Director of Communications and Development

*** $2,000.00 Sign-On Bonus****

Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) believes that healthy food is a fundamental right of all people, that

hunger is a solvable problem and an issue of social justice. WCFB’s mission is to engage, educate, and lead

Worcester County in creating a hunger-free community. To that end, WCFB annually collects donations of

perishable and non-perishable food and distributes it through a network of Partner Agencies, including food

pantries and community meal programs; trains Partner Agencies in food safety; and advocates for systemic and

sustainable solutions to the problem of food insecurity. WCFB is deemed to provide essential services to the

community in time of emergencies.

Job Summary

The Director of Communications and Development is a senior leadership position responsible for managing

multi-faceted communications and fund development strategies geared toward 1) increasing WCFB’s visibility

and authority as the known and trusted expert on hunger in Worcester County and 2) engaging community

members – including donors, advocates, Partner Agency representatives, volunteers, staff, and board – more

deeply in WCFB’s mission to create a hunger-free community. The Director of Communications and

Development supervises development and communications staff.

With a current revenue budget of $3.5M, the Director works to grow revenues through a focus on enhancing

donor communications, increasing donor loyalty, and deepening donor relationships. This is a full-time exempt

position reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

This position is designated essential to WCFB’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Fosters a culture of philanthropy throughout WCFB and creates a donor-centered organization that

nurtures loyalty through a comprehensive relationship-building program including cultivation and

communications. Translates WCFB’s vision and goals into compelling appeals to outside constituents

and for internal staff.

• Promotes culture of storytelling, defining strategies for telling personal stories that highlight the positive

impact of WCFB’s work and employing a variety of communications methods to do so; as needed,

generating content by interfacing directly with community members – including donors, advocates,

Partner Agency representatives and people seeking food assistance. Ensures consistent voice and

messaging across WCFB’s communications channels and coordinates approval process around external

communications.

• Works closely with CEO, COO, Director of Advocacy and Development Staff to identify annual

communications and development priorities.

• Interfaces regularly with donors of all types.

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• Coordinates with WCFB Staff, opportunities for donors to experience firsthand the impact of their gifts

on WCFB’s advocacy, Partner Agencies, and operations.

• Evaluates the effect of internal and external forces on WCFB’s communications and fund development

and recommends short- and long-term plans and programs that support WCFB’s values, mission, and

strategic plan.

• Keeps informed of developments in communications and philanthropy and applies best practices.

• In keeping with the body of knowledge and best/next practice, designs and assures implementation of

cost-effective communications and fund development programs, employing economy while maintaining

an acceptable level of quality and solid return on investment.

• Provides general oversight of all WCFB’s communications and fund development activities including

direct mail, newsletter, Impact Report, website and online giving, social media, grant applications and

reporting and corporate partnerships. Manages the day-to-day operations of the team and monitors

adequacy of strategies and tactics.

• Regularly collects, analyzes, and reports on key communications and development metrics.

• Prepares regular communications and development analyses and reports for the COO, CEO and Board

of Directors.

• Engages and supports Board of Directors in donor relations through thank you calls, community events,

etc. that support WCFB.

• Participates with WCFB Staff and Board of Directors in the formulation and implementation of budgets

and strategic plan.

• Assures WCFB’s needs around print and digital communications, PR and media relations and

advertising are met. Coordinates content generation, design, and printing for major annual publications,

interfacing with staff, board, vendors, and other community members.

• Other projects as assigned by the COO.
  

Qualifications

• Combination of education and senior management experience in communications, marketing, and

development in a nonprofit organization.

• Commitment to WCFB’s mission and familiarity with advocacy.

• Commitment to prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion and integrating it throughout WCFB’s

communication and development strategies.

• Strong supervisory experience including building and managing teams.

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience in the nature and dimensions of communications and

philanthropy, ethics, motivations for giving and volunteering, research and cultivation practices,

standard fundraising techniques including face-to-face solicitation, proposal writing, and direct mail, and

development office functions including gift processing, prospect and donor histories, and fundraising

reporting.

• Commitment to a flexible work schedule to meet the organizational needs of WCFB and

Communications and Development Department.

• Willingness to travel locally, regionally, and nationally as needed for meetings, conferences, etc.

• Practical and strategic systems thinker and problem-solver.

• The ideal candidate will have:

o Leadership ability and effective communication skills. Bilingual communication skills are

recognized as an asset.

o Demonstrated success in managing and implementing comprehensive programs in
communications and fund development that increase awareness, engagement, and philanthropic

contributions.

o Budgeting and financial management skills.

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o Strong attention to detail.
o Initiative, flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and priorities.
o Experience working with, and managing, “creatives” including designers, photographers,

videographers, etc.

o Experience using and managing databases and technology (i.e., DonorPerfect, Constant Contact,
Wordpress website, design programs).

o Membership in professional communications and fundraising associations is expected.

Pay Scale: $70,000 - $91,500 Status: Exempt

How to Apply: A formal cover letter is required for consideration.

1) Online at Indeed.com; or

2) Mail cover letter and résumé to Worcester County Food Bank, Attn: Lara Greene, 474 Boston Turnpike,
Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

3) E-mail HR@foodbank.org (subject line: “Director of Communications & Development”)

WCFB is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.

Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin,

age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, or other legally protected status.

We strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ + individuals, people with disabilities, and people

living with or have experience of poverty to apply.

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