The Development and Communications Director is responsible for the development and successful execution of a comprehensive fundraising and communications plan for the organization. This position entails working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors and staff with a special emphasis on advancing the capacity of the overall development infrastructure.

Reports directly to the Executive Director.

Role: Oversee Fundraising Efforts and External Communications

Related Responsibilities:

• Create and implement financial development campaigns and cultivate and diversify new sources of revenue.
• Increase donor-base and contributions from individuals, organizations, foundations and government agencies.
• Oversee fundraising planning and implementation and the administration of fundraising records and documentation.
• Work alongside staff leadership and the Board of Directors to recommend a yearly budget for board approval primarily focusing on anticipated revenues and forecasting.
• In partnership with staff leadership and program staff, create feasible budgets for grant proposals.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on the development of a 3 to 5 year revenue generating plan.
• Develop and maintain contacts with key funding sources, coordinate fundraising activity within the public and private sectors.
• Identify and cultivate prospective donors.
• Work with the Communications Coordinator to produce solicitation materials and campaigns.
• Evaluate the potential of fundraising campaigns and activities.
• Develop professional relationships with donors.
• Support maintaining a consistent, branded online communication strategy, including updating and providing content to the website.
• Produce campaign talking points, key messages, and background information when needed.
• Produce written and visual materials to support SCN communications.
• Collaborate with agencies and departments to identify fundable projects fitting organizational strategies.
• Conduct grant research, determine asset needs, work on proposals in collaboration with relevant program staff and help oversee grant management.
• Cultivate relationships with foundations.
• Create and maintain required reporting to foundational funding sources on the status of projects and the appropriation and use of funds.
• Work with executive staff on the annual report, online fundraising initiatives, and specific campaigns throughout the year.
• Make recommendations on hiring or firing development staff and interns.

Qualifications

• Relevant educational background and a minimum of 5 years of experience.
• Demonstrated communication, nonprofit marketing, and fundraising skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a talent for persuasive storytelling.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also being self-motivated.
• An understanding of foundation and government grant application and reporting.
• The capacity to support creative branding that leverages social media and an on-line presence. to effectively communicate the impact of Syrian Community Network.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, with the demonstrated ability to engage and influence others.
• Commitment to social justice and basic understanding of current issues affecting immigrants and refugees.
• Knowledge of Salesforce, GiveLively, Google Products, Microsoft Office preferred.