Director, Development & Communications

Director, Development & Communications

Position Overview: The Director, Development & Communications leads all fundraising and communication efforts, developing and implementing strategies to secure resources, build the organization's brand, and effectively communicate its mission and impact to diverse audiences.

Reports to: President & CEO

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and execute a comprehensive development plan to achieve annual fundraising goals
• Establish fundraising targets by source (individual, corporate, foundation, etc.)
• Design cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each donor segment
• Develop fundraising campaigns with compelling cases for support
• Create annual fundraising calendar with key activities and deadlines
• Monitor progress against goals and adjust strategies as needed
• Oversee all fundraising activities including major gifts, grants, annual appeals, and special events
• Identify and qualify prospective major donors and foundations
• Develop grant proposals and manage application processes and complies grant reports
• Coordinate cross-department and compile grant reports
• Plan and execute fundraising events from concept to evaluation
• Implement direct mail and digital fundraising campaigns
• Establish giving societies, monthly giving programs, and planned giving initiatives
• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners
• Create personalized stewardship plans for major donors
• Conduct donor meetings and facilitate interactions with organizational leadership
• Provide regular updates and impact reports to key supporters
• Implement donor recognition and appreciation strategies
• Build corporate sponsorship and cause marketing partnerships
• Lead marketing and communications efforts across all channels, including digital, print, and media
• Develop comprehensive marketing and communications strategies
• Oversee website content, social media presence, and email marketing
• Create annual reports, newsletters, and other publications
• Manage media relations and press opportunities
• Ensure consistent messaging and brand identity across all platforms
• Oversee the organization's brand identity and messaging
• Develop and maintain brand guidelines and messaging frameworks
• Create compelling narratives that communicate organization's mission and impact
• Ensure consistency in visual identity, tone, and messaging
• Conduct audience research to refine messaging for different stakeholders
• Train staff on effective communication of organizational messages

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit development and communications
• Proven track record of successful fundraising campaigns and relationship building
• Experience with various fundraising methods including major gifts, grants, grant writing and events
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of donor database management and digital marketing platforms
• Strategic thinking and creative problem-solving abilities
• Experience with CRM systems (Raiser's Edge, Bonterra/Network For Good, etc.)
• Understanding of digital marketing analytics and metrics
• Demonstrated ability to tell compelling stories that inspire action
• Experience managing integrated communications campaigns across multiple channels
• Advanced degree in Marketing/Communications or related field and/or extensive work/lived-experience preferred.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person