Development & Communications Director

Position Title: Development & Communications Director

Reports To: Vice President of Strategy & Impact
Direct Reports: Development Manager, Communications Specialist, Community Engagement Manager
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Overview

The Development & Communications Director leads VOA Alaska's resource development and communications efforts to advance the organization's mission and strengthen relationships with donors, community partners, and the public. This role is responsible for overseeing all fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, corporate sponsorships, grant development, marketing, brand management, and external communications. The Director will collaborate closely with the Vice President of Strategy & Impact to align fundraising and communications strategies with organizational goals and strategic priorities.

The ideal candidate is an experienced and dynamic leader who can integrate development and communications efforts to enhance fundraising success, build community engagement, and amplify VOA Alaska's impact. Additionally, the Director will manage contractors for special projects, including grant writing, communications, and fundraising initiatives, ensuring high-quality deliverables and alignment with VOA Alaska's mission and strategy.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and oversee the Development & Communications team, ensuring integration of fundraising and marketing strategies to drive mission success.
• Provide direct supervision, guidance, and professional development support to the Development Manager, Communications Specialist, and Community Engagement Manager.
• Develop annual fundraising, donor engagement, and communications plans in alignment with VOA Alaska's strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with the VP of Strategy & Impact and senior leadership to identify and pursue new opportunities for growth and sustainability.
• Work closely with program leadership to ensure alignment between fundraising efforts and program needs.
• Oversee contractors for special projects related to grant writing, strategic fundraising initiatives, marketing, communications, and public relations, ensuring contract objectives are met.
• Represent VOA Alaska in community partnerships, donor meetings, and media relations.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, integrating government grants, foundation funding, corporate sponsorships, individual giving, and special events.
• Oversee donor stewardship initiatives, ensuring a high level of engagement, appreciation, and retention among supporters.
• Support the Development Manager in securing and stewarding major donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
• Ensure private and government grant reporting is completed on time and in accordance with funder requirements.
• Provide strategic oversight for annual giving campaigns, major gifts programs, and capital campaigns.
• Develop metrics to evaluate fundraising effectiveness and donor engagement, using data-driven insights to refine strategy.

Marketing, Communications & Public Relations

• Ensure a consistent and compelling brand presence across all VOA Alaska communications channels.
• Oversee the Communications Specialist in developing digital marketing, storytelling, social media, website management, and public relations strategies.
• Serve as a spokesperson for VOA Alaska in media and community relations as needed.
• Lead crisis communication efforts in collaboration with the executive leadership team.
• Oversee the production of high-quality marketing materials, including annual reports, donor impact reports, newsletters, and campaign collateral.
• Ensure alignment between fundraising and marketing efforts to maximize engagement and financial support.
• Manage and coordinate external communications and public relations contractors as needed to supplement in-house capacity.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Oversee the Community Engagement Manager in building relationships with local businesses, community leaders, and partner organizations.
• Support the planning and execution of community engagement events, including fundraising and awareness campaigns.
• Strengthen partnerships with local and statewide organizations to increase VOA Alaska's visibility and impact.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business administration, marketing, or a related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience:

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, marketing, or communications.
• Proven success in developing and executing fundraising campaigns, securing major gifts, and managing corporate sponsorships.
• Strong background in strategic communications, public relations, or brand management.
• Experience leading teams and managing cross-functional projects in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Experience overseeing external contractors for grant writing, communications, and fundraising projects.
• Familiarity with CRM and donor management software (VOA uses Network for Good).
• Strong understanding of Alaska's philanthropic landscape and donor community preferred.

Technical Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking abilities.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret donor and fundraising data to drive strategy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and marketing software tools.
• Experience with graphic design, social media management, and digital marketing is a plus.

Core Competencies:

• Mission-Driven: Passion for VOA Alaska's mission and ability to inspire others.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align development and communications with broader organizational goals.
• Relationship Building: Strong skills in donor cultivation, stewardship, and engagement.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Execution & Results: Proven ability to meet fundraising and marketing objectives.

Working Conditions

• May work in office areas or remotely, interacting with staff, donors, and community partners.
• May require occasional evening and weekend work for events and donor meetings.
• Travel may be required for donor visits, conferences, and community engagement.

Acknowledgment

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and responsibilities of the role. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.