Head of Development & Communications

Iok Chess; California; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

IOK CHESS seeks a Head of Development & Communications to provide strategic and operational leadership across fundraising, donor relations, marketing, communications, and outreach for IOK, IOK CHESS, and IOK WAQF.

Reporting to the President, the role drives institutional growth, financial sustainability, community engagement, and public awareness across three organizations in Southern California.

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, marketing, or related field.
• Strong leadership, communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to lead fundraising initiatives and cultivate major donors.
• Experience in team management, grant writing, and digital marketing preferred.
• Commitment to the educational, religious, and community mission of IOK and its affiliated organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising campaigns, major donor cultivation, grant development, sponsorships, and endowment growth.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, philanthropic partners, and community organizations.
• Oversee marketing, branding, social media, publications, and organizational communications.
• Lead outreach initiatives and develop strategic institutional and community partnerships.
• Establish annual development and communications plans, goals, and performance measures.
• Build and oversee the staff, resources, and systems necessary to execute these functions across all three organizations.

Skills

Fundraising

Leadership

Communications

Grant Writing

Job description

Head of Development & Communications | Full-Time Exempt Employment

Organizations: IOK, IOK CHESS, and IOK WAQF

Position Overview

The Head of Development & Communications will provide strategic and operational leadership for fundraising, donor relations, marketing, communications, and outreach across all three organizations. Reporting directly to the President, this individual will lead the development and execution of initiatives that strengthen institutional growth, financial sustainability, community engagement, and public awareness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising campaigns, major donor cultivation, grant development, sponsorships, and endowment growth.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, philanthropic partners, and community organizations.
• Oversee marketing, branding, social media, publications, and organizational communications.
• Lead outreach initiatives and develop strategic institutional and community partnerships.
• Establish annual development and communications plans, goals, and performance measures.
• Build and oversee the staff, resources, and systems necessary to execute these functions across all three organizations.

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Strong leadership, communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead fundraising initiatives and cultivate major donors.
• Experience in team management, grant writing, and digital marketing preferred.
• Commitment to the educational, religious, and community mission of IOK and its affiliated organizations.

Reporting Structure

The Head of Development & Communications will report to designated IOK, IOK CHESS and IOK WAQF leadership and collaborate with their administrative and various department leads as well.

• Employment: Full-time or part-time, depending on organizational needs and candidate qualifications
• Location: Mainly Southern California, with travel as required for events, outreach, and meetings
• Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications and experience