Director of Development and Communications

The Director of Development and Communications is responsible for leading and executing RS EDEN’s integrated fundraising and strategic communication strategies to support its vision of a community built upon a shared commitment to well-being and equity, where individuals and families are free from injustice and anchored by generational resilience.

This role is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising and strategic communications plan that delivers on revenue goals by cultivating relationships with donors and funding partners, overseeing grants management, and collaborating with leadership to advance RS EDEN’s financial sustainability. Working closely with the President & CEO, board of directors, program leadership, and consultants, the Director will identify new funding opportunities, enhance donor engagement, and ensure effective stewardship practices.

The Director will also play a key role in positioning RS EDEN as the leading provider of recovery, housing, mental health, and criminal justice support services, by engaging stakeholders in fundraising and advocacy, strengthening development processes, and using the power of storytelling to connect people with RS EDEN’s long-term goals.

The ideal candidate is a discerning and relationship-driven professional with a strong background in nonprofit fundraising, strategic communications, community engagement, and grants management. They should have excellent communication skills, a commitment to RS EDEN’s mission, and the ability to inspire support from a diverse range of donors and funders.

Essential Job Functions:

Fundraising and Communications

• Develop and implement a strategic fundraising and communications plan that supports RS EDEN’s mission of providing substance use treatment, housing, mental health services, and criminal justice services.
• Work collaboratively with the board of directors and President & CEO to establish fundraising strategies and goals that align with the organization’s vision and long-term sustainability. Set clear goals, establish budgets, and monitor progress, ensuring fundraising and communications efforts are effective and continually improving.
• Identify, cultivate, and secure funding from a range of sources—including government grants, corporate partnerships, foundations, and individual donors—to strengthen and expand RS EDEN’s programs.
• Work closely with the internal and external stakeholders to create engaging donor messages, marketing materials, internal collateral, and storytelling strategies that highlight RS EDEN’s impact.
• Oversee donor development and stewardship activities, including acknowledgment processes, financial tracking, site visits, and donor engagement strategies.

Major Gifts Cultivation

• Manage RS EDEN’s prospect and donor acquisition strategy to build and sustain a robust base of support.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with major donors and funding partners, ensuring a thoughtful approach to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Identify and implement engagement strategies that connect donors with RS EDEN’s mission, through consistent compelling communication, community and donor events, advocacy opportunities, and recognition.

Grants Management

• Lead RS EDEN’s grant management efforts, ensuring timely and high-quality proposals, compliance with funding requirements, and clear financial and impact reporting.
• Collaborate with the CEO and consultant team to ensure grant efforts align with organizational priorities and are effectively managed.
• Collaborate with program staff to provide accurate and insightful reports on grant activity and funding performance to support strategic decision-making.

Other Job Functions

• Support and strengthen internal team efforts to maintain meaningful donor relationships through engagement, recognition, and impact-driven communication.
• Engage and equip the board of directors in fundraising by providing guidance, training, and opportunities to connect with donors and advocate for RS EDEN’s mission.
• Stay informed on trends in philanthropy, nonprofit marketing, and fund development to ensure RS EDEN remains effective and forward-thinking in fundraising strategies.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, public administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit communications, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
• Leadership experience, including supervising a high-performing team of part- and full-time staff, as well as outside consultants and vendors.
• Experience cultivating major donors, securing grants, and managing fundraising campaigns.
• Knowledge of grant writing, grant management, and compliance with government and foundation funding requirements.
• Experience working with and engaging a board of directors in fundraising efforts.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to connect with donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to independently lead and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages, grant proposals, and fundraising appeals.
• Strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to develop, implement, and measure fundraising and communications strategies.
• Proficiency in donor database/CRM systems and fundraising software.
• Knowledge of trends and best practices in philanthropy, donor engagement, and nonprofit fundraising.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with substance use treatment, housing, mental health, or reentry services.
• Experience leading fundraising efforts in a social services or human services nonprofit organization.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership, staff, and board members.

Salary ranges from $90,000-$120,000/annually.