Director of Development and Communications

Are you a strategic, mission-driven leader who thrives on building relationships and telling powerful stories? Arm In Arm—a trusted nonprofit serving Mercer County, NJ for over 45 years—is seeking a full-time Director of Development and Communications to lead our fundraising, communications, and community engagement efforts. We fight food insecurity, provide homelessness prevention services and driver's license restoration services, and empower thousands of families annually to thrive. This is a unique opportunity to help shape our voice and vision while driving meaningful impact.

About the Role

The Director of Development and Communications is a key leadership position responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising and communications strategy in partnership with the Executive Director. This full-time exempt role leads a small, high‑performing development team; oversees donor engagement, campaigns, grants, and external messaging; manages relationships with an engaged community of partners and volunteer groups in collaboration with program leadership; and oversees annual fundraising benefit. Working closely with the Executive Director, this role strengthens Arm In Arm’s visibility, community presence, and long‑term impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fundraising & Donor Engagement: Lead individual donor strategy, including cultivation, appeals, acknowledgments, and online giving. Partner with the Executive Director and Board on major gifts and stewardship.
• Annual Fundraising Benefit & Events: Oversee Arm In Arm’s annual fundraising benefit, including planning, sponsorships, program design, and event‑related communications. Support additional fundraising or community events as needed.
• Team Leadership & Volunteer Group Engagement: Supervise and mentor the Development Team. Manage relationships with volunteer groups and coordinate engagement in partnership with program staff.
• Community & Institutional Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with congregations, schools, businesses, and community groups. Represent Arm In Arm at events, presentations, and public engagements.
• Grants & Institutional Giving: Oversee grant writing and reporting. Identify new funding opportunities and collaborate with staff to develop strong proposals.
• Communications & Marketing: Manage digital and print communications, including newsletters, social media, website content, and media relations. Ensure consistent branding and messaging.
• Data & Strategy: Direct fundraising campaigns, oversee the donor database (DonorPerfect), and track performance metrics to inform strategy and reporting.

Qualifications:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in grant writing, donor relations, and fundraising strategy.
• Experience managing staff and volunteers.
• Proficiency with fundraising platforms (e.g., DonorPerfect, Constant Contact, social media).
• Experience with events
• Skilled in time management, multitasking, and working independently.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, non-profit management or related subject.
• 5-7+ years’ experience in development activities including grant writing, public and private institutional fundraising, individual donor development, and special events
• Significant experience in public relations and communication, including donor relations and production of all print materials such as annual report, major appeals, and social media.
• Satisfactory background check.

Personal Attributes:

Arm In Arm seeks an individual whose attitude and behavior is consistent with the core values of the organization, demonstrating compassion, dignity and respect in interactions with clients, staff, volunteers, interns, community partners and supporters.

Arm In Arm is an equal opportunity employer. Arm In Arm does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.

Compensation is based on experience.

Includes generous PTO, Simple IRA, Medical, Dental, Vision, Group term life/LTD(Long Term Disability)/AD&D(Accidental death and dismemberment)

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