Development & Communications Director

Director of Development and Communications Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Director of Development and Communications will be responsible for leading the community engagement, development, marketing, and communications initiatives as The Food Pantries for the Capital District grows. This role also involves providing support to The Alliance for a Hunger Free New York and the NYS Food as Medicine Coalition as an official partner. The Director will have the opportunity to capitalize on The Food Pantries' growth, as well as strengthen existing relationships, partnerships, and strategies. We are seeking an ideal candidate who can bring innovative ideas to the table to bolster our presence, cultivate strong relationships, identify new opportunities, and implement effective strategies. The position entails oversight of all activities related to community engagement, fund development, donor relations, public relations, media, communications, marketing, events, social media, and volunteers. Additionally, the Director will supervise the Development Manager and Community Engagement. Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises employees, volunteers, community service volunteers, and interns. Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations. Ability to identify, learn and implement software useful to improve efficiency. Key Responsibilities: Development, Fundraising, and Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the Executive Director. Manage all aspects of individual giving, including major gifts, planned giving, and annual campaigns focusing on increasing average gift, number and frequency. In collaboration with the Executive Director and Grants Manager identify, track, cultivate, and solicit funding from government, corporate, and private foundations. Support, prepare, and strategically deploy the CEO Executive Director to meet with key potential donors, both existing and new prospects. Lead the planning and execution of donor cultivation events, stewardship activities, and recognition initiatives to ensure donor engagement and retention. Support Board of Directors, Advisory Board and New Supporter network to identify and solicit funding resources and utilize their network for organizational support and growth. Foster, establish and maintain strong connections with the Executive Director, Board (Development Committee), and Advisory Board Committee to leverage their expertise, networks, and resources to increase fundraising effectiveness and organizational growth, providing progress reports and timely coordination. Track and analyze the performance of fundraising efforts, providing regular reports and insights to inform decision-making and strategy refinement. Oversee the administration of the NEON CRM software system. Communications, Marketing, and Outreach: Develop and execute a strategic communications plan to raise awareness of our organization's mission, programs, and impact through the implementation of a focused, data-driven communications calendar, engagement with key stakeholders, and continuous testing of new models. Oversee the creation of compelling content for a variety of communication channels, including websites, social media, email newsletters, press releases, and marketing materials. Oversee the design and production of marketing collateral and fundraising materials, including but not limited to appeals and annual reports ensuring brand consistency and alignment with organizational messaging and values. Collaborate with development and program staff to provide donors with regular updates on the impact of their contributions and opportunities for deeper engagement with our organization. Represent The Food Pantries as a Senior Leader of the organization at events, with government officials, the press, donors, and the greater community. Oversee the planning, execution, and growth of special events. Ensure the successful growth of the volunteer program. All other duties as assigned. Management and Leadership: Participate as a member of the Senior Leadership team and engage in organizational decision-making. Lead and foster a culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth in alignment with the mission. Manage, train, mentor, and recruit (as needed) staff to ensure a knowledgeable, skilled, motivated team. Fundraising Campaigns and Events: Develop, implement, and direct major and legacy giving. Track and analyze the performance of fundraising efforts, providing regular reports and insights to inform decision-making and strategy refinement. Oversee the planning, execution, and growth of special events and expanded menu of both large and smaller engagement activities in the ever-evolving post-COVID fundraising world. Required Skills/Abilities: Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of supporters and build long-term relationships. Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can lead both strategic and tactical fundraising and marketing/communications initiatives. Ability to work independently without close oversight; but also, a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside of The Food Pantries. Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks and solve problems expeditiously. Strong relational and collaborative skills. Strong commitment to and passion for The Food Pantries mission is essential. Ability to construct, articulate, and implement annual fundraising and communications plan. Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail. Knowledge of basic budgeting best practices. Experience with technology in office, fundraising, CRM, communications, and social media platforms. A valid drivers license. Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, marketing, communications, or a related field (advanced degree preferred). Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, communications, or marketing, with a proven track record of success in revenue generation and donor engagement. 5 plus years of management/leadership experience. Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. This position requires some evening and weekend hours. Position can be physically demanding - employee must have the ability to lift up to 15 lbs. Position may require exposure to the elements: rain, snow, wind, etc. Applying: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $78,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year Schedule: Monday to Friday Education: Bachelor's (Required) Experience: Fundraising: 5 years (Required) Microsoft Office: 3 years (Preferred) J-18808-Ljbffr