Director of Communications and Events

Director of Communications & Events

Reports to: Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Department: Resource Development

Location: In-Person, Paterson, NJ

Primary Function

The Director of Communications & Events oversees all communications, marketing, and event functions for the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic (BGCPP). Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this leadership role ensures that BGCPP’s story is told with authenticity, creativity, and impact — inspiring supporters, partners, and the community to invest in our mission.

This individual leads the planning, production, and execution of the organization’s signature fundraising and stewardship events, as well as its communications strategy, including digital platforms, social media, media relations, and print materials. The Director works collaboratively with the CDO, Resource Development team, and Program staff to align storytelling and experiences with BGCPP’s strategic goals and the movement to ensure “Great Futures Start Here.”

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Communications Oversight

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive annual communications strategy that amplifies BGCPP’s mission, impact, and youth stories across multiple platforms (social, digital, print, video, and media).
• Supervise all content creation for newsletters, appeals, impact reports, and stewardship materials.
• Manage website content and ensure accuracy, accessibility, and engagement in alignment with fundraising and program priorities.
• Oversee social media presence and digital storytelling, maximizing reach and engagement.
• Develop media relationships and secure positive coverage highlighting BGCPP initiatives and events.
• Collect, analyze, and report communications and marketing metrics to guide ongoing improvement.

Events Oversight

• Oversee the planning and execution of 2–3 annual signature fundraising events (e.g., Great Futures Gala, Golf Classic, Gathering of Friends, Holiday Jam) and additional cultivation or stewardship events throughout the year.
• Lead event strategy, budgeting, timelines, vendor coordination, production, guest experience, and post-event follow-up.
• Supervise staff and volunteers involved in event coordination; ensure team alignment and professional delivery.
• Collaborate with board members, corporate partners, and volunteers to secure sponsorships, auction items, and in-kind support.
• Ensure each event elevates the BGCPP brand and deepens donor and community engagement.

Corporate Partnerships, Volunteer Engagement, and Stewardship

• Collaborate with the RD team to manage and steward corporate partnerships and community relationships.
• Support meaningful volunteer engagement opportunities that align with BGCPP programs and events.
• Oversee acknowledgment and stewardship materials for event donors, sponsors, and volunteers.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Supervise and mentor staff, consultants, and interns supporting communications, marketing, and event operations.
• Partner with the CDO to align communications and events with broader development and organizational goals.
• Collaborate with Program and Finance teams to ensure storytelling reflects accurate impact and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in nonprofit communications, events management, and donor engagement (Boys & Girls Club or youth-serving experience preferred).
• Proven leadership in managing multi-channel communications and large-scale events.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a passion for amplifying mission-driven impact.
• Experience managing digital platforms (social media, email marketing, web CMS) and communications tools (Canva, Mailchimp/Constant Contact, etc.).
• Proficiency in fundraising or CRM systems (Blackbaud eTapestry preferred).
• Strong organizational, budgeting, and project management skills.
• A collaborative, mission-driven team player who thrives in a dynamic environment and can work occasional evenings and weekends for events.