Director of Development & Communications, Prisoner Reentry/Faith-Based Organization

About Thrive For Life Prison Project

Thrive For Life is a Jesuit-founded nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform lives behind and beyond the prison walls. We provide a continuity of care to justice-impacted individuals rooted in our four pillars of education, employment, housing, and a deep sense of purpose. We leverage a network of academic institutions, service providers, and volunteers to ensure the permanent and successful reentry of justice-impacted individuals. Currently, we operate three houses of study spanning New York and Wisconsin, with plans to expand our reach to other geographic regions across the continental United States.

Position Overview

The Director of Development & Communications will lead Thrive For Life's fundraising and external communications efforts, playing a critical role in advancing the organization's mission. This individual will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive development strategy, cultivating and stewarding donor relationships, overseeing grant writing, and managing all external communications. Initially a part-time position, this role is expected to evolve into a full-time position as the current Development Director transitions out.

This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven leader to build upon the organization's strong foundation and expand its funding base and visibility. A strong preference will be given to candidates who have attended a Jesuit high school and/or college, reflecting our commitment to Jesuit values and education.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Fundraising:

• Develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan to secure financial support from individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government sources.
• Manage and expand Thrive For Life's major gifts program, identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-net-worth individuals.
• Oversee grant research, proposal writing, and reporting to institutional funders.
• Design and implement donor engagement strategies, including events, one-on-one meetings, and targeted campaigns.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing donors while identifying new funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to leverage their networks for fundraising efforts.

Communications & Marketing:

• Develop and oversee the execution of Thrive For Life's external communications strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and goals.
• Craft compelling narratives for donor appeals, impact reports, newsletters, and social media campaigns.
• Manage the organization's digital presence, including website updates, email campaigns, and social media engagement.
• Oversee the development of print and digital materials that communicate Thrive For Life's mission, programs, and impact.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for the organization, representing Thrive For Life at events, media opportunities, and community engagements.

Leadership & Strategy:

• Work closely with the Executive Director to align development and communications efforts with organizational priorities.
• Support the Board of Directors in fundraising initiatives and donor cultivation activities.
• Oversee data tracking and analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising and communications efforts.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to staff and volunteers supporting development and communications activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Deep commitment to Thrive For Life’s mission and a passion for social justice.
• Strong preference for candidates who have attended a Jesuit high school and/or college.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with donors, funders, board members, and community partners.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience crafting compelling donor communications and marketing materials.
• Strong digital literacy skills and ability to learn new platforms (e.g. donor management platforms, AI-driven tools, social media, etc.)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to play a leadership role in a growing, impact-driven organization.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Vincenzo Guido at vguido@thriveforlife.org with the subject line "Director of Development & Communications Application."

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.