Development and Communications Director

Objective:

The Development and Communications Director (DCD) is a key leadership position responsible for developing and executing the organization's development and communication strategies and fundraising initiatives. This individual will lead efforts to build brand awareness, develop and enhance stakeholder engagement, and secure financial support through diversified fundraising campaigns in alignment with the mission and board guidelines. The ideal candidate will be an analytical thinker and skilled communicator with a strong background in nonprofit development, marketing, and public relations.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Fundraising (50%)

• Coordinate with the Director of Grants and Major Donors Consultant to design and execute a strategic fundraising plan including major gifts, grants, annual appeals, sponsorships, monthly donors and donor stewardship and ensure accessibility at events.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, steward and track individual donors, business sponsors and institutional partners.
• Plan and execute fundraising events, campaigns, and donor recognition programs.
• Responsible for donor database
• Tracks all metrics to assess campaign success.
• Work with Accounting to develop, update and oversee a development budget.
• Conduct research to identify goals, donation history or other data related to potential donors.
• Coordinate with the Education & Development and the Board Finance Committees.
• Direct and attend events and communicate necessary information to the Executive Director (ED)
• Communicate with ED any need for donor recovery.
• Coordinate with Board to administer the "Wild Betsy" Award
• Evaluate Efficacy of events
• Monitor donor and volunteer retention

Communications (50%)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy to elevate the organization's brand, mission, and programs.
• Direct, approve and/or draft occasional internal and all external communications including newsletters, press releases, annual reports, digital content, and social media.
• Provides branding consistency to all internal communication such as policies and employee communication.
• Maintain a calendar of events, and major communications in conjunction with the Executive Director.
• Manage media relations and cultivate relationships with press and media outlets.
• Ensure consistency of messaging and branding across all platforms and departments.
• Lead the production of marketing materials and oversee website content and maintenance.
• Evaluate advertising and promotion programs for compatibility with fundraising efforts.
• Oversee and supervise IT, special events and department budget.
• Generate and disseminate reports to the Finance Committee
• Attend Board meetings.
• Maintain exceptional professional behavior with all stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5+ years of experience in communications, fundraising, or development, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven success in fundraising, donor relations, and securing major gifts.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools, social media platforms, and CRM systems.
• Experience with media relations and public speaking.
• Creative thinker and analytical person with a passion for the organization's mission.
• Membership and certification in fundraising through AFP (American Fundraising Professionals) Ethical Standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with grant writing and reporting processes.
• Knowledge of marketing and fundraising software.
• Multilingual abilities and/or cultural competency in collaborating with diverse communities.
• Experience working in nonprofit organizations

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person