GAI: Director of Communications & Development
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Position Title: Director of Communications & Development
Reports to: Executive Director
Position Classification: Full time, exempt; 40 hours per week
Schedule: minimum of 3 days on-site Monday-Friday, with Wednesday requirement for staff meeting. The remaining hours can be worked remotely.
Benefits: health and dental insurance, 11 paid holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Leave, annual IRA bonus. GAI is closed December 24-January 1.
To Apply: Send a resume and cover letter to Executive Director Jeana Anderson at janderson@gai-mn.org. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, with interviews beginning in July and continuing until the position is filled.
Position Overview
The Director of Development & Communications will work with a team of 3 staff members who create and distribute the content for the marketing of GAI’s mission, events, classes, and fundraising initiatives. The Director will oversee the continued development and implementation of a strategic communications plan that integrates print, electronic, and social media across various departments. S/he will work also closely with the Executive Director and communications staff to set annual fundraising goals and strategy for achieving them.
The GAI embraces a culture of philanthropy, centered on the belief that the Board of Directors and core staff are all part of the team responsible for raising donor support income. GAI’s overall development philosophy centers on building authentic and engaging relationships with donors, primarily individual community members.
The GAI leadership team believes in investing in development by giving staff the tools, resources, and training needed to be successful. GAI has a very well organized and user friendly database (Bloomerang) that tracks all interactions and communications with members, donors, and volunteers.
Duties and Responsibilities
Communications
Identify the GAI’s target audiences and develop corresponding messaging
Develop and implement a strategic communications and marketing plan to enhance GAI visibility, engagement, and support and integrate GAI’s advocacy work
Supervise and work with staff team to create and disseminate appropriate print and electronic messaging and materials
Manage increasing digital and online engagement including social media campaigns, online advertising, and digital media
Ensure on-going implementation of the defined messaging and strategy; maintain content calendar
Development and Fundraising
Develop and implement the strategy to increase development income by 30% over the next 3-4 years. The areas with greatest potential for growth include major gifts, corporate sponsorship, and foundation grants.
Work closely with the Executive Director to develop annual fundraising plan, calendar, and budget. Current fundraising profile includes annual fund, festival sponsorships, Legacy Society, membership, and special campaigns
Execute 2-3 smaller fundraising events per year, with a primary focus on engagement of major donors, in addition to supporting major cultural events such as the annual Deutsche Tage festival.
Recruit and retain donors through defined cultivation strategies
Develop and implement sponsorship programs to support GAI departments and festivals
Draft fundraising communications, including appeals, gift acknowledgments, and donor letters, in coordination with the communications department.
Qualifications
A minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in communications and marketing. Ability to develop an organization-wide communications plan that integrates print, electronic, and social media
Excellent writing and editing skills to prepare or oversee a wide variety of communications content, including donor appeals, newsletter, advertising, press releases, website and social media content
Professional or personal experience in fundraising for non-profits. A strong understanding of how to build and maintain relationships with donors and funders
A minimum of 2 year’s management experience at the level of a program director. Successful experience providing support and supervision to a staff team
An understanding of and connection to German culture, ideally having lived or traveled in Germany. Basic German language skills helpful, but not required
Strong organizational skills related to organizing data, creating and following timelines, and detailed plan development
Self-direction; ability to work independently with support as needed from the Executive Director
Schedule flexibility; able to work evenings and weekends for special events and meetings as needed (limited).