We’re Hiring: Director of Development and Communications

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Director of Development and Communications will be an integral part of that work, overseeing the development and execution of MAIP’s overall fundraising and communications strategies. MAIP has experienced significant growth on the program side in recent years, and the Director of Development and Communications will play a critical role in sustaining that growth and planning for additional growth. The position reports directly to the Executive Director and will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Development and Communications Associate to develop and execute fundraising and communication strategies.

 

ABOUT YOU  

You are an excellent communicator who can interact comfortably with people from all walks of life and can write for a variety of audiences. You are passionate about criminal-justice reform and love to think about strategy and growth, but you also are an organized multi-tasker who can stay on top of the day-to-day details that go into managing development and communications for a small-but-growing nonprofit. You love to fundraise and to help people who are passionate about a mission but afraid to ask for money. You are a motivated team player who takes initiative and delivers high-quality work.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategy & Leadership

• Work with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Development & Communications Associate to set fundraising goals and an annual development plan in alignment with organizational priorities and strategic plan.
• Develop a multi-year sustainability and growth plan for fundraising in concert with MAIP’s strategic vision.
• Participate in strategic discussions around MAIP’s mission, vision, and values.
• Establish metrics to evaluate fundraising and outreach activities.
• Stays apprised of advancements and changes pertinent to fundraising, development, and communications.
• Participate in Board meetings and serve as a staff resource to the Board.
• Manage and helps facilitate the continuing professional growth of the Development & Communications Associate.
• Direct and engage the staff and board in fundraising and stewardship activities throughout the year.
• Manage any photography, video production, and fundraising event volunteers.

Communications

• Create high-impact messaging and communications tools for all aspects of development.
• Develop materials as needed for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospects.
• Regularly review the website to ensure that messaging is aligned with fundraising and overall organizational goals.
• Manage media outreach and requests, which includes managing press lists, looking for media opportunities, and providing guidance to the Executive Director.
• Manage the Development & Communications Associate’s work on the quarterly organizational newsletter, social media accounts, website blog, acknowledgement letters, and email blasts.
• Develop plan for integrating more video into our Internet and social media communications.

Solicitation, Cultivation, and Stewardship

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts from individual, foundation, and corporate donors, personally and in partnership with staff and board members.
• In line with fundraising strategy, execute solicitations, grant proposals, and corporate partnerships.
• Plan and execute special campaigns, including planned giving, monthly donors, and lapsed donors.
• Manage the creation and delivery of annual appeal letters and emails.
• Prepare grant reports and ensure that Development & Communications Associate is promptly acknowledging gifts.
• Work with the Development & Communications Associate to create stewardship and cultivation plans for all donors, including the creation of the annual calendar for ongoing donor touch points throughout the year.
• Plan and manage events, including our Annual Fundraising Luncheon.

 Finance and Database Management

• Develop and manage the fundraising budget.
• Oversee Development & Communications Associate’s maintenance of the CRM database and ensure that the current database is appropriate for our needs.
• Manage financial reporting to donors, which may include an annual report.
• Work with Development & Communications Associate and Operations Associate to compile documentation of gifts and grants for annual audit.
• Create and ensure adherence to appropriate policies for gift acceptance and ensuring the integrity of donor data.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 8+ years of fundraising experience with progressive growth toward leadership.
• Demonstrated track record of developing and meeting fundraising goals.
• Experience directly soliciting gifts from individuals, corporations, and/or foundations.
• Experience managing communications activities, including physical and digital asset development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising best practices.
• Experience with donor databases, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite, and a general comfort with new technology and systems.

 

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in an intense and highly charged setting.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to interact with diverse populations and vulnerable/traumatized individuals.
• Sense of humor and a flexible, adaptable work style.
• A positive attitude, a love of problem solving, and sound judgment.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for social justice and for MAIP’s work, including a demonstrated commitment to public-interest work and criminal-justice reform.
• Openness to feedback and enthusiasm for learning new skills