Director of Development and Communications

$85,000 - $92,000/Yr

Women's Advocates - Saint Paul, MN

Full-time - Senior

Saint Paul, MN

1-10 employees

Social Assistance

About the position

The Director of Development and Communications at Women's Advocates Inc. plays a crucial role in advancing the organization's mission to support victim/survivors of domestic violence. This full-time position is responsible for leading the development and fundraising initiatives, which encompass major gifts, planned giving, institutional giving, events, annual appeals, and comprehensive campaigns. A significant focus of this role is the ongoing $14.25 million Capital Campaign aimed at establishing a new 19-unit, 56-bed emergency shelter in Saint Paul, which is currently over 65% complete. The Director will cultivate relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities to secure funding and support for the organization’s goals. In addition to fundraising, the Director will oversee organizational communications, which include managing social media, the website, newsletters, annual reports, press releases, and other literature that supports special appeals and campaigns. This position requires collaboration with the Associate Director and Grants & Evaluation Manager to enhance government and institutional grant opportunities. The Director will also supervise a Development Coordinator and the Communications & Education Manager, ensuring effective communication and operationalization of the organization's strategic goals, particularly in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a member of the leadership team, the Director will participate in planning and decision-making processes that affect the entire organization. This role is pivotal in establishing and operationalizing fundraising plans and projects, while also leading the Development Committee of the Board of Directors. The position is designed for an individual with a strong background in fundraising and communications, who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with individuals and entities positioned to support Women's Advocates' fund development goals.
• Strategize to grow a dynamic and responsive major gifts program, including identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors.
• Manage relationships with foundations and corporations at the local, state, and national level.
• Work with Grants & Evaluation Manager and Associate Director to identify strategic pathways to increase funding through foundations and corporations.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with Women's Advocates' donors through regular contact and effective communication.
• Oversee planning and execution of fundraising events, activities, and appeals.
• Maintain regular communication and engagement with Board Development Committee chair and members; provide staff support for Development Committee meetings.
• Oversee creation of publications and other communications to support fundraising activities.
• Coordinate and provide orientation and tours for community members and donors, as appropriate.
• Effectively communicate Women's Advocates' mission, vision, values, and goals to key audiences and stakeholders across various platforms.
• Cultivate and maintain contacts in various local and regional media outlets.
• Serve as the first point of contact and organizational spokesperson for media inquiries.
• Develop an annual communications plan for Women's Advocates with input from the Support Team, Development Team, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and execute marketing and public relations plans and activities.
• Write and distribute press releases and speeches as needed and appropriate.
• Collaborate with Communications & Education Manager on photo editing and design as needed and appropriate.
• Oversee strategy behind Women's Advocates' social media and web presence.
• Oversee development and production of print and written materials for the organization, ensuring a consistent organizational identity across materials and platforms.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, training, and placement in collaboration with the Development & Communications Coordinator.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in professional fundraising (private and government) and communications, preferably in a leadership capacity.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience supervising professional staff.
• Demonstrated event planning experience.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with donors and prospective donors, community partners, volunteers, board members, and staff throughout the organization.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Skills and experience across multiple social media platforms.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative as well as Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Fluency in donor management and fundraising software; Women's Advocates uses Bloomerang.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines, establish and follow through on priorities and timelines.
• Strong critical thinking skills, including the ability to research, analyze, and report data.
• Facilitation skills.
• Ability to work effectively across difference.
• Demonstrated experience with and/or commitment to intercultural development and anti-racism work in the workplace.
• Commitment to actively contributing to the organization being a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Benefits

• Full-time position
• Benefits eligible
• Competitive salary range of $85,000 - $92,000