Description
Overview: The Development and Communications Director leads fundraising, donor engagement, communications, marketing and community outreach efforts for Options Veterinary Care.
Options Veterinary Care is a Reno based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality, affordable veterinary care to pets who would otherwise suffer without it. Each year, Options serves over 8,500 dogs and cats living in Northern Nevada, helping to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent animals from receiving needed veterinary care.
Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to work with a growing nonprofit animal welfare organization in Northern Nevada? The Development and Communications Director will be a member of the management team and play a key role in advancing the mission of the organization. The ideal candidate has strong communication and relationship-building skills, is able to convey stories in a compelling way, and is passionate about the welfare of animals and excited to make a meaningful difference for animals and the people who love them.
The ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, take initiative, bring creativity and flexibility to work and balance multiple priorities are helpful to succeed in this role. A proven track record of successful work in communications and fundraising is beneficial.
Options is a program of Humane Network, a Reno-based nonprofit organization.
Specific Responsibilities:
Plan execution: Execute a comprehensive and effective fundraising, communications, marketing, and outreach plan for Options. Assess results and make adjustments.
Donor communication: Manage fundraising to achieve goals including online and traditional approaches, such as direct mail appeals and twice monthly e-newsletters.
Donor cultivation:
Direct communication with donors regarding giving opportunities.
Major gifts and bequest cultivation, working closely with the Executive Director.
Engagement in donor retention and cultivation, such as developing the monthly giving and On-Call Angels programs.
Utilization of appropriate strategies to reach potential new supporters in the community.
Impact stories:
Identify stories that show Options impact and share these through social media and other appropriate outlets.
Create videos to promote Options work to supporters and write about Options for publications, such as community newsletters or blogs.
Media coverage:
Identify newsworthy activities and events and write and distribute news releases in a timely manner.
Develop and maintain relationships with media contacts and reporters and arrange coverage through TV, radio, and other platforms.
Online presence: Maintain/create an online presence for the organization including the website, social media, and nonprofit donor websites.
Community events and campaigns: Plan and implement two to three community events or special campaigns each year as appropriate to create awareness and raise funds (assisted by volunteers and other staff) including opportunities for local business sponsorships.
Grants: Oversee management and tracking of grant applications and reports, seek additional grant opportunities, and assist with grant writing.
Identify opportunities: Stay current on new strategies for development and outreach and recommend ways to increase fundraising.
Collaboration with the team: Develop and maintain communication and work together effectively with the Executive Director and with other key management staff and volunteers.
Consistent organizational branding: Help ensure consistent standards and messaging.
Requirements
Specific Qualifications:
Knowledge and experience in fundraising, communications, and marketing functions including social media and traditional media.
Knowledge and experience in animal welfare and common development strategies.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications with ability to learn the Wix website platform quickly.
Experience with basic photography, videography, graphic design, and other content creation skills are a plus.
Strong project and time management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Able to communicate compassionately and professionally with clinic clients.
Able to work in a busy environment with changing priorities.
Self-starter; able to be effective while working from a home office.
Requirements:
Education/experience: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.
Location: Lives in greater Sparks/Reno, Nevada area or willing to relocate.
Nevada Driver’s License in good standing.
Able to work with and around animals.
