Vice President, Development and Communications

Position Overview

ESC seeks a Vice President, Development & Communications (VPDC) to play a pivotal role in advancing our mission. As a key member of our senior leadership team, this position will lead an integrated approach to fundraising and communications, ensuring alignment with ESC’s strategic vision and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the President & CEO, the VPDC will refine, develop, and implement revenue-generating strategies while building ESC’s visibility and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Lead the implementation and refinement of ESC’s fundraising strategy, including individual, corporate, and foundation giving, major gifts, and planned giving.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, and foundation partners, ensuring long-term engagement and financial sustainability.
• Oversee grant writing and reporting, ensuring alignment with funder priorities and organizational needs.
• Partner with the Board Resource Development Committee to expand fundraising capacity and donor pipelines.
• Develop strategies for donor meetings, including preparation, execution, and follow-up with key stakeholders.
• In partnership with Vice President, Client Services and Director, Volunteers and Cohort Programs, design and implement strategic communications that support business development goals, with a focus on growing fee-for-service revenue streams and expanding ESC’s reach and impact.

Strategic Communications & Brand Awareness

• Design and implement a communications strategy that builds brand awareness, supports fundraising efforts, and deepens engagement with ESC’s network of nonprofit clients, donors, and consultants.
• Oversee the development of content for digital marketing, social media, newsletters, and donor engagement materials.
• Ensure ESC’s impact is effectively communicated through storytelling, case studies, and thought leadership.
• Oversee website content, ensuring it is engaging, accurate, and up-to-date.
• Support the creation of internal and external communications, including sensitive messaging and public statements.

Special Events & Stakeholder Engagement

• Oversee the planning and execution of donor cultivation and stewardship events.
• Collaborate with the Director, Volunteers & Cohort Programs to ensure the annual luncheon is a strategic donor engagement opportunity.
• Lead event-related communications and coordinate fundraising components of key ESC initiatives.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise the Senior Coordinator, Development & Communications, as well as external consultants supporting grant writing, communications, and marketing.
• Partner with the senior leadership team to align fundraising, business development, and communications with organizational goals.
• Utilize data and analytics to measure success, track fundraising performance, and inform strategic decisions.

Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years of experience in fundraising, communications, and development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven success in securing major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants.
• Strong experience in brand-building, digital marketing, and storytelling.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and board members.
• Leadership experience in team management, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), digital marketing tools, and fundraising analytics.
• Passion for ESC’s mission and a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and social impact.