Marketing and Development Specialist

For over a century, Home Sweet Home Ministries has stood as a pillar of the community and a beacon of Christ’s love for the hungry, unhoused, and hopeless here in Central Illinois. It is the mission of every member of our staff and our volunteers to demonstrate Christ’s love through innovative approaches that instill hope, restore lives, and build community. We offer supportive services to those in need – providing shelter, food, case management, as well as programs including Rapid Rehousing and our Bread for Life Co-Op.

Now you, too, can help build upon our traditions and contribute your passion for caring for others and your desire to be a guiding light for Christ’s love to those caught in the storm by joining our dedicated team. Home Sweet Home Ministries offers employment opportunities for those with a desire to be part of a community committed to helping others.

Why Work at Home Sweet Home Ministries?

Purpose-Driven Impact
Make a meaningful difference every day. Your work helps restore hope and dignity to individuals in our community while sharing Christ’s love and compassion.

Comprehensive Full-Time Benefits
We care for our team so you can care for others.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• Employer-paid life insurance

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match (after one year of employment)

• Section 125 Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Generous paid time off

• Free on-site meals and beverages

Join a Caring Team
Work alongside compassionate, mission-driven colleagues who are committed to serving others and making a lasting impact.

Primary Location
303 E Oakland Ave., Bloomington IL 61701

This is not a remote position.

How You’ll Help Fulfill the HSHM Mission

The Development Specialist role supports both the external communication efforts of Home Sweet Home Ministries. Responsibilities include managing website and social media content, developing print and digital marketing materials, producing multimedia content, and promoting public relations that reflect and enhance the HSHM mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Marketing and Communications (40%)

• Manage and optimize HSHM websites, social media platforms, and digital communications by creating timely, accurate, and mission-aligned content that strengthens engagement and community awareness.

• Develop print, electronic, and web-based materials that effectively communicate the mission, programs, services, and impact of Home Sweet Home Ministries.

• Create and maintain brand assets, including logos, graphics, photography, video content, and design templates, while ensuring consistency across all communication channels (including any used by external partners).

• Capture, edit, and organize photographs and video content to support storytelling, donor engagement, volunteer recruitment, and community outreach.

• Write and edit content for marketing materials, such as newsletters, event promotions, website updates, social media, etc.

• Organize and archive digital assets using Microsoft Teams and other designated platforms to ensure accessibility and continuity.

• Stay informed of best practices and emerging trends in nonprofit marketing, communications, and digital engagement. Manage and update HSHM websites and social media platforms to ensure timely and mission-aligned content.

Donor and Community Engagement (40%)

• Assist in cultivating and stewarding donor relationships through print, phone, in-person, and electronic communications.

• Enhance donor stewardship and recognition through personalized acknowledgments, including weekly handwritten thank-you notes.

• Assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing fundraising and community engagement events that increase awareness and support for Home Sweet Home Ministries.

• Represent HSHM as a professional, compassionate, and mission-driven ambassador in all external communications, community partnerships, and public interactions.

Donor Database Support (20%)

• Maintain accurate donor and constituent records in the donor database.

• Perform periodic database audits and data integrity reviews.

• Maintain organizational profiles on GuideStar/Candid and Charity Navigator.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.

• 1-2 years of experience in marketing, communications, or related roles ideally in a nonprofit or mission-driven environment.

• Proficiency in managing websites, social media platforms, and digital content tools.

• Strong visual design and multimedia skills; experience with photo/video editing tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar) is a plus.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and familiarity with operational reporting systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.

• Mission-oriented with values in harmony with those of Home Sweet Home Ministries, Inc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit for long periods of time. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger/handle/feel, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without cause.