Director of Strategic Communications and Deve

Position Summary

The Director of Strategic Communications and Development is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through integrated marketing, communications, and fundraising strategies. This position leads the development and execution of a comprehensive plan to elevate brand awareness, strengthen community engagement, and secure sustainable funding to support programs serving individuals affected by substance use and mental health disorders.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a unified communications and development strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and executive team on messaging, public positioning, and growth opportunities.
• Build and maintain a strong, consistent brand identity that reflects the organization’s mission and impact.
• Monitor trends in behavioral health, philanthropy, and nonprofit communications to guide strategy.
• Manage departmental budget and resources effectively.

• Communications & Marketing

• Lead all internal and external communications, including media relations, digital content, publications, and crisis communications.
• Oversight of the creation of compelling content (stories, campaigns, reports) that highlights recovery, resilience, and impact.
• Management of website, social media platforms, email campaigns, and marketing materials.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets and position the organization as a thought leader in mental health and substance use services.
• Ensure messaging is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and stigma-reducing.

• Fundraising & Development

• Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising program, including: Major gifts, Grants and foundation relations, Corporate partnerships, Annual giving campaigns, Special events.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward donors and strategic partners.
• Collaborate with program leaders to align funding priorities with programmatic needs.
• Track and report fundraising performance and outcomes.

• Grant Strategy & Management

• Lead grant prospecting, proposal development, and reporting.
• Build relationships with foundations and public funding entities.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of proposals and compliance with grant requirements.

• Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Strengthen relationships with community stakeholders, healthcare organizations, and advocacy groups.
• Represent the organization at public events, conferences, and coalition meetings.
• Develop outreach initiatives that increase awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders.

Qualifications

• Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, public health, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 4-6+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit communications, fundraising, or related leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including major gifts and grant writing.
• Strong understanding of branding, storytelling, and digital marketing strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in or with behavioral health, healthcare, or human services organizations.

• PREFERRED:

• Knowledge of substance use disorder recovery models and mental health systems of care.
• Experience with trauma-informed communication approaches.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and donor management platforms.
• Proven track record of building partnerships and growing donor pipelines.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and execution
• Relationship building and stakeholder engagement
• Empathy and cultural humility
• Leadership and team development
• Data-driven decision-making
• Adaptability and innovation

Work Environment

Office-based setting, depending on organizational structure. Occasional evening and weekend events required.

Equal Opportunity Statement