Senior Director of Development & Communications

About the Role

MSP is seeking a results-driven Senior Director of Development and Communications to lead our fundraising and communication efforts at a pivotal moment of organizational growth. This individual will oversee all aspects of our development programs, including strategy, donor research and cultivation, government, foundation and corporate giving, partnership development, unique events and campaigns, board engagement, and the management of key team members: the Director of Institutional Giving, Individual Giving Manager, Volunteer & Partnership Manager, and Communications Manager.

Additionally, the Senior Director will play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of MSP’s fundraising efforts, including the development of a capital campaign to support the organization’s future growth. This role requires a visionary leader who can guide the team in implementing effective data-driven communication strategies to build and sustain community and donor engagement.

This is a hybrid position and expected to be in the office at least 1-2 days a week.

About My Sister’s Place

My Sister's Place is a community of staff, volunteers, and advocates committed to eradicating domestic violence. As DC's oldest domestic violence shelter, we have served as a cornerstone of the district's response to this pressing public health issue since 1979. MSP is unique in offering a continuum of care from emergency shelter through transitional-to-permanent housing. Our experienced team of case managers and residential counselors provide clinical counseling, case management, and comprehensive services to empower survivors to recover and thrive. MSP also provides training, case consultation, and advocacy to engage communities to prevent violence and abuse.

What You’ll Be Doing

Fundraising Leadership (40%)

• Develop and implement a multi-year development and communications strategy, aligning with organizational goals for growth and sustainability for MSP’s $8 million+ and growing organizational budget
• Establish and lead the execution of an annual operational plan, setting benchmarks to achieve both short-term and long-term fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to design and drive a capital campaign to support MSP’s future growth over the next five years.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of 6, providing clear expectations, guidance, and professional growth opportunities.
• Interface with the Finance team to ensure financial reporting, fundraising reconciliation, and accurate tracking of campaign performance.
• Report regularly to the Executive Director and Board on progress against goals, highlighting key developments and strategic adjustments.

Fundraising (30%)

• Partner with the Executive Director and development staff on donor engagement, managing a high-value portfolio of key donors and prospects.
• Maintain a robust portfolio of 30-40 major donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies, focusing on gifts of $25,000+.
• Strategize and drive the execution of signature fundraising events, annual campaigns, a future capital campaign, and other initiatives to diversify and expand the donor base.
• Lead strategy and support for team members managing specific portfolios:
• Director of Institutional Giving: Manages the institutional giving program, funder relationships, proposal development and reporting for foundations, major corporations and government grants.
• Individual Giving Manager: Manages the individual giving program and a portfolio of mid-major individuals and family foundations. This includes direct mail campaigns, events, and board engagement.
• Volunteer & Partnership Manager: Manages volunteers, community partnerships, low-level corporate sponsorships, and in-kind support.
• Communications Manager: Design for all direct mail and digital fundraising campaigns, events, as well as social media engagement.

Communications and Marketing (20%)

• Oversee and drive the development of communication strategies that enhance MSP’s brand visibility, donor engagement, and community awareness.
• Provide strategic guidance for messaging across print, digital, social media, and public relations channels.
• Ensure cohesive storytelling that effectively communicates MSP’s mission, impact, and programs.
• Serve as the organization’s public representative, building relationships to further enhance awareness and commitment to MSP’s mission.

Board & Strategic Leadership (10%)

• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee, leading strategic discussions, and supporting fundraising initiatives.
• Collaborate with Board members, providing training and resources to enhance their role in the development process.
• Engage with the Executive Leadership Team to provide strategic oversight for all aspects of the organization’s operations, contributing to strategic planning and cross-departmental initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, or related field required.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in nonprofit development, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants.
• Proven success in leading capital campaigns and securing five- to six-figure gifts.
• Strong background in strategic planning, team leadership, and development operations.
• Experience with donor management systems and CRM tools (e.g., Donor Perfect, iWave, Constant Contact, VolunteerLocal, etc).
• Strong organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive and collaborative, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

At MSP, we are committed to our core values, which guide our every action and decision. We’re hiring someone who shares our dedication to these values and embodies them in their work:

• Demonstrate Professionalism, Integrity, and Excellence: You approach your role with the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct. You should consistently uphold integrity, demonstrate excellence in your work, and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.
• Support Wellness and Self-care: You understand the importance of self-care and wellness, both for yourself and for the clients we serve. You should promote and model self-care practices and encourage clients to prioritize their well-being.
• Provide Person-centered and Trauma-informed Services: We value a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to service delivery. The right candidate should be skilled in empathetic and client-focused interactions, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of each individual.
• Foster an Environment of Trust, Transparency, and Respect: Building trust and maintaining transparency and respect in all interactions is paramount to our organization. We are looking for someone who can create a safe and respectful environment for clients and colleagues alike.
• Deliver Services Intentionally and Passionately: We seek a team member who is passionate about helping others and who approaches their role with intentionality. You should be dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients.

My Sister's Place is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based upon race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.