Director of Development

About Grow Associates:

Grow Associates is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities reach their full potential—through knowledge, friendship, and meaningful work. We provide inclusive, person-centered programs that empower individuals to live enriched, engaged lives in their communities.

We are seeking a proactive and strategic Director of Development and Communications to lead and expand our fundraising and outreach efforts during a critical time of growth—including our upcoming capital campaign.

Position Overview:

The Director of Development and Communications is a key member of Grow’s leadership team, responsible for designing and executing strategies that increase philanthropic support, raise public awareness, and maintain consistent, mission-aligned messaging across all platforms.

This role oversees all aspects of fundraising—including major gifts, annual giving, grants, and special events—as well as the planning and execution of the organization’s marketing and communications efforts. A major priority for this position is leading Grow’s upcoming capital campaign, while also managing day-to-day donor engagement and public relations.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Campaign Leadership

• Lead Grow’s capital campaign, including prospect research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan with measurable goals and timelines.
• Oversee individual giving programs, foundation outreach, and corporate sponsorships.
• Manage key fundraising initiatives such as the Fall Annual Appeal, Flutie 5K, pie and cookie sales, calendar fundraiser, and other seasonal campaigns.
• Partner with Grow’s Director Team to ensure fundraising strategies align with program needs.

Events

• Plan and execute fundraising and engagement events, including the Annual Gala and Celebration of Best Lives.
• Identify new opportunities for creative, mission-aligned events.
• Coordinate interns and volunteers to support event operations.

Grants

• Research and identify funding opportunities from government and private sources.
• Draft compelling grant proposals and reports in collaboration with program staff.
• Maintain an organized grants calendar and ensure all deadlines are met.

Communications & Marketing

• Lead internal and external communications strategies to promote Grow’s mission and impact.
• Oversee content development for newsletters, email campaigns, donor reports, flyers, and the Annual Report.
• Manage Grow’s social media channels and ensure consistent branding across all public platforms.
• Coordinate media outreach, press releases, and speaking engagements for the Executive Director and leadership team.
• Ensure photo and video usage complies with permission and privacy policies.

Administrative & Team Leadership

• Maintain donor and fundraising databases to ensure data accuracy and reporting integrity.
• Work closely with Finance to reconcile donations and generate financial reports.
• Supervise interns, contractors, or part-time support staff related to development and communications.
• Evaluate and implement tools and technologies to support donor engagement and digital fundraising.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in fundraising, with demonstrated success managing capital campaigns or major gift programs.
• Proven experience in donor cultivation, event planning, grant writing, and communication strategy.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across digital and print platforms.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, donor databases, web-based tools, and social media platforms.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in the developmental disability or healthcare field is preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
• Availability to attend occasional evening and weekend events.
• Successful completion of CORI, fingerprint background check, and RMV driving record check.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

Why Join Grow?

• Meaningful mission-driven work that makes a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• Hybrid work flexibility.
• Opportunities to lead high-impact initiatives, including a major capital campaign.