Job Description The Director of Development & Communications is a member of the Leadership Team responsible for designing, integrating, and executing the organization's fundraising, donor engagement, marketing, communications, and public relations efforts. This position develops and implements integrated strategies that increase philanthropic support, elevate community awareness, strengthen the Seeds of Literacy brand, and communicate the life-changing impact of adult education. Working closely with the President & CEO and the Board of Directors, the Director oversees all development and communications activities, ensuring a consistent, compelling voice across all platforms while fostering a culture of philanthropy and storytelling throughout the organization. Essential Responsibilities Development & Fundraising (60%) Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports organizational goals and annual revenue targets. Lead all philanthropic activities, including individual giving, major gifts, annual campaigns, corporate partnerships, planned giving, and special events. Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors in partnership with the President & CEO and Board of Directors. Oversee donor database management, stewardship activities, reporting, and fundraising analytics. Support the Board Development Committee and foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization. Communications, Marketing & Public Relations (25%) Develop and implement an integrated communications and marketing strategy that increases awareness, strengthens the Seeds of Literacy brand and supports fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and student enrollment. Oversee the creation and distribution of all internal and external communications, including fundraising appeals, newsletters, email campaigns, annual reports, marketing materials, and special event promotions. Lead media relations by identifying story opportunities, coordinating interviews, preparing spokespersons, and promoting organizational accomplishments. Oversee all social media platforms, develop an editorial calendar, and create compelling content that highlighting student success, volunteer engagement, donor impact, and organizational initiatives. Website & Digital Strategy (10%) Oversee the organization's website, ensuring content remains current, engaging, and optimized for user experience and search engine performance. Manage digital marketing initiatives, including website content, blogs, SEO, Google Ads, email marketing, and online fundraising platforms. Leadership (5%) Serve as a member of the Leadership Team and contribute to organizational planning and strategic decision-making. Promote collaboration across departments to ensure consistent messaging, effective storytelling, and achievement of organizational goals. Maintain current knowledge of fundraising, marketing, communications, and nonprofit best practices. Performing other duties as assigned. Identify and pursue award and recognition opportunities that position Seeds of Literacy as a national leader in adult education.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, public relations, business, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, communications, or marketing.
• Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, annual campaigns, donor stewardship, and corporate partnerships.
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• Experience managing websites, social media, digital marketing, and branding initiatives.
• Experience with donor databases and CRM systems, email marketing platforms, WordPress, Microsoft Office, Canva or Adobe Creative Suite, and analytics tools.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, community leaders, staff, and Board members.
• Passion for adult education and a commitment to the mission of Seeds of Literacy. Success in this role will be measured by:
• Growth in annual contributed revenue.
• Increased major donor engagement and retention.
• Expansion of corporate partnerships and sponsorships.
• Increased volunteer and student recruitment.
• Growth in website traffic, social media engagement, and digital communications.
• Increased media coverage and public recognition.
• Successful execution of fundraising campaigns and special events.
• Timely completion of communications projects that consistently reinforce the Seeds of Literacy brand and mission.

What Seeds of Literacy Offers:

• A meaningful mission that creates real change and brighter futures for students and their families.
• An engaged, enthusiastic 30-member board of directors committed to engaging their networks and supporting the organization's advancement.
• A small (but mighty!) team of professionals who love what they do and bring empathy, energy, and humor to Seeds' classrooms.
• A clear organizational mission, vision, and direction for the future.
• An environment of collaboration, commitment, and enthusiasm for helping Seeds' students accomplish their goals.

Organization Overview Since 1997, Seeds of Literacy (Seeds) has provided personalized education that empowers adults to thrive in our community. Our innovative, non-traditional classroom relies on individualized curricula, one-to-one tutoring, and flexible scheduling to help students who did not succeed in traditional school settings. We offer one-to-one tutoring in basic education and GED preparation to more than 1,500 adult students every year. Our instruction model includes over 500 highly-trained volunteer tutors who work one-to-one with students in our physical classrooms and online in our Virtual Classroom.

Hours:

This is a full-time exempt position. Days and hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 am

• 5:00 pm with occasional evening and weekend duties.

Salary:

$65,000

• $75,000 annually

Location:

Seeds West:

3104 W. 25th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44109

Pay:

$65,000.00

• $75,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person