The Hill Community Development Corporation (Hill CDC) is seeking an experienced Senior Fund Development & Communications Officer to lead fundraising, grant writing, and strategic communications for one of Pittsburgh’s most impactful community development organizations. This role blends nonprofit development, strategic communications, and hands-on execution, ideal for a candidate with deep experience in grant writing, donor relations, and revenue generation.
The Senior Fund Development & Communications Officer will drive fundraising strategy, foundation and corporate partnerships, and capital campaigns, while also independently producing high-quality grant proposals, reports, and donor communications. This role plays a central part in shaping the organization’s narrative, visibility, and positioning, translating complex real estate, cultural, and community development work into compelling cases for investment.
This is an opportunity for a results-oriented professional skilled in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, and communications strategy, who can operate at both a strategic and execution level in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. Candidates with experience in community development, economic development, urban planning, or real estate development are strongly encouraged to apply.
Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive revenue strategy that integrates fundraising, partnerships, sponsorships, and earned income opportunities
Lead in executing long-term fundraising strategy including all potential revenue streams (grant writing, campaigns, corporate and individual donations, events), ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and brand positioning
This includes direct responsibility for drafting, editing, and submitting grant proposals, reports, and donor communications
Communicate and coordinate with key contacts at existing and potential funding sources to supply needed documentation according to established parameters for reporting and deadlines for grants
Coordinate internal resources to obtain information and synthesize it quickly into clear, compelling cases for support, grant reports, and proposals under tight deadlines
Lead efforts to maintain current and develop new foundation, corporate, government, and organizational donor relationships locally and nationally
Perform research and audience analysis, preparing and sending asks and thank you letters, handling follow-up communication, preparing reports, etc.
Implement necessary technical solutions to promote, manage, and maximize fund development potential for the organization locally and nationally
Independently research, write, and submit high-quality grant proposals, reports, and close-out documentation in a timely and consistent manner
Administer existing grants including those from public, private, and corporate sources, maintaining full ownership of compliance, reporting timelines, and documentation accuracy
Lead in creating an entrepreneurial and philanthropic culture with the staff and Board of Directors
Develop and lead fundraising efforts on key organizational projects which are diverse in nature ranging from art, culture (ie New Granada Theater), entrepreneurship, and community development
Translate complex real estate and land use development projects into compelling investment narratives that resonate with philanthropic, corporate, and public-sector audiences
Ability to facilitate and support capital campaigns and the various related relational and administrative duties, including campaign messaging and donor experience strategy
Must possess solid analytical and financial skills to facilitate the completion of complex budgets and strategies including reading and understanding local, state, and federal government grants and contracts
Utilize data-driven insights to inform targeting, segmentation, and performance optimization across fundraising efforts
Support the development and maintenance of an effective donor management system
Maintain various databases to assure high-level accuracy and expeditious access to data
Ability to connect the dots on funding-related duties and efforts with internal team members, operating as a coach in some cases
Promptly escalate urgent matters to the President & CEO for action and resolution
Perform other duties as assigned
Lead the development and stewardship of the Hill CDC brand across all external platforms, ensuring consistency, clarity, and impact
Develop and execute integrated marketing and communications campaigns that support fundraising initiatives, program visibility, and organizational growth
Identify and position the Hill CDC’s work within local, regional, and national narratives to attract investment and partnership opportunities
Oversee content strategy including storytelling, digital presence, thought leadership, and public-facing materials
Collaborate with leadership to elevate the organization’s voice and thought leadership in equitable development
Ensure alignment between communications, development, and programmatic priorities to maximize visibility and engagement
Ensure that all branding and marketing efforts directly support fund development outcomes, including proposal development, donor engagement, and campaign performance
Lead strategic partnerships, campaigns, and initiatives that elevate the Hill CDC’s profile and position the organization as a national model for equitable development
Lead in the creation and management of fundraising events, including capital campaign-related events
Lead in the creation of strategic communication materials that aid in fund development efforts
Produce and oversee high-quality written content, ensuring clarity, precision, and alignment with funding requirements and organizational voice
Ensure all materials reflect a cohesive brand voice and are designed to convert awareness into investment and long-term engagement
Work with internal and external team members to position the Hill CDC and its work for maximum investment and engagement
Develop positioning strategies that differentiate the Hill CDC in competitive funding and partnership environments
Bachelor degree in applicable field. Masters degree a plus. Candidates with commensurate experience and proven results will be considered
Demonstrated ability to integrate fundraising, marketing, and communications into a unified strategy
Exceptional writing ability with a proven track record of independently producing successful grant proposals and donor-facing materials
Superior written and verbal communication skills are essential
Proven discernment in knowing who to include in critical asks with key foundation, corporate, and political audiences
Experience engaging high-level stakeholders across philanthropic, corporate, civic, and political sectors
Results-oriented, highly organized, efficient, and self-reliant
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and produce high-volume, high-quality work in a fast-paced environment
3–5 years experience with fundraising software and database management
Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Salesforce for donor management
Experience leveraging digital platforms and marketing tools to drive engagement and donor conversion preferred
Excellent attention to detail
Coachable; demonstrates use of lessons learned
Ability to multi-task and work in fast-paced environments
Highly responsive
Positive, professional, and amicable demeanor
Strong problem-solving skills and good judgment
Ability to work well independently and with other team members
Ability to interact with diverse groups of people such as community residents, elected officials, business executives, foundation representatives, etc.
Willingness to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution; no task is too small when advancing the mission
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable campaigns and measurable outcomes
