The Director of Development & Communications is responsible for developing a diverse and sustainable local investor base of approximately $5 Million annually in the Greater Tulsa area, while also managing our strategic communications efforts. The D, Development & Communications will design and execute fundraising and stewardship campaigns and, in partnership with the Regional Communications Managing Director, a regional communications plan to promote our regional priorities. To be successful, the D, Development & Communications must be a critical thinker who is able to develop strategies and an operating plan to achieve regional priorities, exercise sound judgment, build strong relationships, and communicate compellingly - in person, in writing, and via other means, such as social media and digital communications - about our mission. This individual must be comfortable in an entrepreneurial environment and possess an exceptionally high level of personal responsibility for achieving ambitious results. The D, Development & Communications will report directly to the Executive Director.
Primary responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Working closely with the ED and Regional Advisory Board to create the long range regional development and communications vision and annual strategic and operating plans
- Ensuring the region maximizes opportunities and meets its goals while building long-term sustainability, specifically:
- Setting ambitious yet feasible benchmarks
- Developing and implementing strategies and tactical plans to achieve development and communications goals for different audiences
- Regularly assessing progress to goals, identifying what is driving and impeding progress, developing solutions to address gaps, and adjusting course
- Prioritizing the right actions for the ED to take in order to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects or engage with the media and prepare/support the ED to execute
- Preparing and facilitating the execution of excellent constituent interactions and communications (e.g., meetings, events, promotions, proposals, etc.)
- Developing and maintaining strong operations (i.e., donor tracking systems, data management, meeting prep and download systems, etc.)
- Designing and executing a regional communications campaign, including social media, that reinforces Teach For America’s role in short and long-term change and promotes a shared understanding of educational equity and excellence
- Recruiting, coordinating with, and preparing corps members, alumni, and staff, as needed to engage in individual donor campaigns, stewardship, and regional communications
- Regularly engaging with other teams to identify compelling stories and existing opportunities to engage and inspire donors, prospects, and the broader community through convincing written and multimedia pieces capturing our local impact
- 3 – 5 years of experience in development or communications-related role preferred
- Uncommon level of personal responsibility with exceptional goal orientation and a proven track record of success
- Keen understanding of the beliefs, contexts, and motivations of others
- Strong written communicator: can craft compelling communications about our organization, mission, and goals
- Effective verbal communication preferred; must possess a mature presence
- Teach For America corps member and/or staff member experience preferred
Skills
- Setting vision and direction, with evidence of demonstrated results
- Managing execution through creating accountability systems for execution, tracking, data analysis, and collaboration/knowledge sharing
- Expert level written communication and multi-media skills
- Preferred proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, video editing, and production tools, and social media platforms
- Ability to analyze and use large amounts of data to inform and adjust strategy; uses sound judgment to prioritize actions
- Strength in developing strong relationships with staff, corps members, alumni, board members, external partners, and donors that drive results and contribute to a thriving culture
Work Demands
- Ability to travel to in-person meetings in various U.S. cities [1-2 times/year]
- Ability to travel independently, by car, to multiple locations for work each day that may be significant distances from one another
- Occasional weekend or evening work is required
- Ability to lift and transport up to 20 pounds for work purposes