Marketing & Development Coordinator

Marketing & Development Coordinator

Organization: SMILES, Inc. (Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills)

Location: On-Site: Darien, WI

Reports To: Executive Director

Status: Full Time | Exempt

Position Summary

The Marketing & Development Coordinator plays a key role in advancing the mission of SMILES, Inc. by planning and executing special events, supporting fundraising and grant efforts, and managing the organization’s marketing and communications. This position is responsible for ensuring consistent, engaging, and mission-aligned messaging across all platforms while strengthening community awareness, donor engagement, and external relationships.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, creative, and detail-oriented professional who is passionate about nonprofit work, storytelling, and building meaningful connections with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and the broader community.

Our Mission: SMILES transcends traditional therapeutic methods by offering individuals with special needs, of all ages, the joy of participating in an equine-assisted program that provides social, emotional, physical, and personal rewards.

Key Responsibilities

Special Events & Fundraising

• Plan, coordinate, and execute all special events, including fundraising events, donor cultivation activities, community outreach events, and awareness campaigns
• Manage event timelines, logistics, vendors, volunteers, sponsorships, and post-event follow-up
• Track event performance, attendance, and fundraising outcomes; prepare summary reports and recommendations
• Collaborate with leadership to identify new event and fundraising opportunities

Grant Writing & Accountability

• Research and identify grant opportunities aligned with SMILES, Inc.’s mission and programs
• Write, submit, and track grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and funding applications
• Ensure timely completion of grant reports, outcomes tracking, and compliance requirements
• Maintain organized grant calendars, files, and reporting documentation

Marketing, Communications & Branding

• Develop and implement external marketing strategies to increase awareness, participation, and support
• Maintain and manage the organization’s website, ensuring content is current, accurate, and compelling
• Create and distribute marketing and communication materials, including newsletters, flyers, brochures, impact reports, and donor communications
• Ensure brand consistency across all platforms and materials

Social Media & Digital Engagement

• Plan, create, and schedule content for social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Monitor engagement, respond to messages and comments, and grow the organization’s digital presence
• Capture and share stories, photos, and videos that highlight participants, programs, horses, volunteers, and impact
• Track and report on social media and digital marketing metrics

General Development & Organizational Support

• Support donor communication, acknowledgements, and stewardship efforts
• Assist with database updates, contact lists, and communication tracking
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and board members on development and marketing initiatives
• Provide administrative and project support related to marketing and development as needed

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, nonprofit management, development, or a related field—or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of experience in marketing, development, communications, or event planning (nonprofit experience preferred)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and storytelling
• Experience managing social media platforms and website content
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Familiarity with donor databases or CRM systems
• Experience with grant research and reporting
• Must pass a background check

Preferred:

• Experience with individuals with special needs or disabilities
• Basic Equine knowledge and skills, or willingness to learn
• Graphic design or content creation experience (e.g., Canva, Adobe, photography/video)
• Passion for equine-assisted programs, education, therapy, or human services

Core Competencies

• Mission-driven and community-focused
• Creative and detail-oriented
• Strong project management and follow-through
• Collaborative and relationship-oriented
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to attend events, including occasional evenings or weekends
• May involve working in a barn or outdoor setting during events or program activities
• Ability to lift and carry materials up to 35 pounds for events (as applicable)
• Requires working in public, office, at home or other locations as needed
• Ability to work in extreme cold/hot/humid weather conditions
• Evenings & weekends sometimes required
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions needed.

Other Duties as Assigned

Please note this job description is not a complete list of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This position requires employee to work most and/or all of SMILES events.

About Smiles, Inc.

SMILES, Inc. (Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through equine-assisted learning and therapeutic programs. Through innovative, inclusive, and compassionate services, SMILES, Inc. empowers individuals of all abilities to grow, learn, and thrive.