Director of Development and Communications

The Director of Development and Communications (DDC) is a key leadership role responsible for advancing Boston Renaissance Charter Public School’s mission through strategic fundraising, donor engagement, and communications efforts. This individual will lead all development initiatives, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation support, grants, and fundraising events, while overseeing the school's internal and external communications strategy. Reporting to the Head of School and collaborating closely with the leadership team, the DDC will be instrumental in securing philanthropic support, increasing visibility, and ensuring that BRCPS’s brand and messaging effectively convey its impact and aspirations. The ideal candidate is a strategic, results-driven professional with a proven track record in nonprofit fundraising and marketing. Key Responsibilities: Development & Fundraising

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and event-driven fundraising. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to build and maintain strong relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporate funders, ensuring long-term engagement and support.
• Lead major gift fundraising efforts, working closely with the Head of School to secure transformational gifts from high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and other major funders.
• Expand and manage a robust pipeline of prospective donors, leveraging research tools to identify new funding opportunities.
• Develop a structured grants program, including researching funding opportunities, writing compelling grant proposals, and managing grant reporting and compliance.
• Oversee donor recognition, acknowledgment, and stewardship efforts to ensure timely follow-ups, relationship-building, and long-term donor retention.
• Design and execute fundraising campaigns, including online giving initiatives, direct mail appeals, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Plan and manage fundraising events such as benefit galas, donor receptions, and annual giving days, overseeing logistics, sponsorship acquisition, and audience engagement.
• Track and analyze fundraising performance, providing reports on key metrics, donor engagement, and revenue trends to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Ensure best practices in fundraising operations, including gift processing, donor data management, and compliance with nonprofit fundraising regulations.

Strategic Communications & Marketing:

• Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy to elevate BRCPS’s brand, enhance public awareness, and engage stakeholders.
• Oversee all external communications efforts, including digital and print media, press releases, newsletters, social media, and website content, ensuring alignment with BRCPS’s mission and goals.
• Manage the creation of marketing materials for fundraising, enrollment, donor outreach, and school events, ensuring consistent messaging and brand identity.
• Supervise the Digital Media & Communications Specialist, providing guidance on content creation, visual storytelling, and social media strategy.
• Work closely with leadership and faculty to craft messaging that effectively communicates the school’s impact, programs, and successes to key audiences.
• Oversee media relations efforts, building relationships with journalists, securing press coverage, and positioning BRCPS as a leader in education.
• Monitor and analyze engagement metrics, adjusting strategies to optimize reach, effectiveness, and donor engagement.

Crisis Communication:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive crisis communication plan to ensure timely and effective responses to emergencies and sensitive situations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external communications during crises, coordinating messaging with the Head of School.
• Craft clear, transparent, and empathetic messaging for various stakeholders, including staff, students, parents, media, and the broader community.
• Train staff and key personnel on crisis communication protocols to ensure preparedness and consistency in messaging.
• Monitor and manage public sentiment during crises, proactively addressing misinformation and safeguarding the school’s reputation.
• Conduct post-crisis evaluations to refine communication strategies and improve future responses.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, communications, or related field preferred.
• Fundraising Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in nonprofit development, including individual giving, major gifts, and grant writing.
• Proven Revenue Growth: Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, expanding donor portfolios, and developing fundraising strategies that drive revenue growth.
• Strong Grant Writing Abilities: Experience researching, writing, and managing grants, with a track record of securing foundation and corporate funding.
• Strategic Communications Expertise: Ability to craft compelling narratives and oversee brand development across multiple channels.
• Event Planning Skills: Experience organizing and executing high-impact fundraising events.
• Technology Proficiency and proficient knowledge of digital marketing platforms.
• High-Level Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to build relationships with major donors, corporate partners, and board members.
• Time Management & Leadership: Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives, meet deadlines, and lead a small team.