Development and Communications Director

SSCAC seeks a dynamic, accomplished, and mission-driven Development and Communications Director (DCD) to lead our agency into a new era of philanthropic growth and community engagement. Partnering with the CEO, you will serve as senior leader for SSCAC?s revenue diversification strategy, building upon the organization?s existing development foundation that includes government and private grant solicitations, direct appeals, events, and communications. As the DCD, you will develop and execute strategies to meet SSCAC?s current and future needs, including a major gifts program and planned giving. The DCD will serve as a strategic thought partner for SSCAC?s Board, CEO, and program directors. In addition, you will support and grow a robust prospect pipeline, managing a personal portfolio of prospects/donors for SSCAC and individual programs/projects. This leadership role is ideal for a visionary professional who excels at both the science of complex grant management and the art of major donor cultivation. Institutional Giving & Grant Strategy Oversee and contribute, as applicable, to the drafting and submission of high-stakes federal and state grants (Head Start, MA Dept. Early Education and Care, MA Dept. of Transportation, MA Attorney General?s Office, etc.). Identify and secure new private foundation, corporate, and organizational partnerships and develop innovative revenue generation initiatives to fund strategic and ongoing program and agency operations. Maintain a proactive 12-month grant calendar to ensure 100% compliance and on-time reporting. Build and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, moving prospects through the stages of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Serve as the strategic engine for the CEO?s fundraising efforts, briefing her for donor meetings, preparing ?the ask,? accompanying her on prospect/donor visits, and managing the follow-up. Plan and execute direct appeals, targeted campaigns, and planned giving strategies that inspire the community to invest in SSCAC?s mission and legacy impact. Attend meetings of and work with Development and Finance Committees of SSCAC Board of Directors to increase engagement and leadership in philanthropy as well as individual giving. Oversee donor database maintenance to ensure data integrity and donor segmentation. Prepare contact reports from prospect/donor visits/interactions and ensure that donor activity, including proposals, is maintained and up-to-date in the CRM (DonorPerfect). Strategic Communications Provide strategic oversight of agency marketing and communications, partnering with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Development and Communications staff to strengthen visibility, messaging, brand positioning, and donor engagement. Oversee the implementation of marketing/communications plan for SSCAC, including compelling case statements, annual reports, and digital content that articulate the agency?s new era and future sustainability. Collaborate with CEO on legislative advocacy, press releases, multi-media communications to advance SSCAC?s mission and sustain program impact. External Relations Cultivate and maintain a strong network of new community, corporate, philanthropic, government, and civic relationships that expands SSCAC?s visibility, strengthens its reputation, and creates new opportunities for partnership and support. Steward and deepen existing partnerships by leading the partner relationship management in collaboration with the CEO, Board of Directors, program directors, and other colleagues. Represent the organization as an influential and effective ambassador at outside events and activities. Strengthen SSCAC?s external presence and reputation by identifying opportunities for organizational visibility, thought leadership, speaking engagements, community participation, and other forums that advance the organization's mission and strategic prio ities.