Director of Development and Communications

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred
• CFRE or similar credential preferred
• Membership in a professional fundraising association
• A minimum of six (6) years of successful, progressive, professional fund development experience, preferably for a non-profit organization
• A minimum of six (6) years of public relations experience, including knowledge of and/or experience with social media, crisis communication, marketing and public speaking
• Demonstrated ability to work with Executive Leadership and a Board of Directors to develop and implement the vision and future direction of the Agency
• Experienced supervisor, coach, and mentor to department team members
• Demonstrated ability to earn confidence of staff, board, community stakeholders, and volunteers
• Proven ability to build new connections in the community and demonstrates a strong skill in preserving and deepening relationships

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Position Specific

Leadership and Collaboration

• Works collaboratively across programs and departments to identify avenues of economic support for programs and projects
• Mentors and inspires staff and volunteers to foster leadership in fund development and advocacy.
• Conducts staff meetings and employee training and development; counsels employees within the department on work issues, hires staff, provides growth opportunities and conducts performance reviews
• Collaboratively works with the CEO and leadership volunteers to enable the board and its members to fulfill their fund development roles
• Attends and participates in all board meetings and serves as a staff member of the Board Development Committee

Strategic Vision and Innovation

• Develops and articulates a visionary strategy for philanthropy and public relations, with a focus on positioning the agency as a leader in its sector.
• Leverages data analytics and donor software to track and optimize fundraising efforts and inform strategic decision-making.
• Proactively identifies and manages risks in fundraising and public relations activities to safeguard the agency’s reputation and resources.

Fund Development and Donor Relations

• Creates and maintains a donor-centered development plan that nurtures loyalty through a comprehensive relationship-building program including cultivation and communications
• Evaluates the effect of internal and external forces on the agency and its fund development, establishes short- and long-range fund development plans and programs that support the organization’s values, mission, and general objectives
• Supports attainment of the agency’s fund development goals through relationships with grantors and corporate and individual donors
• Ensures development of a balanced funding mix of donor sources and solicitation programs, tailored to the needs of the organization, that will enable it to attract, retain and motivate donors and fundraising volunteers
• Ensures maintenance of donor and prospect records, gift management systems, and informational reports while in close collaboration with the Finance Department
• Ensures appropriate prospect research to identify new opportunities for donor engagement.
• Develops innovative fundraising strategies, including corporate sponsor ships, planned giving, digital campaigns, and events.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintains accountability standards to donors, and ensures compliance with code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fund development and fundraisers

Public Relations & Marketing

• Provides expertise in media relations, crisis management, and social media management to protect and enhance the agency’s public image.
• Oversees high quality branding in the production of marketing materials, handouts, direct mail leaflets, promotional videos, photographs, films and multimedia materials
• Develops compelling narratives that communicate the impact of the organization’s work to the public, donors, and stakeholders.
• Ensures public relations efforts reflect and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all messaging and outreach.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with representatives of community,…