DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS Position Available In South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS

New Haven Ecology Project Inc 358 Springside Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515 Common Ground High School is Seeking a Director of Development & Communications About Common Ground/New Haven Ecology Project Inc Common Ground is a center for environmental learning in New Haven, Connecticut. Farm meets forest meets city on Common Ground’s 20 acre campus at the base of West Rock Ridge. The site abuts the 1800 acre West Rock State Park, sharing hiking trails, wildlife, and diverse natural habitats with the surrounding forests. Common Ground’s urban farm produces sustainably grown food for programs and our community and is home to our friendly farm animals. Common Ground’s Charter High School uses the site as an organizing principle of its curriculum which is guided by an ecological framework highlighting the connection and interdependence of all living and non-living things. Each year, more than 10,000 community members participate in festivals, field trips, after-school programs, and other educational opportunities on site. For more information visit www.commongroundct.org . About the

Position:

The Director of Development and Communication leads the organization’s fundraising, external communications, and marketing initiatives. This position manages a high-functioning team and works to increase and diversify funding while elevating the organization’s brand recognition and visibility at the community and thought-leader levels. The Director of Development and Communication is a full-time position that sits on the Senior Leadership team and reports directly to the Executive Director. It is a 12-month full-time position. The Director of Development and Communication works in collaboration with the Executive Director, other members of the leadership team, Board of Directors, and development and communications staff to accomplish the goals of the organization. This position is an integral part of the ongoing mission to create a sustainable, fiscally-sound, mission-driven New Haven Ecology Project/Common Ground. The Director of Development and Communication advances the organization’s mission by overseeing its fundraising and communication strategy, working collaboratively with its three key branches: Community Programs, the Urban Farm, and the High School. New Haven Ecology Project/Common Ground offers full-time employees a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 25 days of Paid Time Off Per Year, and 13 paid holidays. The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $ 110,000 per year. This position is not represented by Common Ground’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with UAW Local 2110. The person in this position is a confidential employee of New Haven Ecology Project (Common Ground). The duties of the Director of Development and Communications will include:

Key Responsibilities:

Development & Fundraising Create and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including annual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, and special events to support 5+ Million-dollar operating budgets. Prospect, cultivate, and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners for annual $3M philanthropic fundraising Identify new funding opportunities and lead grant writing efforts at a national scale. Develop and manage fundraising campaigns and donor recognition programs. Track and analyze donor engagement data to optimize fundraising efforts. Communications & Branding Oversee the development and execution of the organization’s marketing, public relations, and communications strategies. Manage website content, social media presence, newsletters, and press releases to elevate the organization’s visibility. Ensure consistent branding across all platforms and communications. Work closely with program teams to showcase the impact of the charter high school, urban farm, and educational center. Build and maintain media relationships to enhance public awareness. Leadership & Collaboration Serve as an advisor to the Executive Director, Board of Directors Development Committee on development and communications strategies. Lead and mentor a team, including staff and volunteers, in fundraising and marketing efforts. Collaborate with board members to support their engagement in fundraising initiatives. Represent the organization in community events, donor meetings, and speaking engagements.

Qualifications & Skills:

Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, and communications (5+ years preferred). Strong track record of securing major six figure gifts, grants, and sponsorships. Excellent storytelling and writing skills, with the ability to create compelling content. Proficiency in donor management systems and digital marketing platforms. Passion for education, urban agriculture, and community development. Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively across teams. Software experience is a must with the following databases: Neon Donor Database CRM Kindsight Prospect Research (Formerly IWAVE) Givebutter (Online Auctions, Small Fundraising Campaigns)

Canva Google Suite & Microsoft Office Work Schedule:

This is a 12-month in-person position, schedule may vary depending on the needs of the organization. Possible evening/weekend and/or holiday may be required.

Application Instructions:

Please submit your cover letter and resume through our ADP online portal . Nondiscrimination Policy and Notice Pursuant to Title IX and its regulations (“Final Rule” released on April 19, 2024), the Board of Directors has adopted and implemented a policy stating that the Common Ground District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity it operates, including admission and employment. Common Ground High School does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, protective hairstyles, alienage, ancestry, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law and prohibits discrimination, including harassment, in any education program or activity it operates. The Board shall provide protections from all forms of sex-based harassment, including sexual violence and unwelcome sex-based conduct that creates a hostile environment by limiting or denying a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school’s education program or activity. The Common Ground District shall take prompt and effective action to end any sex discrimination in its education programs or activities to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of sex discrimination complaints, prevent recurrence, and remedy its effects. To that end, the District shall act promptly and effectively in response to information about conduct that reasonably may constitute discrimination, including sexual violence and other forms of sex-based harassment. The district shall also ensure that all school employees are trained about their obligations to address sex discrimination and their obligations to notify or provide contact information for the Title IX Coordinator. The Common Ground Board of Directors Non-discrimination policy includes protections for students, employees, and applicants against discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, or recovery from these conditions and shall provide reasonable modifications for students based on pregnancy or related conditions, allow for lactation for employees, and access to a clean, private lactation space for students and employees. Common Ground shall not disclose personally identifiable information obtained through complying with Title IX, with limited exceptions, such as when there had been prior written consent or when the information is disclosed to the parent of a minor. Retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, makes a report of harassment or discrimination, files a complaint of harassment or discrimination, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation or grievance process is also a violation of Common Ground District’s non-discrimination policy and is prohibited.