Director of Development & Communications
Reports to: Executive Director
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Location: Primarily on-site with flexibility for some remote work and community engagement
Salary Range: $60,000-$70,000/year
Position Summary
The Director of Development & Communications is a senior leadership role responsible for all fundraising, marketing, public relations, and communications functions for an open-admission animal shelter. This is currently a one-person department and is both strategic and highly hands-on in nature.
The successful candidate will build, manage, and execute all aspects of development and communications while working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and program leadership. This role is ideal for a self-directed, organized professional who thrives in mission-driven, resource-constrained environments and understands the complexity, urgency, and emotional weight of open-admission animal welfare work.
About Our Shelter
As an open-admission shelter, Saint Frances Animal Center (SFAC) does not turn animals away based on breed, age, health, temperament, or other factors. We serve as a critical safety net for our community, partnering with animal control and law enforcement and caring for animals with a wide range of medical, behavioral, and social needs. The volume and unpredictability of intake shape our funding needs, messaging, and public education efforts. Fundraising and communications must reflect transparency, compassion, and realism while maintaining hope and community trust.
Core Responsibilities
Fundraising & Development (Primary Responsibility)
- Develop, implement, and personally execute the organization's annual fundraising plan.
- Manage all individual giving efforts, including annual appeals, major gifts, recurring donors, and donor stewardship.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through direct, relationship-based engagement.
- Lead all grant-related activities, including prospect research, writing, reporting, and compliance.
- Plan and execute fundraising events and third-party fundraisers, managing logistics, promotion, and follow-up.
- Partner with the Executive Director and Board to support donor relationships and fundraising efforts.
- Maintain accurate donor records, acknowledgements, and stewardship communications in the CRM.
- Track fundraising metrics, analyze results, and adjust strategies to meet revenue goals.
Marketing, Communications & Public Relations
- Serve as the organization’s primary marketing, communications, and PR lead.
- Develop and manage all messaging related to fundraising, programs, crisis response, and community education.
- Ensure consistent brand voice and visual identity across all platforms and materials.
- Lead storytelling efforts that responsibly reflect the realities of an open-admission shelter while inspiring support.
- Manage website content, email marketing, social media platforms, and digital campaigns.
- Draft press releases, manage media relationships, and respond to public inquiries as needed.
- Support adoption, foster, volunteer, and community outreach efforts through targeted communications.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, community partners, and media outlets.
- Represent the organization at community events, fundraisers, and public engagements.
- Collaborate with shelter leadership and program staff to translate day-to-day operations into clear, accurate, and compelling messaging.
Leadership, Collaboration & Operations
- Serve as a key member of the leadership team, aligning development and communications with organizational priorities.
- Support and engage the Board of Directors in fundraising, ambassador and advocacy roles.
- Mange external vendors and consultants as needed (design, printing, marketing support, etc.)
- Operate independently with minimal administrative support while maintaining organization, accountability, and deadlines.
- Contribute to a collaborative, respectful workplace culture grounded in compassion, transparency, and professionalism.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- 3-5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience.
- Demonstrated success managing fundraising efforts in a small or mid-sized nonprofit.
- Strong writing, storytelling, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience with donor databases/CRMs, email marketing platforms, and social media management.
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and comfortable working as a sole contributor.
- Ability to balance strategic planning with daily execution.
- Genuine passion for animal welfare and alignment with open-admission shelter values.
Preferred
- Experience in animal welfare, open-admission shelters, or similarly complex human or animal service organizations.
- Grant writing experience with foundations and public funders.
- Experience working closely with boards and executive leadership.
- Familiarity with crisis communications and high-volume operational environments.
Key Attributes for Success in This Role
- Comfortable wearing many hats and setting priorities independently.
- Emotionally intelligent and resilient in high-stress, high-impact environments.
- Strong relationship-builder with donors and community stakeholders.
- Ethical, transparent communicator who understands the responsibility of public trust.
- Creative, resourceful, and solutions-oriented.
Physical & Schedule Requirements
- Regular on-site presence in an animal shelter environment.
- Occasional evenings and weekends for events and donor engagement.
- Ability to attend off-site meetings and community events.
A Realistic View of This Role
This position currently functions as a one-person department responsible for fundraising, marketing, and communications. There is no dedicated support staff. Success in this role requires someone who is comfortable setting priorities independently, managing competing deadlines, and handling both high-level strategy and day-to-day execution. Open-admission animal shelter work is fast-paced, emotionally complex, and unpredictable. The right candidate will find meaning – not frustration – in building systems, telling hard truths with compassion, and helping a community understand why this work matters.
How to Apply:
Please submit resume and cover letter to MTiner@sfanimals.org.