Senior Director of Development and Communications

About NC Child

NC Child is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advocates for public policies that improve the lives of all North Carolina children. As the state's only multi-issue child advocacy organization, NC Child's work addresses policies that affect the whole child, including health and well-being, early childhood education, and family economic security. NC Child is also a leading source of state-level research and data on the issues affecting children and families, and the organization serves as a trusted and reliable source for policymakers and other child advocates across the state. For more information, visit ncchild.org.

Position Overview

The Senior Director of Development and Communications provides strategic leadership for NC Child's fundraising, communications, and external engagement efforts. This position will:

• Build and execute comprehensive fundraising and communications strategies that support organizational growth and sustainability.
• Cultivate relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, community leaders, and strategic partners.
• Strengthen NC Child's visibility and reputation as a trusted voice on child policy issues.
• Lead, mentor, and support development and communications staff.
• Partner with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to advance organizational priorities.

Responsibilities

Development:

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies focused on major gifts, annual giving, foundations, corporate support, sponsorships, and long-term donor engagement.
• Manage and grow relationships with donors and prospects through strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board members to engage key supporters and secure transformational gifts.
• Establish systems for prospect management, donor engagement, performance tracking, and fundraising growth.
• Represent NC Child with funders, donors, and community partners to expand support for the organization's mission.

Communications & External Engagement:

• Lead communications strategies that increase awareness of NC Child's research, advocacy, and impact.
• Manage media relations, including press outreach, organizational messaging, media inquiries, and interview preparation.
• Develop compelling communications materials for donors, policymakers, advocates, partners, and the public.
• Oversee digital, website, email, social media, and other communications efforts.
• Maintain consistent organizational messaging and brand standards across platforms.
• Support communications strategy for key initiatives, coalitions, and signature events, including the NC Child Summit.

Leadership:

• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on fundraising, communications, and external engagement.
• Manage and develop a high-performing, collaborative team.
• Create annual goals, work plans, and performance measures to support accountability and impact.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, nonprofit management, public policy, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in development, communications, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, or related work.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and building donor relationships.
• Experience leading fundraising strategies and communications initiatives.
• Experience managing and developing teams.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing messaging and public-facing materials.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to navigate changing priorities.
• Commitment to NC Child's mission and values.

Bonus Qualifications

• Existing relationships with North Carolina donors, foundations, philanthropic leaders, and media.
• Experience in child advocacy, public policy, or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience with fundraising and communications platforms such as Raiser's Edge, WordPress, Meltwater, Airtable, SharePoint, or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with digital marketing, analytics, and social media strategy.
• Bilingual proficiency

Position Requirements

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week
• Hybrid, 3-4 days onsite and travel mostly in North Carolina when needed.

Compensation & Benefits

NC Child offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Hiring range for this position: $105,000-$115,000, depending on experience
• Health and dental insurance
• Paid sick days, vacation, paid family leave
• Sabbatical program
• Professional development opportunities

To Apply

NC Child is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity, talent, and experiences of the communities we serve. We encourage candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed.

Submit an application along with:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

NC Child is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.