Director of Development and Communication

SWEC is a newly formed nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance racial equity through dismantling structural white supremacy, creating transformational action, and advocating for our community. We remain rooted in Re-Indigenization, Black liberation, and the emancipation of oppressed immigrants and Ancestral Americans. We strive to create safe spaces for BIPOC communities to thrive.

We’re seeking a visionary and hands-on Director of Development and Communications who is ready to build and lead a comprehensive fundraising and communications strategy from the ground up. Reporting to the Executive Director, this new leadership role is ideal for someone ready to step into a director position or with a few years of experience in a similar role. You’ll have the opportunity to shape our organization’s grassroots fundraising, grow a sustainable annual fund, manage a small major donor portfolio, and build a communications strategy that elevates the voices of our community and mission.

What Makes This Role Unique

This is an exciting opportunity to build something from the ground up. You won’t be inheriting a development department — you’ll be creating one. This role is ideal for someone who is eager to lead strategy, roll up their sleeves, and shape the future of fundraising and communications at a growing organization rooted in racial justice and community power. Additionally, you will be vital in helping the organization launch, grow, and maintain a 501c4 sister organization, the Love and Justice Alliance.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising and Development (60%)

• Launch and lead a development program that includes grassroots fundraising, an annual fund, and a small portfolio of major donors
• Partner with the Executive Director to identify prospective donors and deepen philanthropic relationships
• Design and implement fundraising campaigns and donor stewardship strategies
• Maintain donor database and track key metrics to inform growth
• Plan and lead fundraising events and campaigns
• Create and oversee fundraising budgets
• Work with consultant to oversee the process of donor mapping and landscape scan/analysis projects
• Assist the Board Fiscal Futures Committee in executing development strategies
• Strategically involve the Executive Director in development activities

Communications Strategy and Execution (30%)

• Develop and lead a communications strategy to elevate SWEC's mission and programs
• Manage brand identity and voice in partnership with the Executive Director, Director of Programs, and other leadership team members
• Oversee the production of digital and print communications: newsletters, social media, press releases, campaign collateral, and the annual report
• Work with consultants to tell SWEC's story in compelling and accessible ways
• Ensure consistent, culturally responsive messaging across all platforms

Organizational and Community Engagement (10%)

• Partner with staff and community members to ensure SWEC’s story reflects community voice and power
• Support narrative development that uplifts both the community and the organization

Additional Duties

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director of Operations and Finance to develop internal policies and procedures related to development and communications
• Participate in grant reporting and budget management
• Engage in organizational decision-making and self-reflection through the lens of dismantling white supremacy culture
• Other duties as assigned

Organizational Culture and Expectations

All SWEC employees are expected to continuously practice self-reflection in the context of dismantling white supremacy culture and, when necessary, engage in generative conflict navigation and resolution. Staff also practice collaborative and collective decision-making, grant reporting, and budget management. This includes being able to utilize adaptive leadership skills, remain organized and collaborative despite navigating a fast-paced work environment, and understanding the nuance and multi-layered challenges of dismantling white supremacy culture through avenues aligned with philosophies and practices of Pro-Blackness, Pro-brownness, and radical love.

Education & Experience

• No specific degree required but candidates must demonstrate deep knowledge of the impact of white supremacy culture, systemic racism, internalized, and interpersonal racism on individuals and communities from an intersectional and nuanced perspective.
• 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, or communications
• Experience working with diverse BIPOC communities from an intersectional and equity-centered approach
• Strong strategic communication and donor relations skills
• Experience with donor databases and basic fundraising tools

Desired Qualifications

• Strong relationship builder who thrives in community settings
• Skilled project manager comfortable working in a startup environment
• Strategic thinker who understands local socio-political dynamics
• Comfortable navigating difficult conversations related to race, power, and identity
• Experience in community organizing, grassroots movements, or policy advocacy is a plus

Work Schedule & Location

This is a salaried position with a typical 40-hour work week and flexible scheduling. The position includes a hybrid work environment with remote work and in-person community-based events or meetings. Some evenings, weekends, and periodic multi-day travel outside the community, state, and region may be required.