Director of Development Communications

Organization: The HEADstrong Foundation

Location:

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer / Chief Development Officer

Department: Development & External Affairs

Position Summary

The Director of Development Communications is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the Foundations integrated fundraising communications strategy. This position sits at the intersection of development, storytelling, donor engagement, and brand, ensuring that every messagewhether to major donors, corporate partners, fundraisers or event attendeesdrives revenue, deepens relationships, and advances HEADstrongs mission to support families impacted by cancer.

This leader will oversee donor-facing communications, campaign messaging, and development marketing efforts while working closely with executive leadership, staff, board members, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Fundraising Communications

• Lead all donor-centric communications in support of annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, events, peer-to-peer fundraising and capital campaigns

• Develop compelling fundraising narratives, case statements, and impact messaging tailored to different donor segments

• Partner with the team to support solicitation efforts through decks, proposals, stewardship materials, and follow-ups

• Ensure consistent messaging across all fundraising touchpoints (email, print, digital, events, proposals)

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Oversee donor stewardship communications including impact reports, thank-you campaigns, and recognition strategies

• Create personalized communication frameworks for major donors, foundations, and corporate partners

• Collaborate with leadership on donor journeys that increase retention, upgrades, and long-term loyalty

Brand, Storytelling & Content Strategy

• Serve as brand steward for all external communications related to development and fundraising

• Capture and elevate patient, family, and community stories in a respectful, mission-aligned way

• Guide content strategy across email, website, social media, event materials, and video as it relates to fundraising outcomes

Events & Campaign Support

• Lead communications strategy for major fundraising events, galas, and signature campaigns

• Develop messaging, timelines, and collateral that drive attendance, sponsorships, and donations

• Support on-site donor experience and post-event stewardship initiatives

Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage and mentor communications and/or development marketing staff and vendors

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Programs, Finance, and Executive Leadership

• Support board members and ambassadors with talking points, messaging, and outreach materials

Analytics & Optimization

• Track performance of fundraising communications and donor engagement metrics

• Use data and insights to refine messaging, segmentation, and campaign strategies

• Continuously improve ROI of communications efforts tied to revenue growth

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