Position Title: Director of Development and Communications
Reports To: Executive Director
Position Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $66,340 - $90,000/Annual (FY24 - Tier 5, Wage Scale)
Benefits: https://tinyurl.com/GW-2024-Benefits-Package
Groundworks Collaborative—a dynamic organization committed to providing shelter, food, and supportive services with dignity—is hiring a seasoned leader to oversee fundraising and communications. We are seeking a leader with excellent written and oral communication skills, a track record in raising major gifts, and who enjoys building strong and lasting relationships.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director (who was in the Director of Development & Communications role for over a decade), this position will have the creative opportunity to enhance fundraising, communications, and related systems to achieve ambitious Annual Fund goals. As a senior staff member, the Director of Development & Communications will additionally provide agency-wide leadership to ensure the overall success of Groundworks’ programs, workplace, and community impact—contributing to Groundworks’ culture as a great place to work.
ABOUT GROUNDWORKS COLLABORATIVE
Established in 2015—following the merger of the Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center and Morningside Shelter—Groundworks is a dynamic organization committed to providing food, shelter, and supportive services with dignity throughout the greater Brattleboro area. Groundworks’ mission is to work with people and systems creating solutions to end hunger and homelessness for all people in our region. We envision a community where all people have their basic needs met, including a safe and dignified place to call home. We view poverty, housing, and food insecurity as byproducts of societal conditions, generational discrimination, and public policy, rather than the result of individual choices. Therefore, Groundworks fosters a culture of nonjudgement and compassion for the people we serve.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Development and Communications provides key leadership and management of all Groundworks fund development activities to ensure the organization has sufficient funding to meet its mission. This position manages all external and internal communications to keep stakeholders informed and promote goodwill throughout the community.
The Director of Development and Communications works closely with Groundworks’ Board of Directors, donors, and community partners. As a member of the Leadership Team, this position also provides agency-wide leadership to ensure the overall success of Groundworks’ programs, workplace, and community impact.
RESPONSIBILITIES
FUND DEVELOPMENT (65%)
● Development Planning 5%
o Craft an annual development plan detailing specific goals, objectives, and timelines.
o Monitor progress toward goals and objectives; modify plan as needed
o Regularly report on plan progress to ED, the Development & Communications Committee, and the Board of Directors
o Facilitate ED time spent on fund development, focusing on developing an organizational culture of philanthropy
o Work with the Development Coordinator to develop a Standard Operating Procedure manual for fundraising to facilitate the delegation of tasks, establish consistency and standards for fundraising processes, and guide future staff transitions
● Donor Cultivation and Stewardship 25%
o Plan for and manage donor engagements, meetings, emails, and phone updates
o Communicate with monthly donors, major donors, and planned givers at regular intervals as planned with the Development Coordinator
o Identify prospective donors
o Keep track of donor relationships and segment accordingly
o Establish and maintain protocols for written and telephone thank yous
o Make thank you calls and steward donors; support the Board in doing these same activities
o Look for continuous systems improvement and monitor processes for overall efficiency
o Develop experiences for donors and prospective donors to engage with Groundworks’ mission; Leverage volunteer opportunities as a point of entry to the organization and a donor pipeline
o Employ strategies to ensure donors develop multiple personal contacts within the organization at all levels (Board, organizational leadership, staff)
o Develop cultivation and engagement strategies to reach large groups, including publications, other broad communications, or events
o Create strategies to share with donors the impact of their giving on the organization’s success
● Major Gift Campaigns 10%
○ Identify, quantify, and articulate funding needs; develop cases for support and prepare materials for donors (pledge form, pyramid, etc.)
○ Work with ED and board committee to plan for and solicit major gifts
○Formalize major gifts program with differentiated engagement and solicitation plans based on donor interest, current giving, and estimated capacity
○ Conduct tours of Groundworks’ facilities and programs
○ Donor stewardship and follow-up—including pledge payment forecasting, sending pledge reminders for multi-year gifts, etc.
● Appeals 3%
o Oversee appeals activities coordinated by the Development Coordinator—including working with the printing company, sorting lists, assigning solicitors, processing incoming gifts, assigning thank you calls, and preparing/sending end-of-year tax-deductible gift summaries and thank yous to monthly sustainers
o Implement multiple solicitations per year for donors of all levels with appeals based on organizational needs and donor interests
● Grants 5%
o Supervise the grant writing consultant and review their work: grants researched, draft proposals, and grant reports (financial and program data) for funders
o Cultivate relationships with private foundations
o Write and/or edit ad hoc grant proposals and letters of support for various funding needs
o Oversee the annual process of soliciting appropriations from area municipalities
o Craft or edit government grant proposal narratives as needed
● Events Planning and Marketing 4%
o Oversee fundraising events planning and execution, implemented largely by the Development Coordinator
o Plan, coordinate, and execute marketing activities for fundraising events
o Plan and coordinate major donor events (e.g. house parties, etc.)
o Work with the Development Coordinator to establish formal protocols for third-party fundraisers, including guidance, policies, website landing pages, and tools
● Planned Giving Program 5%
o Identify and build relationships with prospective planned giving donors
o Prepare materials to support planned giving solicitations and appeals
o Solicit prospective planned giving donors directly
● Supervise Development Coordinator 5%
o Supervise and support Development Coordinator—responsible for accurately managing donor data, processing gifts, receipting donors, and coordinating fundraising events and municipal grants processes.
o Support Development Coordinator to develop automated database processes, third-party fundraising infrastructure, internal processes (segmented mailing, increased appeal frequency, etc.) and manage vendor relationships (graphic design, mail house, printing company, etc.) to meet the Annual Fund goal
● Engage Board Development & Communications Committee 3%
o Provide support and direction to the Board regarding fundraising, stewardship, and communications
o Facilitate Board committees: Development & Communications, Capital Campaign/Project Committee
o Provide training and support to increase the Board’s fundraising capacity
o Utilize the Executive Committee to identify and recruit new Board members with a specific focus on adding to Groundworks’ established team of ambitious, disciplined gift solicitors
o Lead the Board Development & Communications Committee to develop and oversee the annual fundraising plan and advocate for full Board engagement in development efforts
o Create individual Board fundraising plans to ensure consistent involvement of all Board members in fundraising
o Work with the Development & Communications Committee to establish a legacy society and invite closest supporters to join
COMMUNICATIONS (25%)
● Communications Planning
o Craft an annual communications plan detailing specific goals, objectives, and timelines
o Monitor progress toward goals and objectives; modify plan as needed
o Report out regularly to ED, the Development Committee, and the Board
● External Communications 20%
o Engage and educate donors, volunteers, and the community at large
○ Regularly monitor Groundworks’ website to identify needed updates
○ Social media: post regular updates and announcements (organizational needs, special events), grow audience
○ Press releases and op-ed/commentaries: write and/or edit and distribute
○ E-newsletters and email blasts: plan and write copy, content, graphics; manage lists; promote subscriptions
○ Event marketing: write and record radio PSAs; create and/or facilitate graphic ads, posters, and flyers; plan and publish social media posts and event pages; write and distribute press releases; radio and print media engagement
○ Represent Groundworks at public speaking engagements and community events
○ Create print materials, graphics, boilerplate information, flyers
○ Uphold Groundworks’ branding by creating templates, formatting, and editing all external-facing collateral
●Internal Communications 5%
○ Coordinate, write, copy edit, and layout/design of a monthly internal program reports/ newsletter
○ Write, and often edit for others, staff, and Board email communications (e.g. scheduling, calendar invites, constituent communications, policies, procedures, etc.)
○ Brand management; ensure staff use Groundworks’ Communications and Style Guides
AGENCY-WIDE LEADERSHIP (10%)
● Build an internal culture of philanthropy led by the Executive Director, with the Board and program leaders, that centers and celebrates charitable support of the mission
● Serve on the Leadership Team; provide agency-wide strategic leadership, problem-solving, planning, and coordination
● Provide staffing coverage in programs when needed
● Participate in and help facilitate effective Leadership Team meetings
● Uphold, model, and maintain Groundworks values, policies, and processes
● Represent the organization in establishing and maintaining strategic collaborations
● Perform other related duties as contributions to a collaborative and values-driven team
COMPETENCIES
Mission and Values Alignment:
●Passion for the mission and commitment to Groundworks' long-term success
●Knowledgeable about issues relating to poverty, housing, and food insecurity
●Understands and articulates Groundworks' vision, strategic directions, priorities, and goals
●Personal commitment to social justice, anti-racism, and equity
Fundraising and Communications:
●Demonstrates outstanding fundraising and communications knowledge and skills
●Exceptional written, interpersonal, networking, and public speaking/ambassador skills
●Builds strong relationships with donors, colleagues, grantors, volunteers, Board, and partners
●Exudes integrity, discretion, and confidence in fundraising approach
●Constantly and rigorously scans funding landscape for opportunities
Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving:
●Exercises strategic thinking, solid judgment, critical thinking, and robust analytical skills
●Solution-oriented; is optimistic and addresses challenges with confidence and resilience
●Is resourceful in finding solutions and seeking opportunities
●Plans and facilitates meetings skillfully
Project and Time Management:
●Strong project planning skills; anticipates and approaches work proactively
●Exemplary time management skills; finds the most efficient and effective ways to work
●Highly organized, prioritizes competing demands, meets deadlines and commitments
●Maintains vigilant attention to detail at all times
Adaptability and Growth Mindset:
●Is agile, adapts quickly to change, and responds effectively to unpredictable events
●Embraces new ways of working and diverse points of view
●Is curious, self-aware, and self-reflective; seeks and skillfully receives others' feedback
●Committed to continuous learning, growth, and improvement; learns from mistakes
Self-Management and Initiative:
●Self-starter, takes initiative and ownership; holds self accountable; requires minimal supervision
●Works well under pressure, models effective stress management and self-care
Interpersonal and Leadership:
●Provides respectful, skillful, and timely feedback; manages conflicts effectively
●Excellent supervisory skills; sets clear expectations/goals, delegates, gives feedback, coaches
●Embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, is aware of own biases, works well across differences
Technical Skills:
●Knowledge of budget planning, oversight, and reporting
●Working knowledge of Google Suites, MS Office, fundraising software, data management and reporting
Prior to a final offer, a full background check will be conducted.
To Apply: Please send your resume and a cover letter, addressed to Libby Bennett, Executive Director.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $66,340.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
Ability to Relocate:
- Brattleboro, VT 05301: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person