Overview

The Director of Development & Communication is responsible for planning and effective implementation of fundraising and communication strategies for Literacy Archives. Responsible for overseeing grants, special events, and campaigns and for meeting agencies’ short and long-term fundraising goals.  Also responsible for developing annual communications plan that aligns with development and program priorities, strengthen our brand identity, and engage donors in accomplishing their philanthropic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Work closely with the Executive Director to create and bolster annual development and fundraising growth plan.
• Provide strategic direction and short-and long-range planning of growing the annual giving program, while supporting the greater development goals of the organization.
• Serve as staff liaison for board development committee and assist with board fundraising training and engagement.
• Attend and present accurate and updated fundraising outcomes and strategies at bi-monthly board meetings.
• Represent the agency at meetings and events with grantors and donors, in partnership with, or in lieu of, Executive Director
• Provide supervision of the Development Manager and provide coaching and opportunities for skills development.

• Serve as an enthusiastic and committed member of the agency’s leadership team.

Fundraising

• Oversee the annual grant schedule: research and support internal grant writing to broaden opportunities; maintain records, and work with program outcomes team to prepare summary reports. Provide oversight of grant writing services to ensure that grants and reports are written accurately and meet grant guidelines and deadlines.
• Support CEO in donor engagement and portfolio management strategies. Develop and steward own portfolio of donors.

• Oversees stewardship activities; ensures a high-touch response to partners and donors.

• Create, plan, and implement fundraising strategy for North Texas Giving Day, year-end giving campaign, and to solicit and grow monthly and new donors.
• Oversee the effective planning and successful implementation of fundraising events including the annual Wings of Spring Gala, and Birdies for Literacy.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with new interfaith and community partners.
• Manage department specific contracts and relationships with outside vendors.

• Champion best practices in the nonprofit and fundraising fields in the performance of duties

• Utilize CRM system (Bloomerang) to accurately track, monitor and report on donor engagement, giving patterns and retention.

Communications

• Develop and implement organization-wide communications plan and ensure that all donor segments receive timely and updated communications.
• Lead the creation of scripts for those that will speak at agency events. Ensure they are mission focused and personalized for the audience.
• Ensure marketing and communication materials and messages adhere to brand standards and are consistent across platforms and audiences.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of printed and digital materials that engage and educate targeted audiences and inspire corresponding action (i.e., newsletters).

• Create solicitation and collateral materials, presentations, and visualization tools to support board and other staff members; ensure materials maintain or enhance organization’s brand image.
• Manage direct-mail and online giving campaigns for individuals and event underwriting.
• Ensure timely and accurate acknowledgement of donors through private and public recognition, including thank you letters, newsletters, and annual reports.
• Oversee website and maintain consistent social media presence to engage, inform, and enlist community stakeholders.
• Serve as point of contact for external media requests.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, but provides a general overview of responsibilities. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Characteristics

• Five years of experience as a nonprofit fundraising and/or communications professional.
• Excellent ability to cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with all community stakeholders and demonstrate donor stewardship best practices and skills.
• Event and/or project planning experience.
• Experience in hiring, training, coaching and supervising staff.
• Outstanding writing skills and impeccable attention to detail.
• Adaptable and able to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines and under pressure.
• Ability to use sound judgment and maintain privacy and confidentiality.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable within a growing, fast-paced organization.
• High standards of performance, quality, credibility and integrity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in fundraising CRM systems (Bloomerang preferred).
• Team Player that fosters a collaborative and respectful environment with staff, board and volunteers.
• Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s mission and core values.
• Education:  Bachelor’s or advanced degree, or equivalent skills/experience; CFRE, or other fundraising certifications valued.

To apply, please send a copy of a resume and cover letter to Vicki Keifer, Interim Executive Director, at vkeifer@literacyachieves.org