Director of Communications and Development

Seeking a Director of Communications and Development (DCD) for a successful nonprofit organization headquartered in Madison. This individual plays a pivotal role in driving external communications, stakeholder engagement, and organizational growth through strategic development and fundraising initiatives. This position is responsible for creating and executing comprehensive communication strategies, cultivating funding partnerships, and securing resources to advance the organization's mission. The DCD is a senior leadership role, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and results-driven execution, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, accountability, and ethical integrity.

Key Responsibilities:

Development and Fundraising

• Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive development strategy in partnership with the executive team and board of directors.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities with corporate funders, government agencies, philanthropic foundations, and individual donors.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of grant proposals and funding applications, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and priorities.
• Develop and execute targeted fundraising activities to achieve revenue goals and diversify the organization's funding base.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major funders, ensuring effective communication of the benefits of partnership with the organization.

Communications and Advocacy

• Create and implement a strategic communications plan to effectively engage internal and external audiences.
• Craft compelling narratives that highlight the organization's mission, vision, and measurable impact.
• Oversee the organization’s public relations efforts, including media outreach, reputation management, and consistent messaging across all platforms.
• Develop high-quality content for press releases, website updates, newsletters, and social media campaigns.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization at public events, advocacy meetings, and community engagements.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement

• Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare leaders, community organizations, and advocacy groups.
• Lead the design and implementation of community engagement initiatives to enhance awareness of the organization's work.
• Advocate for public health policies that align with the organization's goals, representing the organization in legislative and policy forums.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Recruit, mentor, and manage a team of communications and development professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Provide team members with ongoing training and professional development to ensure success in meeting objectives.
• Collaborate closely with program directors and other leadership to align development and communication efforts with organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Proven success in fundraising and communications, with a demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding revenue and engagement goals.
• Expertise in grant writing, donor cultivation, and stakeholder relationship management.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including storytelling, public speaking, and media engagement.
• Experience in creating and managing comprehensive branding, public relations, and social media strategies.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize competing demands, meet deadlines, and deliver results under pressure.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in development and communications roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.
• Healthcare or public health sector experience is strongly preferred.
• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field is preferred.
• A commitment to ethical integrity, transparency, and accountability.

For purposes of confidentiality, you can apply by emailing sfields@servicespecialistltd.com.