Director of Development and Communications

The Director of Development & Communications leads NEKCA’s fundraising and communications strategies with the goal of growing a strong community of supporters who are partners in funding and advocating for a Northeast Kingdom where all generations can grow, prosper, and thrive. This position plans and develops consistent and impactful touchpoints with external stakeholders throughout the year, building community trust and implementing marketing strategies that help meet agency fundraising goals, primarily charitable giving, but can include program enrollment, anti-poverty advocacy, and more.

This position has a strong focus on fundraising and is responsible for raising the resources that are needed to fund NEKCA’s vision. The Director supervises the development team, serves as a member of the organization’s senior management team, and oversees all strategy related to development and external communications.

• Develop and execute a successful fundraising plan
• Identify funding needs, pursue new opportunities and revenue streams, and design campaigns for major gifts, grants, and annual giving as well as capital funds
• Organize and manage a fundraising strategy to plan outreach to existing and prospective donors in order to solicit financial support
• Oversee town and municipal funding strategy and requests, ensuring strong relationships with local officials
• Oversee donor recognition process
• Build and maintain strong donor relationships with individuals, corporate partners, businesses, and foundations through engagement, recognition, and stewardship
• Provide detailed input and projections for the annual fundraising budgeting process and provide reports as needed to the Board, the Executive Director and others on progress toward budgetary goals
• Measure and analyze donor data and trends, and recommend approaches for donor cultivation and revenue growth
• Lead external-facing communications and marketing outreach efforts
• Oversee the design, production, and distribution of NEKCA’s marketing materials, publications, and digital communications, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, brand consistency, and effective communication of the organization’s story
• Oversee media relations, press releases, and crisis communications
• Manage agency website content and social media strategies to enhance public awareness and engagement
• Monitor news and trends affecting NEKCA’s program areas, preparing timely communication strategies and talking points
• Participate as a member of the senior management team
• Attend local and regional events as a NEKCA representative to prospect for new partnerships and deepen existing ones, and support and/or attend NEKCA events as needed
• Work collaboratively and transparently with program staff to communicate about NEKCA’s offerings and to develop shared solutions to resource challenges
• Advise Directors and Program staff on best practices for community-centered fundraising

• BA (preferred)
• 5-10 relevant experience (required)
• Proven record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals