Director of Development and Communications

Director of Development & Communications

­About Us: The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Cast) is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit and the largest provider of services for survivors of human trafficking in the United States. For more than two decades, we've supported thousands of survivors as they reclaim safety, stability, and opportunity-delivering comprehensive, trauma-informed support that spans crisis response, case management, legal advocacy, housing, and leadership development.

CAST's survivor-centered model is grounded in dignity, self-determination, and justice. In addition to providing direct services-including housing, case management, and legal support-we drive systems-level change through groundbreaking policy and legislation, in-house research, cross-sector coalitions, and partnerships that strengthen protections, expand access to rights and resources, and prevent exploitation before it starts.

Who You Are: You're a self-starter and values-driven strategist and connector, someone who thrives at the intersection of activism, ethical storytelling, and relationship-building. You thrive in mission-driven environments where you can envision and build what doesn't yet exist. You see challenges as opportunities, bring a solutions mindset, and take initiative to move work forward, without waiting for perfect conditions or complete information. You're comfortable navigating ambiguity, balancing multiple priorities, and making thoughtful decisions that drive progress. You have a deep commitment to social justice, a robust professional network, and a proven ability to translate mission into message and action that drives revenue.

Title/Position: Director of Development & Communications

Status: Exempt

Department: Development

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Hybrid (Los Angeles Office with WFH Flexibility)

Salary Range: $100,000 to $125,000

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Cast is seeking a mission-driven Director of Development and Communications who will strengthen and amplify the organization's brand, voice, partnerships, and resource base in pursuit of systemic change. This position integrates strategic communications, fundraising, and advocacy to elevate the organization's visibility, deepen supporter engagement, and advance sustainable revenue growth. Reporting to the CEO, the Director will get to build and lead a development and strategic communications team that manages communications, grants, and fundraising operations. The Director of Development and Communications designs and implements fundraising strategies, stewards donor and community relationships, and oversees internal and external communications that reflect our values of human rights and equity.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute an integrated communications and development strategy that elevates the organization's impact, deepens community trust, and drives resource growth.
• Partner with executive leadership to align fundraising, communications, advocacy, and program strategies.
• Serve as a key thought partner and advisor to the CEO on public positioning and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead reputation and brand management, ensuring that all messaging is bold, consistent, and rooted in Cast's values.
• Champion ethical organizational storytelling as a lever for systems change and survivor empowerment.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Oversee all aspects of fundraising, including annual giving, major gifts, institutional partnerships, events, and government contracts and grant funding, with the goal of increasing individual giving revenue by 15-25% over 2-3 years, in partnership with the CEO and development team.
• Build and maintain authentic relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners committed to equity and social justice.
• Partner with consultants and staff to design and execute fundraising campaigns that reflect the organization's mission and values.
• Supervise the Grants Manager and Individual Giving Manager to ensure effective prospecting, proposal development, and compliance with government and foundation funding.
• Collaborate with finance to align fundraising goals with program and operational needs.
• Create meaningful engagement opportunities that connect donors directly to advocacy, impact, and community stories.

Communications, Brand, and Advocacy

• Lead the development of a bold, movement-aligned communications strategy that strengthens the organization's role as a trusted voice for human rights and justice.
• Oversee digital and traditional media outreach to amplify advocacy goals and build narrative power in collaboration with partners and consultants.
• Direct the production of all public-facing materials, including press statements, impact reports, speeches, campaigns, and storytelling initiatives.
• Ensure that communications ethically reflect and elevate the voices of survivors, communities, and movement partners in responsible ways.

Team Management & Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse communications and development team to achieve excellence and cohesion.
• Assess the current internal infrastructure and identify staff positions and resources needed to drive effective communications and fundraising goals.
• Manage external consultants and partners to expand capacity and creative reach.
• Foster cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring communications and fundraising strategies are grounded in programmatic impact and advocacy priorities.
• Cultivate a culture of relational leadership, transparency, and shared accountability.
• Establish clear metrics and systems to track progress toward fundraising and communications goals that support Cast's strategic priorities.

Direct Reports

• Grants Manager
• Individual Giving Manager
• Development or Communications Interns (when applicable)

Desired Qualifications

• 12-15 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, development, advocacy, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success leading integrated fundraising and communications strategies that drive both revenue and change.
• Proven ability to cultivate and sustain relationships with donors, partners, reporters, and other key individuals and networks.
• Background in or other exposure to advocacy, social change communications, campaign development, or movement building.
• Exceptional writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Deep commitment to human rights, anti-trafficking, and the abolition of modern slavery.

Personal Attributes

• An activist at heart with a collaborative spirit and a strong sense of justice.
• Relational and strategic, thrives on connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.
• Inspires trust and action through authenticity and integrity.
• Creative, flexible thinker who can adapt and lead through change.
• Skilled at balancing innovation with accountability and data-driven decisions.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven, and survivor-centered environment.
• Life-long learner who values curiosity, reflection, and growth.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

1. Cover Letter that thoughtfully addresses:

• Why our mission matters to you personally. We want to understand your connection to issues of human rights, justice, and movement-building beyond what's on your résumé.
• How have you built relationships that created a meaningful impact? Share an example of how you've cultivated partnerships, mobilized supporters, or advanced change through communications or fundraising.
• Your leadership philosophy. Tell us how you approach leading teams and collaborating across differences, especially in advocacy or community-driven environments.

1. Résumé or CV outlining your relevant experience and accomplishments.
2. Two Work Samples - One to reflect your fundraising/development skills, and the other to reflect your communications or marketing skills. Include a paragraph description for each work sample, describing and offering context for the sample.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (Cast) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAST complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

CAST offers generous benefits, including medical, life, paid sick/vacation time, a 403(b) plan, and Supervision for Licensure hours. Additionally, we provide you an opportunity for continued learning through career, professional & personal development, and training along with working with a team of committed individuals.

CAST offers generous benefits, including medical, life, paid sick/vacation time, a 403(b) plan, and Supervision for Licensure hours. Additionally, we provide you an opportunity for continued learning through career, professional & personal development, and training along with working with a team of committed individuals.