Director of Advancement & Communications

DEPARTMENT: Administration
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 2-3 FTEs
POSITION TYPE: FTE, Non-exempt, – Benefit Eligible
COMPENSATION: $107,000 - $123,050
LOCATION: Central HQ, Lakewood, Colorado 80215
SCHEDULE: Monday – Thursday, 8 AM – 5 PM. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support community engagement, networking, fundraising activities, and special events.

BENEFITS:

• Medical Benefits - $30/month for an individual (opportunity to add dependents) $750 deductible, 100% covered after.
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) - 3% employer match, after eligibility period
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Vacation/Sick Accrual
• Holiday Pay
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Program

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Advancement & Communications provides strategic leadership for the organization's fundraising, donor engagement, marketing and branding public relations, community awareness & outreach, advocacy, and communication functions. This position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive advancement, communications, and engagement strategies that increase organizational visibility, strengthen community partnerships, enhance donor support, and ensure consistent messaging across internal and external audiences. The Director serves as a member of the senior leadership team and works collaboratively across departments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and implement advancement strategies that integrate fundraising, donor relations, community engagement & awareness, communications, and marketing initiatives to support organizational priorities, the strategic plan and long-term sustainability.
• Direct and oversee fundraising programs, including annual giving campaigns, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants support, donor stewardship, fundraising events and philanthropic partnerships to achieve revenue goals.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with community organizations, businesses, government agencies, advocates, service organizations, and stakeholders to increase awareness, engagement, and support of DDRC's mission.
• Develop media relation and communication strategies, coordinate press opportunities, manage public communications, and respond to reputation management needs.
• Lead organizational marketing efforts, ensuring consistency of brand identity, messaging, visual standards, and storytelling across all communication channels, publications, campaigns, and materials.
• Develop and implement internal communication strategies that promote employee engagement, organizational alignment, transparency, and effective dissemination of information throughout DDRC.
• Oversee, coordinate and enhance digital marketing, website content, social media platforms, email communications, and online engagement strategies to increase visibility, audience engagement, and community awareness.
• Develop departmental goals, manage budgets, supervise assigned staff, monitor key performance indicators, evaluate outcomes, and provide leadership for continuous improvement efforts.

Being an Equal Opportunity Employer, DDRC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, coordinate, and support special events, fundraising events, community forums, and donor recognition activities.
• Develop sponsorship opportunities and strategic partnerships with businesses and community organizations.
• Manage donor databases and support donor stewardship activities.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and communications for executive leadership, board committees, and stakeholders.
• Support grant writing, communications, and stewardship efforts.
• Coordinate and oversee production of annual reports, newsletters, impact reports, and promotional materials.
• Monitor industry trends, philanthropic opportunities, communication best practices, and emerging technologies.
• Represent DDRC at community meetings, conferences, networking events, and public functions.
• Attends monthly Senior Management Team meetings and monthly Board of Director meetings. Latter is held on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 PM.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit development, communications, marketing, public relations, community engagement, or related fields.
• Three (3) years of leadership or management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, donor relations, public communications, and strategic partnership development.

Preferred

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.
• Experience within Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community, nonprofit, healthcare, human services, disability services, or mission-driven organizations.
• Experience working with boards of directors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and community stakeholders.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is primarily performed in at the Central office or hybrid (up to two (2) days) environment.
• Frequently operates a computer and other standard office equipment and prepares, reviews, and presents written and electronic communications, reports, and presentations.
• Regularly communicates and exchanges information with employees, donors, volunteers, community partners, board members, media representatives, and members of the public in person, virtually, and by telephone.
• Occasionally travels locally and regionally to attend meetings, networking events, fundraising activities, conferences, and community engagement opportunities.
• May be required to work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends, to support organizational events, fundraising activities, and community outreach efforts.

Salary : $107,000 - $123,050