Director of Development & Communications (Contract- to- Hire)

About YES! Media:

YES! Media is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and movement publication focused on radical solutions and transforming independent media with a leadership team that embodies the diversity and resilience of the communities we aim to uplift. By challenging conventional narratives and centering underrepresented voices, we work to create a more just and equitable world. Our solutions-driven journalism spotlights the innovation and strength within marginalized communities, redefining what it means to be a successful independent media organization. As we navigate a shifting media landscape, YES! Media is led by a team whose lived experiences and commitment to social justice drive our mission forward, creating a future where all stories are heard and valued.

Position Summary:

YES! Media seeks a dynamic and experienced Director of Development & Communications to lead our fundraising, external communications and marketing efforts. This role is a strategic leadership position responsible for cultivating and securing multi-million-dollar gifts, building and sustaining donor relationships, and expanding YES! Media’s audience and brand.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned development professional with proven experience in securing major gifts, a deep passion for independent media and social change, coupled with expertise in strategic communications. This role will evaluate the effectiveness of the development and marketing strategy by setting priorities, metrics, and monitoring outcomes.

The Director of Development & Communications works in direct partnership with the Executive Director to advance the mission and strategic goals of YES! Media, taking on a leadership role that creates and boosts annual fundraising growth. In this leadership capacity, the position will provide strategic direction (both long and short term planning) to achieve the annual contributed revenue goals while supporting the greater development goals of the organization. Additionally, they will develop a portfolio of major gift donors/prospects and manage the fundraising strategy for these donors with primary responsibility for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

They will also serve to advance the organization’s visibility and work to effectively establish the brand voice for YES! in order to achieve our goal of expanding our audience reach and establishing YES! as a nationally recognized leader of independent, progressive journalism.

This is a contract-to-hire position. The selected candidate will begin as a contractor for an initial period of 60-days, with the potential for a full-time, permanent role based on performance and business needs. This arrangement allows both the candidate and the company to assess long-term fit before transitioning into a permanent position.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Development (70%)

• Own all fundraising efforts, ensuring a comprehensive, strategic, and sustainable approach to revenue generation across all funding streams.
• Bring a creative and entrepreneurial mindset to fundraising, exploring innovative approaches to donor engagement and revenue generation.
• Develop and refine fundraising strategies that align with YES! Media’s mission and long-term sustainability goals.
• Design and execute a plan to build out the development and marketing teams, ensuring the right talent and structures are in place for growth.
• Leverage technology, data, and digital tools to enhance donor outreach and fundraising efficiency.
• Cultivate a culture of philanthropy within the organization, ensuring that all staff and board members are engaged in development efforts.
• Develop scalable fundraising models that increase financial resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing media landscape.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure multi-million-dollar gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate donors.
• Develop a portfolio of major gift donors/prospects and manage the fundraising strategy for these donors with primary responsibility for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Manage the grant writing and reporting process, including crafting compelling proposals and impact reports.
• Oversee and grow YES! Media’s individual giving programs, developing innovative donor engagement strategies.
• Identify and develop new funding streams, including but not limited to corporate partnerships.
• Partner with the Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors to leverage networks and to ensure alignment on fundraising and communications goals.

Marketing (30%)

• Serve as a key thought leader for communications and marketing strategies, collaborating with the Executive Director and Executive Editor to shape and refine the organization’s voice, messaging, and overall communications strategy.
• Work in collaboration with the Creative Director and Editorial team to establish, refine, and promote the institution’s organizational brand
• Develop and execute a brand and marketing strategy that amplifies YES! Media’s reach, readership, and influence
• Oversee digital marketing initiatives, including email campaigns, social media, and content marketing, to drive audience engagement and donor acquisition.
• Collaborate with editorial and program teams to align messaging and storytelling efforts with fundraising and audience growth goals.
• Serve as a spokesperson for YES! Media, representing the organization at public events, conferences, and donor gatherings.
• Manage relationships with external agencies, consultants, and media partners to elevate the organization's visibility.

Required Skills & Experience:

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development with a strong track record of securing multi-million dollar gifts.
• Demonstrated success in major gift solicitation, donor stewardship, and relationship building.
• Experience managing budgets and grant reporting.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives that inspire support.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
• Experience managing teams and fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Proficiency in CRM and donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce) and digital marketing tools.
• Proficiency using office productivity tools (e.g. Office 365, Google office apps)
• Expert knowledge of marketing and communications strategies, including digital and traditional media.
• Familiarity with social media data analytics and the ability to leverage insights to optimize marketing campaigns.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience leading marketing initiatives, preferably in the media or nonprofit sectors.
• Experience with social media and digital marketing, including audience engagement and conversion strategies.
• Some experience with brand management, brand awareness, and brand activation initiatives.
• Community outreach experience, with the ability to build and sustain partnerships that enhance brand visibility.
• Content monetization experience is a plus but not required
• Passion for independent media, social justice, and solutions journalism.

Our Culture

We embrace a values-driven, mission-focused culture that prioritizes creativity, collaboration, and trust at YES! We take a 'crunchy-granola' approach to work—meaning we value authenticity, sustainability, and a deep connection to our purpose. We measure success by impact and believe in giving our team the autonomy to do their best work without unnecessary micromanagement.