Director of Development and Communications

About The Cultural Conservancy

The Cultural Conservancy (TCC) is an Indigenous-led nonprofit organization founded in 1985 and based in San Francisco, Marin, and Sonoma Counties in California. Our mission is to protect and restore Indigenous cultures, empowering Native peoples and communities to renew their ancestral lands, languages, and lifeways. Through collaborative programs in land, food, art, and cultural education, TCC works to strengthen Indigenous sovereignty, revitalize living cultural traditions, and nurture a more just and sustainable future for all.

Position Overview

The Director of Development and Communications (DDC) serves as a key member of TCC’s leadership team and is responsible for guiding and implementing the organization’s overall fundraising, communications, and partnership strategies. Working closely with the Executive Director, Vice President of Operations, and Program Director, the DDC leads efforts to increase TCC’s visibility, diversify funding streams, and deepen relationships with funders, donors, and community partners.

This position oversees the design and implementation of development systems, grant management, and communication strategies that reflect and uphold TCC’s values, cultural integrity, and community accountability. The DDC brings both strategic and relational strengths, with a deep understanding of how storytelling, relationship-building, and philanthropy can advance Indigenous self-determination and cultural restoration.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Development Strategy and Leadership

• Partner with the Executive Director and leadership team to design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports TCC’s programs and long-term sustainability.
• Lead the development and implementation of annual and multi-year fundraising plans, including foundation, government, tribal, and individual donor giving and events
• Oversee all stages of grant management — from prospect research and proposal writing to reporting and relationship stewardship.
• Develop strategies to strengthen TCC’s individual giving, major gifts, and planned giving programs.
• Ensure that fundraising practices honor and align with Indigenous values, ethics, and reciprocity.
• Manage and maintain the organization’s fundraising database (CRM) to ensure accurate tracking, segmentation, and reporting of donor activity.

Communications and Public Engagement

• Lead the development and implementation of TCC’s communications strategy to strengthen visibility and engagement with Indigenous communities, funders, and the public.
• Oversee the production of TCC’s digital and print communications, including newsletters, social media, website content, and the annual report.
• Collaborate with staff, artists, and cultural partners to uplift community voices and storytelling across all communication platforms.
• Ensure consistent brand identity, messaging, and alignment with TCC’s mission and values.
• Support the design and communication of special initiatives, including public programs, campaigns, and organizational announcements.

Donor and Partner Relations

• Build and maintain strong, authentic relationships with funders, donors, and philanthropic partners.
• Coordinate donor cultivation and stewardship events, site visits, and special convenings.
• Support the Executive Director in managing major donor relationships and institutional partnerships.
• Ensure timely follow-up and meaningful engagement with all supporters.

Systems, Evaluation, and Collaboration

• Work closely with the Vice President of Operations to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of grant and donor funds.
• Collaborate with the Program Director to align fundraising and communications strategies with program priorities and outcomes.
• Support the development of organizational systems and workflows that integrate fundraising, communications, and evaluation.
• Supervise communications and development staff, interns, or contractors, fostering a collaborative and values-driven team environment.

Leadership and Cross-Organizational Engagement

• Serve as an active member of the leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, learning, and reflection.
• Participate in board meetings as requested to advance fundraising goals.
• Work with leadership to ensure that internal and external communications reflect TCC’s cultural commitments and relational accountability.

Qualifications and Attributes

• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, or related leadership roles.
• Proven track record in managing fundraising portfolios, securing grants, and stewarding donor relationships.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills, with demonstrated experience developing proposals, reports, and public-facing communications.
• Experience managing communications strategy, brand development, and media relations.
• Familiarity with CRM and donor management platforms (e.g., Salesforce, EveryAction, or similar).
• Ability to translate complex ideas into compelling messages grounded in integrity and community voice.
• Collaborative, relational leadership style grounded in humility and accountability.
• Deep commitment to TCC’s mission, Indigenous sovereignty, cultural stewardship, and values of reciprocity and respect.

The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $90-$115k, commensurate with experience and aligned with norms in the field. The Cultural Conservancy offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; paid holidays; paid vacation and sick time; and participation in a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match when fiscally possible.