Vice President, Development and Communications

Indyhunger; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

IndyHunger is seeking a Vice President of Development and Communications to elevate our brand and drive revenue growth through major gifts, grants, events, and corporate support.

The role oversees a five-member development team and collaborates with senior leadership to align messaging with mission and community impact. Evening/weekend events are expected; strong leadership and data-driven fundraising are essential.

Qualifications

• Ten years of professional experience in nonprofit organizations.
• Proven success in development with leadership of communications functions.
• Ability to develop and execute yearly development and communications plans.
• Experience cultivating donor relationships and growing funding streams.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Drive revenue generation, donor cultivation, and brand management.
• Lead strategic fundraising and oversee all communications and marketing.
• Develop comprehensive development plans including major gifts and grants.
• Collaborate with program leadership to showcase impact and outcomes.
• Direct communications vision across website, SEO, social media, and print.
• Ensure brand consistency and expand CLD’s visibility.
• Oversee fundraising events and governance of proposals.
• Monitor impact with data analytics and report to the Board.

Skills

Nonprofit leadership

Fundraising strategy

Donor relations

Communications planning

Brand management

Data analytics

Project management

WordPress basics

Google Analytics

Microsoft Office

Education

Master’s degree preferred

CFRE designation preferred

Tools

Windows 10

Microsoft Office

monday.com

WordPress

HTML

Google Analytics

Google Ads

InDesign

Photoshop

Canva

Facebook/Instagram Ads

Constant Contact

Job description

GENERAL POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Vice President, Development and Communications (VP) is responsible for developing an overarching strategy that elevates CLD’s brand and the impact of its mission while ensuring the maintenance and growth of its revenue streams. The VP will design and implement a comprehensive plan for resource development with integrated communications strategies that ensure public awareness, brand consistency, donor engagement, and the infrastructure needed to sustain and grow revenue through major gifts, city and state grants, special events, and corporate and foundation support. The VP will optimize the strength and impact of marketing and messaging with brand consistency across the website, social media, events, presentations, and print materials. The VP will directly supervise a five-member Development team consisting of the Manager of Events & Sponsorships, Manager of Marketing and Communications, Manager of Grants and Administration, Alumni Relations Coordinator, and Development Coordinator.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for revenue generation, donor cultivation, brand management, media communications, marketing and outreach, data tracking and analysis.
• In partnership with the President, the VP leads strategic fundraising, oversees initiatives, oversees public communications and marketing, and ensures that all messaging aligns with the CLD mission to attract donors, media and stakeholder support.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive development and fundraising strategy including corporate partnerships, events, foundation support, government grants, individual and planned giving, and major gifts.
• Collaborates with the Vice President & Chief Program Officer and Manager of Program Evaluation to communicate program effectiveness, data results, and community impact.
• Directs communications vision and strategies, including marketing, website and SEO, social media, and print materials.
• Ensures brand consistency across all platforms and media; builds visibility and awareness of CLD’s impact.
• Ensures maximum impact of all communications efforts, including written products, videos, photos/images, design elements, and online campaigns.
• Leads all fundraising events including the Minority Achievers Awards and Scholars Gala, Charity Golf Classic, and the fundraising and College Prep Conference components of the College Prep Conference.
• Oversees the development and execution of all fundraising proposals with a long-term relationship-management approach.
• Monitors fundraising and communications impact; provides and presents statistical analysis to the Board and senior leaders.
• Develops and implements a stewardship program to cultivate deeper ties with the community and major donors.
• Maintains and expands relationships with corporate partners.
• Tracks funding requirements and ensures compliance with reporting deadlines and deliverables.
• Collaborates with Programs, Fiscal and Leadership teams to align communications goals and funding opportunities with organizational needs and priorities.

WORK EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Ten years of professional experience in nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated success in a development role (managing and forging relationships with multiple donor sources) with leadership responsibility for communications functions.
• Ability to construct, articulate, and implement an annual strategic development/communications plan.
• Experience cultivating and growing existing donor relationships over time.
• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate persuasively to varied audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Flexible and adaptable leadership that can impact both strategic and tactical initiatives; able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strategic thinking with a track record of driving initiatives to completion.
• Functional skills with Windows 10, Microsoft Office, and monday.com Project Management Software.
• Familiarity with WordPress, basic HTML, Google Analytics/Ads, Google Workspace, InDesign, Photoshop, Canva, Facebook/Instagram Ads, and Constant Contact preferred.
• Highest standards of integrity, ethics, and professionalism.
• Strong budgeting, fiscal and data analytics skills.

ATTRIBUTES

• Communicator: Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-starter: Takes initiative to identify problems and solve them.
• Critical Thinker: Form reasonable judgments and provide evidence or rationale for decisions.
• Team player: Works well independently, values collaboration with management, employees, and the community.
• Flexible: Willing to learn quickly and adapt to change.
• Efficient: Multitasks, prioritizes, and manages multiple projects in a fast-paced, customer-oriented environment with attention to detail.
• Passion for CLD’s mission and communities served.
• Character: Impeccable.

EDUCATION AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s Degree preferred in Philanthropy, Communications, Business Administration, Non-profit/Public Organization Management, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• CFRE Designation preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/DEMANDS

• Generally sedentary work; occasional lifting of boxes and moving chairs or equipment during events.
• Evenings and weekends required; a flexible schedule to support events.
• Must have reliable transportation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, scanners, and related hardware.