Director of Development & Communications

Holland America-Princess (Holland America Dawson City Inn); Anchorage, Northern (AK, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Anchorage Park Foundation is seeking a creative, relationship‑oriented Director of Development & Communications to grow fundraising, strengthen our public voice, and connect more people to Anchorage’s parks, trails, and outdoor spaces.

This hands-on leadership role builds on an established fundraising and communications program, cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners, while telling compelling stories about the impact of APF’s work with the Executive

Qualifications

• At least five years of professional experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, communications, or a related field, with demonstrated fundraising success.
• Strong writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• Experience developing and executing fundraising and/or communications strategies.

Responsibilities

• Build on APF’s fundraising program and donor relationships while creating new growth opportunities.
• Develop and implement annual Fundraising Plan with the Executive Director.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, corporate partners, sponsors, foundations, and funders.
• Lead APF’s communications and marketing across digital, print, social media, email, website, and media relations.
• Represent APF with donors, businesses, community organizations, public agencies, and partners.
• Provide fundraising and communications updates to the Executive Director and Board.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Storytelling

Public speaking

Grant writing

Job description

HELP BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH PARKS & TRAILS

The Anchorage Park Foundation (APF) is seeking a creative, relationship-oriented Director of Development & Communications to help grow our fundraising, strengthen our public voice, and connect more people to Anchorage’s parks, trails, and outdoor spaces.

APF is a community-based nonprofit partner to the Municipality of Anchorage Parks & Recreation Department. We mobilize community support and funding to improve parks, trails, and recreation opportunities that strengthen community health, connect neighborhoods to nature, expand access to outdoor recreation, and bring people together.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for an experienced fundraising and communications professional who enjoys both strategy and getting things done. The Director will build on an established fundraising and communications program, strengthen existing relationships, advance successful strategies, and identify new opportunities for growth. Working closely with the Executive Director and staff, the Director will cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners and tell compelling stories about the impact of Anchorage’s parks.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Planning & Implementation

Build on APF’s established fundraising program and donor relationships, maintaining strong existing revenue streams while developing new opportunities for growth.

Develop and implement annual Fundraising Plan in partnership with the Executive Director.

Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, sponsors, foundations, and other funders.

Manage annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and fundraising campaigns.

Develop compelling proposals, appeals, presentations, and other fundraising materials.

Maintain accurate donor records and strengthen development systems, processes, and reporting.

Identify new funding opportunities and ways to increase revenue and leverage resources.

Communications & Public Engagement

Lead APF’s communications and marketing strategy across digital, print, social media, email, website, and media relations.

Develop compelling stories, photos, and other content that showcase the impact of APF’s work.

Build awareness of APF’s programs, projects, events, and opportunities for community involvement.

Work with staff and partners to gather stories, photos, testimonials, and other content.

Serve as a key point of contact for media and communications partners.

Community & Relationship Building

Represent APF with donors, businesses, community organizations, public agencies, and other partners.

Support events and community engagement activities that build relationships and advance fundraising goals.

Build relationships and partnerships that connect APF’s mission with Anchorage’s civic, outdoor recreation, business, and philanthropic communities.

Organizational Leadership

Work collaboratively across a small, mission-driven team.

Provide regular fundraising and communications updates, metrics, and recommendations to the Executive Director and Board.

Help strengthen APF’s systems, practices, and capacity as the organization grows.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for someone who is both strategic and hands‑on, with excellent relationship‑building and communication skills.

The ideal candidate will bring:

At least five years of professional experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, communications, or a related field, with demonstrated experience advancing fundraising efforts.

Demonstrated success cultivating donors, sponsors, funders, or community partners.

Strong writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation skills.

Experience developing and executing fundraising and/or communications strategies, with experience in areas such as grant writing, corporate partnerships, media relations, or community engagement.

Aptitude for building relationships across diverse sectors and communities and comfort representing an organization publicly.

Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Familiarity working with donor databases, email marketing, social media, websites, and other communications tools.

A collaborative, entrepreneurial approach and the ability to work independently.

A genuine interest in building community around Anchorage’s parks, trails, and green spaces.

This is an opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an organization deeply connected to Anchorage and its communities. If you are energized by building relationships, telling meaningful stories, and supporting efforts that make Anchorage a better place to live, work, and play, we’d love to hear from you.