Director of Development & Communications

Job Title: Director of Development & Communications

Status: Regular, Full Time

Reports To: Executive Director

Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 DDOE

Program: Development

Classification: Exempt/Nonexempt

Home Office: Seattle/Hybrid: Required in the office 3 days a week & 2 days remote. Office hours: 8:30-4:30

Application Requirements:

To be considered, applicants must apply online: https://mockingbirdsociety.org/about/careers) and include a resume and a letter of interest with a statement regarding the applicant’s commitment to racial equity.

ABOUT THE MOCKINGBIRD SOCIETY

The Mockingbird Society (TMS) is a non-partisan advocacy organization focused on transforming foster care and ending youth homelessness. We do this by creating, supporting, and advocating for racially equitable, healthy environments that develop youth and young adults at risk of or experiencing foster care or homelessness.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Development and Communications will create and implement key short- and long-term strategies to support the resource development, communications/marketing, and community relations activities of the organization. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Director will develop the annual development plan and ensure effective execution of the plan. The Director will oversee grants, major gifts and individual giving campaigns, and special events. The Director will also oversee the planning and execution of agency communications efforts, including social media, web, media relations, and brand management. The Director will serve as a key member of the senior management team and will work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure strategic goals are met.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Fund Development

• Create and implement annual fund development plans designed to increase overall agency funding and to build a diversified and robust base of individual and institutional supporters.
• Manage the grants program, working in close collaboration with program teams, the Development team, and contract grant writer(s) to develop proposals and reports, as well as track restricted revenues.
• Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events, including program plans, audience development, and sponsorship outreach.
• Plan, implement and grow the annual individual donor campaign, including, but not limited to developing and executing strategic direct solicitations, peer to peer, workplace and planned gift campaigns.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward portfolio of committed donors; facilitate significant and lasting relationships to encourage major gifts.
• Ensure timely and compelling donor stewardship and communications, implementing strategies to ensure supporters are engaged at regular intervals throughout the year.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director and the Director of Finance & Administration, create revenue forecasts, build and monitor Development department budgets, and reconcile records with Finance.
• Work with Communications Manager to plan, organize and implement programs to utilize corporations, business and individual volunteers to support agency goals.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Philanthropy Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Ensure timely and accurate tracking, reporting and acknowledgement of grants and contributions.
• Supervise and support the Communications Manager, the Communications Development Coordinator.

Communications

• Develop plans and strategies for increasing public awareness of TMS and its mission and vision.
• Lead the agency’s communications activities, working across departments to create unified external messaging that supports program and development efforts.
• Work with Communications Manager to develop compelling social media and web content; ensure regular updates.
• Lead agency-wide branding and marketing efforts.
• Supervise and support the Communications Manager and Development & Communications Coordinator.
• Monitors industry trends and follows evolving best practices around PR, marketing, and communications.
• Supports Executive Team with leadership and strategic recommendations for new agency initiatives, internal policy matters, and communications including crisis communications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, or a comparable combination of education and experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, communications, or related field. Advanced degree, CFRE or other fundraising certification is a plus.
• 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in planning and executing successful nonprofit fundraising efforts; proven ability to meet and exceed fundraising goals.
• 3-5 years of nonprofit communications experience. Demonstrated experience in integration of communications efforts with both fundraising and programs is preferred.
• Proven track record in successfully leading, coaching, motivating and supervising a team.
• Demonstrated experience in creating and managing large-scale fundraising events is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to maintain a positive, professional, and service-oriented demeanor toward a variety of donors, funders, sponsors and other stakeholders.
• Ability to represent the organization at fundraising and community events; comfortable with public speaking.
• Experience working with Boards of Directors and fundraising committees.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and balance priorities.
• Familiarity with email platforms such as Campaign Monitor or Mail Chimp.
• Familiarity with donor databases (Salesforce or similar).
• Familiarity with design tools like Canva or Photoshop.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Positive and creative – willing to take risks to try innovative new ideas.
• Experience with, and/or commitment to having, race equity, social justice, and LGBTQ/cultural competence be a workplace priority.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to perform physically; exerting 50 pounds of force occasionally and 10 pounds frequently.
• Upon date of hire, must be able to pass a Washington State and national criminal history check.
• Must have valid driver’s license, appropriate insurance and access to a vehicle or source of transportation for regular business use throughout Washington.
• Available to work some evenings and weekends with occasional local travel, as needed.

EMPLOYMENT POLICY

The Mockingbird Society is an Equal Opportunity employer. Employment is based upon individual qualifications without regard to race, culture, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, disabilities, political ideology, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status. We welcome all applicants, especially individuals with experience as caregivers, alumni of foster care, and those who have experienced youth homelessness. We recognize that women are statistically less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet 100% of the qualifications. If you do not meet all the qualifications, we hope you will still consider applying.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, applications must include a resume and a letter of interest that includes a statement regarding the applicant's commitment to racial equity.

Submit your resume and cover letter by going to our website career page:

https://mockingbirdsociety.bamboohr.com/careers