Director of Development & Communication

Listen Community Services; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Listen Community Services seeks a Development & Communication Director to enhance fundraising, donor relations, marketing, and communication strategies. In this key leadership role, the director will ensure financial sustainability through donor engagement and execute comprehensive marketing plans that amplify the organization’s mission. Ideal candidates will possess significant nonprofit experience, a proven track record in fundraising, and exemplary communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in fund development or nonprofit leadership.
• Proven record in securing major gifts and managing capital campaigns.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee fundraising strategies and donor relations.
• Lead communication initiatives to enhance organizational visibility.
• Manage relationships with major donors and stakeholders.

Skills

Fundraising

Communication

Team Management

Relationship Building

Strategic Planning

Grant Writing

Budget Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree or CFRE credential

Tools

CRM platforms

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Position Title: Development & Communication Director

Classification: Exempt/Full-Time

Supervisor: Executive Director

Supervises: Development and Communications

Pay: $100,000 - $115,000 (decisions will be based on qualifications and experience)

Purpose: The Development and Communications Director is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing LISTEN Community Services' fundraising, donor relations, marketing, and communication strategies. This position ensures the organization's financial sustainability through donor cultivation, grant writing, and partnerships while also developing, overseeing, and executing a communications plan that amplifies the LCS mission, enhances public image, and fosters engagement with internal and external stakeholders. The role works closely with the Executive Director, senior management, and the Board of Directors to drive growth and amplify LISTEN's mission and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Revenue Generation

• Develops and implements comprehensive fundraising plans (e.g., annual, major gifts, corporate planned giving).
• Leads the development and execution of capital campaigns, endowments, and special fundraising initiatives.
• Oversees diverse revenue streams (e.g., individual giving, grants, corporate sponsorships, and events).
• Works with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors to align fundraising with LCS goals.
• Stay informed on trends in philanthropy, marketing, and nonprofit development to drive continuous improvement.

Donor Relations

• Builds and strengthens relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Creates donor engagement strategies (e.g., recognition programs, personalized outreach).
• Ensures the donor data system (e.g., Little Green Light) is maintained for accuracy and ensuring timely recognition.
• Ensures consistent donor communications (e.g., impact reports, newsletters, appreciation events).
• Supports the Executive Director and Board of Directors in donor outreach and relationship management

Grants and Funding Organizations

• Develops relationships with funding organizations to secure ongoing support.
• Oversees the research, writing, and submittal of grant proposals to foundations and government agencies.
• Manages grant reporting, compliance, and impact measurement.

Marketing and Communications

• Develops and oversees a strategic communications plan that enhances LISTEN’s brand and community presence.
• Maintains a consistent brand voice and messaging across all platforms, including website, social media, newsletters, and marketing materials.
• Oversees retail store signage for brand consistency and coordinates marketing for sales events to enhance visibility to drive engagement and revenue.
• Oversees engaging content creation to amplify LISTEN’s mission and programs through digital and print media.
• Coordinates the production of organizational brochures, annual reports, and other collateral.
• Monitor media coverage and proactively manage LISTEN’s public relations strategy.
• Drafts and distributes press releases, media kits, and organizational communications.
• Builds and maintains relationships with media professionals, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Represents LISTEN at community events, networking opportunities, and collaborative initiatives.
• Supports volunteer coordinator with appreciation efforts and recognition events.
• Supports advocacy efforts and organizational campaigns by aligning communication and fundraising strategies.

Budget Planning and Performance Reporting

• Works with the Executive Director and Finance to create development and fundraising revenue goals (i.e., budgets) and financial forecasts aligned with LCS goals and objectives.
• Works with the Executive Director and Finance to monitor and analyze fundraising performance, donor engagement, and communication metrics.
• Oversees donor databases and communication platforms, ensuring data accuracy and strategic insights.
• Collaborates with leadership to prepare reports on fundraising and communication impact.
• Ensure alignment between development, retail, and programs to optimize resources and maximize impact, sustainability, and operational efficiency

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree or CFRE credential preferred).Minimum 5-7 years of professional experience in fund development, communications, or a related nonprofit leadership role.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising, including securing major gifts, managing capital campaigns, and obtaining grants.
• Demonstrated strength in managing teams, with a focus on development and communications staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with staff, colleagues, major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic communication plans that enhance organizational visibility and engagement.
• Mastery in philanthropy, donor motivations, and nonprofit fundraising best practices.
• In-depth understanding of various fundraising methodologies, including annual campaigns, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, and capital campaigns.
• Competence in budget planning, financial forecasting, and performance reporting related to fundraising activities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on clarity and professionalism.
• Proficiency in grant writing, with the ability to research, draft, and submit compelling proposals to foundations and government agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in fundraising and CRM platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and content management tools.
• Experience in managing donor databases (e.g., Little Green Light)
• Familiarity with design and media tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, video editing software, and website analytics is a plus.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding of community issues such as poverty, housing insecurity, and food insecurity.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to undergo a background check.

LISTEN Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment opportunities. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact [phone].

LISTEN Community Services is unable to sponsor work visas. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

LISTEN Community Services, founded in 1972, is one of the Upper Valley region's most comprehensive social service organizations. LISTEN provides services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families in 26 area communities. At LISTEN we are passionate about helping families and individuals secure the resources that they need to be safe, fed, and housed.

www.listencs.org