Director of Communications & Development

Position Overview

The Conflict Center seeks a Communications & Development Director to lead and integrate the organization’s external communications, media relations, and fundraising strategy. This position will elevate The Conflict Center’s visibility, strengthen relationships with donors, funders, and the press, and expand the organization’s capacity to advance its mission of equipping individuals, schools, and communities with practical skills to embrace everyday conflict in order to positively transform relationships and lives.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications & Development Director will oversee all facets of communications, development, and branding—leveraging innovative tools, including AI, to enhance storytelling, donor engagement, and grant writing. While this is a senior-level position, it does not include direct reports, but will work closely with interns, volunteers, and contract designers, as well as other staff as needed.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external communications plan, ensuring consistent and mission-aligned messaging across all platforms, including website, newsletters, and social media.
• Write, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, and feature stories to raise awareness of The Conflict Center’s programs and impact. Pitching certain kinds of earned media will be a requirement for this position; maintaining an up-to-date press list and press connections will be vital.
• Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries, coordinate interviews, pitch stories, and foster relationships with local and regional press outlets.
• Monitor communications analytics and social media metrics to assess engagement and inform future strategies.
• Find and implement tools for communications efforts and metrics tracking. Set and meet engagement and follower growth goals for social media, email list, and press engagement.
• Design flyers, social media graphics, and outreach materials that reflect The Conflict Center’s brand and values.

• Lead the organization’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts, including annual campaigns, donor communications, events, and stewardship strategies.
• Identify, cultivate, and track donor relationships through database management and outreach activities.
• Write compelling grant proposals, reports, and funding requests that align with The Conflict Center’s strategic priorities.
• Utilize AI and other digital tools to support grant research, writing, and team collaboration, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in submissions.
• Coordinate a small grant-writing team or interns to meet deadlines and maintain high-quality proposals.
• Develop and maintain both annual and more granular monthly communications and development calendars to align outreach, events, and fundraising efforts.

• Integrate AI tools and current communications methodologies to enhance storytelling, prospect research, and marketing workflows.
• Stay informed on trends in nonprofit branding, media relations, and philanthropy to ensure The Conflict Center remains at the forefront of effective communication practices.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and program staff to align communications and fundraising strategies with organizational goals.
• Promote The Conflict Center’s mission, programs, and values through authentic, inclusive, and creative communication.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in communications, development, or related nonprofit roles.
• Demonstrated success in grant writing, donor cultivation, and external communications.
• Familiarity with AI tools for writing, research, and campaign management.
• Familiarity and proficiency with Salesforce.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of branding, messaging, and digital engagement strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep commitment to The…