Director of Development and Communications

Association of Fundraising Professionals; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization focused on educational empowerment is seeking a Director of Development and Communications. This role, based remotely, requires extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications to lead strategic development and inspire action towards the mission of education for all. The ideal candidate will harness their storytelling prowess to deepen donor engagement and manage a dynamic team, making a substantial impact in communities worldwide.

Benefits

Flexible work environment

Competitive salary and benefits package

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in nonprofit development and communications.
• A proven track record of securing gifts and grants.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of a fundraising strategy.
• Cultivate relationships with major donors and partners.
• Manage a remote team and align communications with organizational goals.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Storytelling

Team leadership

Donor engagement

Branding

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Digital fundraising platforms

Job description

Join Us in Changing the World Through Education

Director of Development and Communications
Location: Remote (U.S.-based required)
Full-time | Reports to: Executive Director

Salary: $100,000 to $115,000 Depending on experience

About Central Asia Institute
At Central Asia Institute (CAI), we believe in the transformative power of education, especially of
girls and women, to break the cycle of poverty and catalyze change in some of the most challenged
corners of the globe. For over 25 years we've worked hand in hand with local communities to
increase access to education, especially for girls, and empower women and youth in remote and
mountainous regions of Central and South Asia. Our vision is bold: to create a world where every
girl has the education and skills to unlock her full potential and the opportunity to contribute to a
better, brighter future for herself, her family, and her community.

We’re looking for an experienced fundraising and communications professional to partner with the
Executive Director and Board to help lead strategic fund development and take our mission and
vision to the next level.

Working either from our office in Bozeman, Montana, or remotely elsewhere in the U.S., the
Director of Development and Communications will collaborate with both our small but mighty
team in the U.S. and our overseas implementing partners in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan.

The Opportunity
Central Asia Institute is seeking a passionate, strategic, and creative Director of Development and
Communications to join our leadership team. This is more than a fundraising and communications
role—it’s a chance to shape the future of a mission-driven organization that’s making a real
difference in the world.

As the lead storyteller and chief fundraiser, you’ll shape and execute strategies to deepen donor
engagement, grow and diversify our revenue, attract new audiences, and strengthen our
brand, building powerful connections between our work and the community of supporters who
make it possible. You’ll inspire action, build trust, and drive growth—all while leading a talented
team of fundraising and communications professionals united by a shared belief in education as a
human right.

What You’ll Do
• Lead the design and execution of a multi-channeled fundraising strategy that expands
Central Asia Institute’s impact and sustainability by deepening engagement among our
donors and attracts new audiences.
• With the Executive Director, cultivate meaningful relationships with major donors,
foundations, and institutional partners to deepen their engagement and commitment to our
mission.
• Craft and oversee compelling messaging and campaigns that elevate our brand and tell our
story with heart, integrity, and purpose.
• Manage a dynamic team, fostering collaboration, creativity, and growth in a fully remote,
globally minded workplace.
• Harness technology and data to drive results, optimize systems, and support donor
engagement and retention.
• Collaborate with leadership to align development and communications with CAI’s program
objectives and the organization’s long-term vision and strategic goals.

Who You Are
You’re a strategic thinker, a collaborator and connector, and a storyteller. You lead with empathy
and act with purpose. You see opportunity and potential in every challenge. And most of all, you
believe deeply in the power of education and empowerment, especially of girls and women, to
change lives.

Required Qualifications
• 10+ years of experience in nonprofit development and communications, with 3+ years in a
leadership role.
• A proven track record of securing significant gifts and grants from diverse sources including
individual donors, private foundations, and corporations.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills that move people to act.
• Deep alignment with CAI’s mission and a commitment to ethical, community-centered
storytelling.
• Demonstrated success in leading and inspiring a culturally diverse, remote team.
• Experience with CRM systems (Donor Perfect preferred), digital fundraising platforms, and
campaign analytics.

Preferred Qualifications
• Background in nonprofit marketing, branding, and audience engagement.
• Experience in and passion for girls’ education, gender equality, and economic empowerment
programs, ideally at an international level.
• Experience working or traveling to the Central and South Asia Regions.

Why CAI?
This is your chance to work at the intersection of purpose and possibility. At CAI, you’ll join a team
of passionate changemakers dedicated to building a brighter, more equitable future through
education. We offer a flexible, fully remote work environment (with occasional travel to the office in
Bozeman, Montana), a competitive salary and benefits package, and the chance to lead with impact.

Ready to Lead the Change?
We’d love to hear from you. Please send your resume and a cover letter telling us why you’re the
right fit for this role to [e-mail].