Development & Communication Director

Pontchartrain Conservancy; Metairie (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Pontchartrain Conservancy in Metairie, LA seeks a Development & Communications Director to join the Executive Director’s leadership team. This full-time role leads fundraising, donor relations, and communications strategies to grow support, diversify revenue, and increase public engagement with Lake Pontchartrain Basin initiatives.

The Director will design and implement plans for major gifts, foundations, sponsorships, events, and communications campaigns, supervise staff, partner with the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five years fundraising or related nonprofit experience.
• Self-starter with initiative and autonomy.
• Excellent relationship management and networking skills.
• Proven leadership, team and project management abilities.
• Commitment to PC mission and environmental stewardship.
• Ability to work with diverse backgrounds and flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fundraising plans to grow major gifts and corporate sponsorships.
• Lead communications strategy to raise awareness and donations.
• Manage development budget and supervise staff.
• Collaborate with board and leadership on donor engagement.
• Coordinate events and donor recognition programs.
• Oversee donor data quality and reporting.
• Serve as primary liaison with MRD coalition.

Skills

Relationship management

Fundraising strategy

Team leadership

Project management

Donor stewardship

Strategic planning

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Donor management software

Job description

The Pontchartrain Conservancy (PC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education, and advocacy. Since its inception in 1989, the PC has been driven by community action to create programs that build community while preserving and restoring the 10,000 square-mile Lake Pontchartrain Basin watershed for public access and enjoyment. The PC’s vision is “an environmentally sustainable, prosperous and resilient region”.

Position Summary

PC is seeking a successful, innovated, motivated, and resourceful leader with the proven ability to provide strategic vision and direction to join the Executive Director’s leadership team as the Development & Communications Director. The Development and Communications Director reports to the Executive Director (ED). He/she serves as a member of the organization’s leadership team and works closely with the Development Committee of the Board of Directors, as well as communications, grant writing and program staff. The Development and Communications Director develop and implement plans and strategies that increase individual donations, contributions from smaller family foundations, and corporate sponsorships for PC to complement its longstanding track record of securing government grants to support its research and community engagement. The primary focus of the Development and Communications Director is to establish sustainable sources of revenue that support the organization’s continued operation and growth, as well as develop a consistent communications strategy to help increase support, donations and exposure for Pontchartrain Conservancy. Additionally, this position serves as the primary communications liaison between PC and the Restore the Mississippi River Delta (MRD) coalition.

This position is full-time at 40 hours weekly based at PC’s Metairie, LA office.

DEVELOPMENT DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and implement the infrastructure needed to support PC’s mission through the solicitation of major gifts, memberships, special events, grants, corporate, foundation & individual support, etc.
• In coordination with the ED, create and manage the successful implementation of an annual written fundraising & business development plan that is clear in its objectives, target audiences, timelines and assignment of responsibilities.
• Manage the PC development budget, and work in concert with the ED to develop and monitor the budget throughout the fiscal cycle.
• Guide & supervise development staff and contractors to support donor identification, solicitation, cultivation and stewardship; grant writing; special events; and membership.
• Collaborate closely with the Development (Donor Relations?) Assistant who manages the donor database to ensure accurate, timely, and comprehensive donor records and reporting.
• Partner with the Office Manager to plan and execute special events, ensuring alignment with fundraising goals and donor stewardship strategies.
• Coordinate event marketing efforts by developing clear promotional strategies, timelines, and materials that support attendance and fundraising goals.
• Collaborate on post-event follow-up, including donor outreach, data entry needs (in coordination with the Development Assistant), and evaluation of event outcomes.
• Evaluate the fundraising activities annually to ensure quality, productivity and success toward meeting goals & include donor recognition, retention, and increased giving strategy.
• Expand & diversify PC’s donor base/pipeline & work closely with leadership & other team members to secure funding for new initiatives.
• Engage the ED and Board Development Committee in developing and implementing fundraising and development activities on a regular basis.
• Conduct regular analysis of donor data to inform strategy and present reports to the Leadership Team, ED and Board of Directors.
• Proactively stay ahead of funding sources & trends to position PC ahead of major funding changes & trends.
• Coordinate stewardship and acknowledgment activities to service donors.
• Develop and implement strategies that engage volunteers in supporting the fund development activities and strategies of the organization.
• In concert with development team, establish & maintain relationships with corporate & community influencers and strategic partners.
• Maintain confidentiality of all donors and donor-related issues.
• Develop & maintain PC branding, including increased brand awareness via social media.
• Complement the ED in handling all aspects of media & public relations.

COMMUNICATIONS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Shape, manage and drive the implementation of effective communication campaigns to educate and cultivate community support, including:

• Own the branding and messaging across all communication & marketing collateral including website, ads, email, social media channels and events.
• Identify key messaging platforms to present & amplify the PC’s brand, image and services to all audiences within the communities we serve.
• Oversee the creation, writing, editing and production of press releases, publications, videos, website, newsletter, social media, and printed materials, including annual reports and advertisement.
• Oversee PC’s social media presence, and direct programs to improve social media reputation & recognition.
• Manage the communication & marketing budget, and work in concert with the Executive Director to develop and monitor the budget throughout the fiscal cycle.
• Serve as the primary communications liaison between PC and the MRD coalition, ensuring timely and effective information flow.
• Support MRD coalition media relations efforts, including drafting pitches, preparing spokespeople, and assisting with media outreach.
• Support MRD coalition communications with drafting and distributing internal announcements, leadership messages, talking points, and other updates.
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development support to one full-time Communications Coordinator and one part-time Social Media Manager.
• Coordinate workflow, timelines, and collaborative processes across the communications team to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversee P.R. firm that handles aspects of media & public relations.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree and five years fundraising or related experience in a nonprofit environment.
• Self-starter with strong initiative, drive, sense of urgency & ability to work with a high degree of autonomy.
• Excellent relationship management & networking skills.
• Proven & effective team, project management, and managerial skills.
• A deep commitment to the PC mission.
• Strong leadership skills & presence.
• Excellent organizational skills with attentiveness to details & results.
• Excellent oral & written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively work with people of diverse backgrounds & experiences.
• At least two years of experience effectively using donor management software for fundraising and/or sales.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Social media knowledge.
• Must have flexible schedule & be available on nights and weekends, as needed.

Preferred:

• Knowledge and networks across the 10,000 square mile Pontchartrain Basin
• Advanced degree
• Experience working with environmental-focused nonprofit or advocacy organizations
• Experience with Network for Good/ Bonterra donor management system