Director of Resource Development and Communications

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF NEW HAVEN, INC.

Director of Resource Development and Communications

Nature of Work

The position of Director of Resource Development and Communications entails advanced skills and experience in both fundraising and communications, with the responsibility of raising sufficient funds for preserving the fiscal integrity of Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and the New Haven HomeOwnership Center and sharing the impact and accomplishments of each of our organizational lines of business with both our stakeholders and the general public. A strong working relationship with members of the Board of Directors is required, along with the ability to relate well to City offi­cials, local lenders, and representatives of foundations and other agencies or organiza­tions.

Resource Development: Work involves identifying funding sources for both NHS and the HomeOwnership Center and preparing the applications needed to secure funding under the available programs. It involves working with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to suggest new programs and directions that could become a focus of our programs in instances where funding is available to support such new initiatives.

Communications: Working hand in hand with the public relations manager, the work involves a comprehensive suite of responsibilities that includes the marketing of Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and the New Haven HomeOwnership Center and the services offered by both organizations. Familiarity with local, state, print and broadcast media. An understanding and delivery of social media to effectively publicize the various events being sponsored by NHS and the HOC; overseeing the writing and distribution of press releases; the NHS annual report, newsletter, blogs, eblasts, and other media-related items. Enhancement and development of the website.

Work is per­formed under the direction of the Executive Director, and perfor­mance is reviewed and evaluated by the Executive Director. In the absence of the Executive Director, the Board may designate a committee to perform and/or review staff evaluations.

Responsibilities: Resource Development

• • Develops annual individual, corporate, foundation and institutional resource development goals to address Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven’s and the New Haven HomeOwnership Center’s program needs.
  • Researches public and private support and identifies possible individual, corporate, foundation and institutional funding sources. Cultivates relationships with funding sources on both the local and national level. Represents Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and the New Haven HomeOwnership Center throughout the fundraising process.
  • Develops and submits grants and proposals for funds to private foundations, corporations, lenders, and government agencies. Maintains active stewardship of all funding sources.
• Works with program managers to develop new programs and to support existing programs and products. Develops and maintains program/product descriptions and tracks program outcomes.
• Participates in strategic planning for Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and the New Haven HomeOwnership Center.
  • Oversees record keeping systems for foundation, corporate and individual donor fundraising files and manages a resource development database.
  • Manages fundraising initiatives such as the Community Foundation’s Great Give and our organization’s annual year-end appeal to individual donors.
  • Coordinates the organization’s participation in the AmeriCorps VISTA Program.
  • Assists the Executive Director in raising subsidy funding for affordable housing development projects.

Responsibilities: Communications

Provide supervision and direction to the manager of public relations:

• • Plans and coordinates press events related to the activities and initiatives of both Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and the New Haven HomeOwnership Center. Arranges for public relations efforts to meet Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven’s and the New Haven HomeOwnership Center’s needs and objectives.
  • Oversees the development of promotional public relations materials, including the annual report, press releases, organizational brochures, blogs, e-newsletters, program/product information and general information packets.
  • Takes a leadership role in event planning, including the Annual Meeting and special events that occur during the year.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements of Work

Bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree in a related field is preferred. In addition, three (3) to five (5) years of progressive­ly responsi­ble experience in resource development, fundraising, and communications is required, or any equivalent combination of training and experi­ence that provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of fundraising techniques with expertise in writing grants and proposals.
• Knowledge of public and private resources as potential sources of funding for NHS/HOC programs and projects, including those involved with housing and economic development activities
• Knowledge of program/product development in housing and economic development.
• Understanding of local, state, and national media procedures and practices.
• Understanding of NHS’ and HOC’s programs, activities and mission.
• Knowledge of public relations techniques with expertise in writing press releases and preparing social media posts.
• Knowledge of various media outlets and facility with all recent social media and electronic transmission opportunities.
• Understanding of local, state, and national media procedures and practices.
• Understanding of NHS’ and the HOC’s programs, activities and mission.
• Excellent computer knowledge:
• Word processing
• Spreadsheet creation and interpretation
• Database management including the preparation and presentation of charts and graphs
• Photoshop and/or InDesign; PowerPoint; other presentation software

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills: demonstrated ability to express thoughts, perceptions and ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, including editing and creating original materials.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a large volume of activity and to adhere to strict schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to show accuracy, timeliness and follow-up on tasks.
• Ability to interact positively with the public and with NHS/HOC staff and board.
• Ability to work as a team member, coordinating activities with other NHS/HOC staff and departments to meet overall objectives within specified timeframes.

1. Demonstrated ability to take the initiative to anticipate future funding and communications/PR needs.
2. Ability to make sound decisions within the scope of the job.
3. Experience in working with and in racially and culturally diverse communities.

In addition, the Director of Resource Development and Communications must accept the fact that NHS requires considerable flexibility in work hours. He/she/they must be committed to the goals and philosophy of NHS and the HomeOwnership Center and must possess a high degree of motivation. He/she/they are expected to work as part of a team to accomplish common organizational goals and objectives.

Medical

Dental

403(b) after one year

English