve.
• A desire to develop and deepen professional skills related to grant making and non-profits.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Ability to work autonomously.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time, salaried position and the salary range for this position is $50,000 to $60,000, commensurate with experience.  The Lithuanian Foundation is developing a competitive benefits package that currently includes a 401(k) plan with up to a 3% employer match and competitive PTO policies. We expect to offer medical and dental insurance, along with other benefits, in the second quarter of 2026.

LOCATION

The Lithuanian Foundation office is in Lemont, Illinois. Occasional travel outside of Lemont may be expected and may include participation in professional conferences.

The Lithuanian Foundation is primarily an in-office team and requests all employees to be in the office five days a week. However, the Foundation has a flexible approach and makes opportunities for remote work available in specific situations on an approved basis.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Lithuanian Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to recruit and retain highly competent individuals for its staff. It is the Lithuanian Foundation’s policy to recognize the potential of each employee without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status or family, or socio-economic backgrounds.  All applicants will be evaluated on a merit basis.

WORKING AT THE LITHUANIAN FOUNDATION

Working at the Lithuanian Foundation means becoming part of a talented team of passionate individuals who value inclusivity and innovation, are dedicated to the Lithuanian Foundation’s mission and values. Candidates who possess flexibility, maturity, and vision will find it a pleasure to work here.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and cover letter to admin@lithfund.org.