At Catapult, we are supporting our member, NC Child, in their search for a Senior Director of Development and Communications. NC Child is based in Raleigh, NC, and this is a full time hybrid role with occasional travel requirements.
About NC Child
NC Child is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advocates for public policies that improve the lives of all North Carolina children. As the state's only multi-issue child advocacy organization, NC Child's work addresses policies that affect the whole child, including health and well-being, early childhood education, and family economic security. NC Child is also a leading source of state-level research and data on the issues affecting children and families, and the organization serves as a trusted and reliable source for policymakers and other child advocates across the state. For more information, visit .
Position Overview
The Senior Director of Development and Communications provides strategic leadership for NC Child's fundraising, communications, and external engagement efforts. This position will:
- Build and execute comprehensive fundraising and communications strategies that support organizational growth and sustainability.
- Cultivate relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, community leaders, and strategic partners.
- Strengthen NC Child's visibility and reputation as a trusted voice on child policy issues.
- Lead, mentor, and support development and communications staff.
- Partner with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to advance organizational priorities.
Responsibilities
Development:
- Develop and implement fundraising strategies focused on major gifts, annual giving, foundations, corporate support, sponsorships, and long-term donor engagement.
- Manage and grow relationships with donors and prospects through strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Partner with the Executive Director and Board members to engage key supporters and secure transformational gifts.
- Establish systems for prospect management, donor engagement, performance tracking, and fundraising growth.
- Represent NC Child with funders, donors, and community partners to expand support for the organization's mission.
Communications & External Engagement:
- Lead communications strategies that increase awareness of NC Child's research, advocacy, and impact.
- Manage media relations, including press outreach, organizational messaging, media inquiries, and interview preparation.
- Develop compelling communications materials for donors, policymakers, advocates, partners, and the public.
- Oversee digital, website, email, social media, and other communications efforts.
- Maintain consistent organizational messaging and brand standards across platforms.
- Support communications strategy for key initiatives, coalitions, and signature events, including the NC Child Summit.
Leadership:
- Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on fundraising, communications, and external engagement.
- Manage and develop a high-performing, collaborative team.
- Create annual goals, work plans, and performance measures to support accountability and impact.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness and community engagement.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in communications, nonprofit management, public policy, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in development, communications, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, or related work.
- Demonstrated success securing major gifts and building donor relationships.
- Experience leading fundraising strategies and communications initiatives.
- Experience managing and developing teams.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing messaging and public-facing materials.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to navigate changing priorities.
- Commitment to NC Child's mission and values.
Bonus Qualifications
- Existing relationships with North Carolina donors, foundations, philanthropic leaders, and media.
- Experience in child advocacy, public policy, or nonprofit organizations.
- Experience with fundraising and communications platforms such as Raiser's Edge, WordPress, Meltwater, Airtable, SharePoint, or Adobe Creative Suite.
- Experience with digital marketing, analytics, and social media strategy.
- Bilingual proficiency
Position Requirements
- Full-Time, 40 hours per week
- Hybrid, 3-4 days onsite and travel mostly in North Carolina when needed.
Compensation & Benefits
NC Child offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
- Hiring range for this position: $105,000-$115,000, depending on experience
- Health and dental insurance
- Paid sick days, vacation, paid family leave
- Sabbatical program
- Professional development opportunities
To Apply
NC Child is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity, talent, and experiences of the communities we serve. We encourage candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed.
Submit an application along with:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- List of 3 Professional References
NC Child is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
