Director of Development & Communications
Reports to:
Executive Director
Job Title:
Director of Development & Communications
Department:
Development & Communications
Full-time or Part-time:
Full-time
Salary or Hourly:
Salary
Classification:
Exempt
Wage:
New Hire or Existing:
Job Description
Position Summary/ Objective
The Director of Development & Communications is responsible for planning and driving fundraising initiatives to sustain the organization’s mission of improving the lives of all cats. The Director creates a comprehensive development plan and effectively executes it to ensure adequate resources for the work of our client. They oversee all development and fundraising efforts and achieve agreed-upon goals, including donor acquisition and cultivation, ongoing donor communications, and appropriate record keeping.
The Director also oversees marketing and publicity for the organization’s activities, programs, and goals. They work with the news media, as well as online and social media to convey the mission and work of our client in ways that encourage community support and engagement.
Role and Responsibilities
Development
● Create an annual comprehensive Development plan with targeted goals, objectives, methods, timelines, and quantifiable outcomes in coordination with the overall planning and budgeting process.
● Leads all fundraising efforts to secure necessary resources, including appeals, events, grants, donations, and partner sponsorships ensuring maximum engagement and sustainable support.
● Responsible for creating a vision for donor relations to ensure the long-term financial health, including cultivating relationships with key stakeholders (i.e., Leadership Donors), community partners, and business partners.
● Manage policies, systems and procedures that support timely and accurate donor reporting and provide accurate information to grow our client’s philanthropic efforts.
● Oversee the creation and execution of integrated appeal campaigns including target audience identification and content for direct mail, email, website and social media.
● Oversee staff/consultants/volunteers in the execution of signature events and identify new opportunities to maximize donor giving levels and support long-term relationship building in the community.
● Research and create partnership proposals for co-branded opportunities/sponsorships with local business, community partners and donors.
● Ensure the successful execution of grant applications and expand the continued growth of grant funding, through management of applications and research to find new funding opportunities. including grant calendar for proposals and reporting for secured grants.
● Create a segmented donor plan and solicit Capital Campaign gifts to meet projected needs to build a new facility as well as sustain it in the future.
● Partner with the Board Development Committee to identify and implement annual initiatives to further enhance our client’s philanthropic strategy.
Communications
● Develop and implement a Communications strategy to promote the mission and initiatives in support of Development and Program goals.
● Manage the Development Manager and Virtual Assistant in maintaining communications tools including:
o All web and digital properties (website; social media; email marketing; blog posts) including editorial calendar planning, copywriting, monitoring and generating posts
o All printed and communications materials including annual report, brochures, fact sheets, flyers and talking points
● Improve communications through data segmentation and targeted messaging to grow relationships with donors and increase donation levels over time.
● Create local media and public relations opportunities to drive awareness and position our client as a high-impact leader in the animal welfare sector.
● Serve as point of contact for media inquiries; facilitate media interviews with appropriate spokespersons and prepare briefing material.
● Provide communications/marketing/supporting documentation for the Capital Campaign and the Capital Campaign donor solicitation
● Stay informed about and incorporate external trends in Communications/Marketing, and the animal welfare nonprofit sector into all efforts.
Community Outreach & Engagement:
● Work with local businesses, community/civic organizations, and other animal welfare and nonprofit organizations to support the achievement of goals. Creating a robust volunteer program that engages people in a variety of ways.
● Enhance our client’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.
● Lead marketing and other communications efforts to broaden the reach and impact in the community.
Administrative
● Provide the Board of Directors and Development Committee with monthly reports of key performance indicators to track effectiveness of initiatives and to drive data-based decision making
● Ensure effective communication of key messaging, initiatives, and updates to internal staff and volunteers
● Supervise direct reports for their professional development and long-term success in the organization and coach indirect reports and volunteers.
● Oversee the formalized Development & Communication operational policies and procedures to gain efficiency and minimize risk for the organization
● Oversee management of external vendors and contractors for effective fulfillment of contractual obligations and resourceful use of budgets
● Ensure brand and messaging consistency across all channels by maintaining an Brand Style Guide and photo/video/graphic repository.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time salaried position that requires flexibility as attendance at events and other functions will periodically require weekend and/or evening work.
Supervisor Responsibility
This position has direct supervision over Development & Communications department staff and external contractors (web developer; graphic designer; videographer).
Competencies
● Experience designing and executing comprehensive development and communications strategies that are aligned with organizational goals.
● Substantial experience with all facets of communications initiatives, including direct mail, social media, digital media, print media, as well as up-to-date knowledge of CRM systems, customer journey, web design, etc.
● History of using analytics to create effective fundraising strategies and determine their effectiveness, with the ability to communicate the results/ROI to senior leadership.
● Exceptional project manager, highly organized and able to think strategically and act tactically.
● Flexible, accountable, and with a team-orientation needed to succeed in a small organization with a proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
● Superior writing ability, verbal, and public speaking communications skills.
● Strong capacity for storytelling – with an understanding of how-to tailor messages for different audiences.
● Highest level of confidentiality and judgment regarding the personal information of donors and clients who use our client’s programs/services.
● Proficient with the following software/platforms: Microsoft Office Suite; PowerPoint; WordPress; Constant Contact or Mailchimp; Donor Management Platforms (i.e., Network for Good; Little Green Light; Blackbaud; etc.).
● Deep appreciation for our client’s mission. Knowledge of issues related to animal welfare is a plus.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
● Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field. Nonprofit experience a plus.
● Minimum 5 years of experience in Development and Communications/Marketing management for small to mid-sized organizations.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Non-Profit: 3 years (Required)
- Fundraising: 3 years (Required)
- Communications / Marketing: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Salisbury, MA 01952 (Required)
Work Location: In person
