Development And Communications Director

Development & Communications Director 2026

Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) has been making change happen in Greater Lawrence Massachusetts since 1999. Through community engagement, environmental and open space improvements, healthy food access, youth education, and employment initiatives, GWL creates the building blocks of a healthy community, and empowers residents to improve their quality of life. GWL achieves results by engaging the whole community – residents, youth, nonprofits, government, and businesses – in the planning and realization of projects and programs.

With this collaborative approach, GWL ensures that all stakeholders are mutually invested in the outcomes, the key to stabilizing neighborhoods and creating sustainable change within the communities we serve.

GWL’s mission and operations are premised on the understanding that environmental conditions are inextricably linked to economic and social health. Consequently, GWL is committed to “changing places, changing lives, and changing systems” through on-the-ground projects and community-informed programming that help to transform neighborhoods. We strive to create an equitable community where the residents of Greater Lawrence – at all stages of life – feel they belong, are safe, supported, and empowered;

where healthy living is the norm; and where everyone’s neighborhood is a resilient environment that thrives with parks, trees, and open space.

This is a full-time exempt position that reports to the Executive Director. The Development & Communications Director is responsible for building and sustaining GWL’s culture of philanthropy and works to involve all employees, the Board and Advisory Council, in the development process. This position is part of the Management Team and leads the development department which is responsible for raising approximately $3.5 M from private and governmental sources each year.

• Development Strategy
  :
  Work with the Executive Director, Management Team, and Development Team to identify funds needed, funding targets, and approaches to inform the annual Development Plan.
• Development Team
  :
  Lead development functions at the organization and manage Development Managers (2) and a Communications Manager. Provide management, leadership, and professional development support. Work closely with Executive Director, Board, and Board Fundraising Committee to capitalize on fundraising opportunities.
• Fundraising
  :
  Conduct research, prospecting, and applications to multiple donor sources. Maintain and grow prospect portfolio of foundations, individuals, corporations, and governmental sources. Manage cultivation and stewardship plans for donors.
• CITC Plan
  :
  Lead GWL’s Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) program, which provides individuals, corporations, and nonprofits with a 50% refundable MA state tax credit for new or increased donations.
• Special Events
  :
  Oversee organization of and fundraising for annual gala, including management of online fundraising platform. Lead sponsorship efforts for other major events.
• Database
  :
  Manage the implementation and usage of Raiser's Edge for gift processing and donor stewardship.
• Budgeting
  :
  Forecast revenue among private and governmental sources for annual budgeting and quarterly reviews. Work with the Finance & Operations Director on revenue projections.
• Communications
  :
  In collaboration with Communications Team, oversee creation of monthly e-newsletter, annual report, and other content for development and social media/marketing purposes.

• Must share a passion for GWL’s values and vision.
• Bachelor's degree or professional experience in nonprofit management, communications, English, or related field.
• At least 5‑7 years of full‑time professional experience in development with excellent references.
• Knowledge of and experience with government and foundation grant processes and systems.
• Demonstrated skills in major gifts, donor cultivation, and/or planned giving are a plus.
• Flexible and adaptable style, a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical development initiatives.
• Excellent writing, editing, and analytical skills.
• Strong…