Development and Communications Director

OUR STORY

Founded in 1965, South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) is a 501c3 private non-profit that supports and empowers individuals and families with low incomes so everyone in our communities overcomes barriers and has opportunities to achieve their full potential. With 7 locations in Plymouth and Barnstable counties, SSCAC works annually with over 1,000 volunteers and community partners to make a difference in the quality of life for 30,000 children, seniors, and families with programs that include Head Start/Early Head Start, Heating Assistance and Energy Conservation, Food Resources, Transportation, and more.

THE OPPORTUNITY

SSCAC seeks a dynamic, accomplished, and mission-driven Development and Communications Director (DCD) to lead our agency into a new era of philanthropic growth and community engagement. Partnering with the CEO, you will serve as senior leader for SSCAC’s revenue diversification strategy, building upon the organization’s existing development foundation that includes government and private grant solicitations, direct appeals, events, and communications.

As the DCD, you will develop and execute strategies to meet SSCAC’s current and future needs, including a major gifts program and planned giving. The DCD will serve as a strategic thought partner for SSCAC’s Board, CEO, and program directors. In addition, you will support and grow a robust prospect pipeline, managing a personal portfolio of prospects/donors for SSCAC and individual programs/projects. This leadership role is ideal for a visionary professional who excels at both the science of complex grant management and the art of major donor cultivation.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Institutional Giving & Grant Strategy

·        Oversee and contribute, as applicable, to the drafting and submission of high-stakes federal and state grants (Head Start, MA Dept. Early Education and Care, MA Dept. of Transportation, MA Attorney General’s Office, etc.).

·        Identify and secure new private foundation, corporate, and organizational partnerships and develop innovative revenue generation initiatives to fund strategic and ongoing program and agency operations.

·        Maintain a proactive 12-month grant calendar to ensure 100% compliance and on-time reporting.

Major Donor & Individual Giving

·        Build and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, moving prospects through the stages of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

·        Serve as the strategic engine for the CEO’s fundraising efforts, briefing her for donor meetings, preparing “the ask,” accompanying her on prospect/donor visits, and managing the follow-up.

·        Plan and execute direct appeals, targeted campaigns, and planned giving strategies that inspire the community to invest in SSCAC’s mission and legacy impact.

·        Attend meetings of and work with Development and Finance Committees of SSCAC Board of Directors to increase engagement and leadership in philanthropy as well as individual giving.

·        Oversee donor database maintenance to ensure data integrity and donor segmentation. Prepare contact reports from prospect/donor visits/interactions and ensure that donor activity, including proposals, is maintained and up-to-date in the CRM (DonorPerfect).

Strategic Communications

·        Provide strategic oversight of agency marketing and communications, partnering with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Development and Communications staff to strengthen visibility, messaging, brand positioning, and donor engagement.

·        Oversee the implementation of marketing/communications plan for SSCAC, including compelling case statements, annual reports, and digital content that articulate the agency’s new era and future sustainability.

·        Collaborate with CEO on legislative advocacy, press releases, multi-media communications to advance SSCAC’s mission and sustain program impact.

External Relations

·        Cultivate and maintain a strong network of new community, corporate, philanthropic, government, and civic relationships that expands SSCAC’s visibility, strengthens its reputation, and creates new opportunities for partnership and support.

·        Steward and deepen existing partnerships by leading the partner relationship management in collaboration with the CEO, Board of Directors, program directors, and other colleagues.

·        Represent the organization as an influential and effective ambassador at outside events and activities.

·        Strengthen SSCAC’s external presence and reputation by identifying opportunities for organizational visibility, thought leadership, speaking engagements, community participation, and other forums that advance the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

·        5 - 7 years of progressive non-profit development leadership, with a proven track record of personally securing 5- and 6-figure institutional grants and individual gifts across the annual ~ program/project ~ major ~ planned gift spectrum.

·        Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Non-Profit Management, or a related field.

·        Passion for SSCAC’s mission, vision, the community action model, and the clients and communities we have the privilege to serve.

·        Exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills; the ability to “write to the heart,” making human services data feel urgent and inspiring while maintaining technical accuracy.

·        Experience working directly with a CEO and Board of Directors to set and achieve revenue goals that align with program and agency priorities.

·        Communicate, listen, and engage with empathy, political and financial acumen, and openness to new ideas.

·        Inspire, lead, and build relationships and consensus across diverse groups with integrity, honesty, and humility.

·        Adapt to changing landscapes, keeping stakeholders, staff, projects, and tasks aligned and on track.

·        Comfortable with Microsoft Office 365, fundraising CRMs, third-party giving and volunteer engagement platforms, social media platforms, and other digital technology.

·        Familiarity with the Massachusetts philanthropic landscape and Community Action is highly preferred.

·        CFRE preferred.

·        Experience with grant-writing preferred.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Base Salary Range $105,000 - $115,000

·        The posted range represents the annual base salary the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offer may be based on job-related factors, including relevant education, training, experience, certifications, seniority, and the responsibilities of the position, consistent with applicable law.

Benefits Include:

·        Health and dental insurance

·        403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions

·        Paid time off, including personal, vacation, and sick time

·        Paid holidays

·        Life and disability insurance coverage

Benefits are subject to applicable eligibility requirements, organizational policies, and plan terms.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENTS

·        Sufficient physical ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, and sit for varying periods as required to work in a standard office environment and use typical office equipment. Ability to occasionally lift and/or move 10 – 15 pounds. Sufficient vision ability to read print and digital materials.

·        This is a 37.5-hour per week hybrid-eligible position. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm with occasional evening availability required for Board meetings, events, and other activities.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SSCAC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a welcoming and productive work environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to jobs@sscac.org or mail to:

SSCAC, Inc.

Human Resources

71 Obery Street

Plymouth MA 02360