Head of Development & Communications

Institute of Knowledge; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute of Knowledge (IOK) in Southern California seeks a strategic Head of Development & Communications to lead fundraising, donor relations, marketing, and outreach across IOK, IOK CHESS, and IOK WAQF. This full-time role reports to the President and shapes initiatives for growth and community impact.

The ideal candidate brings nonprofit fundraising and communications experience, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to education, faith-based community service, and inter-organizational

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.

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

Development

Marketing

Communications

Donor relations

Job description

500 Sustainers Strong providing University Chaplaincy to 10 SoCal Campuses

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