Director of Development And Communications

Director of Development and Communications Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Classification: Director Schedule: Full-time, 30 hours per week Location: Onsite in Hickory, NC Relocation: No relocation assistance is available Position Purpose The Director of Development and Communications is responsible for growing the relationships, financial support, and public awareness needed to advance CCM’s mission. This position works directly with the CEO as a close strategic partner and leads three primary areas: fundraising and donor development, marketing and communications, and community relations. This person must be proficient with computers, digital platforms, social media, email marketing, content creation tools, and donor management systems. Strong writing skills and creativity are essential, including the ability to develop newsletters, take quality photos and short videos with a phone, and capture authentic stories that communicate CCM’s impact through compelling, faith-based content. This is a highly relational and hands-on role for someone who can tell CCM’s story clearly, build donor and community relationships, confidently ask for major donor support, and turn plans into consistent action. Primary Responsibilities Donor Development and Fundraising Create and carry out CCM’s annual development and fundraising plan Lead efforts to meet CCM’s annual fundraising goal of $1.2 million Build meaningful relationships with current and prospective donors Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors Develop relationships with businesses, physicians, churches, foundations, civic groups, and community partners Plan and manage annual appeals, fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, donor events, and stewardship efforts Maintain accurate donor records, giving histories, contact notes, and follow-up plans Track fundraising results and provide regular progress reports to the CEO and CFO Work with the CEO and CFO to develop the annual development budget and fundraising strategies aligned with CCM’s financial needs and priorities Grants Oversee CCM’s grant calendar, applications, deadlines, awards, and reporting requirements Identify grant opportunities that align with CCM’s mission and priorities Coordinate grant writing, budgets, supporting documentation, outcome data, and required reports Work with leadership and program staff to gather accurate information and measurable results Maintain strong communication and relationships with foundations and grantmaking organizations Marketing and Communications Create and carry out CCM’s annual marketing and communications plan Develop newsletters, social media campaigns, donor communications, annual reports, press releases, appeals, and promotional materials Work with CCM’s marketing company to execute strategic and timely content and campaigns Work with the CEO to create clear, consistent messaging that aligns with the ministry’s faith, programs, and strategic direction Work directly with staff, clients, patients, and volunteers to identify and capture stories and testimonials while following all consent and privacy requirements Create timely written, photo, and phone video content that authentically communicates CCM’s faith, services, impact, and needs Maintain a consistent faith-based voice, message, and visual identity Oversee website content and coordinate branding, website, and marketing projects Manage public relations and build relationships with local media Maintain a coordinated content calendar and ensure communications are completed consistently and on time Monitor engagement and use results to strengthen future campaigns and communications Community Relations Represent CCM at community events, meetings, churches, and public presentations Secure speaking opportunities for the CEO that strengthen CCM’s community presence, donor relationships, and advocacy efforts aligned with the ministry’s mission Develop opportunities for community members to tour CCM, understand its services, and become involved Serve as a confident and engaging public speaker on behalf of the ministry Strengthen CCM’s visibility, partnerships, and community support throughout Catawba and Alexander counties Qualifications A minimum of two years of experience in donor development Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising and donor development, including securing major gifts Demonstrated experience in marketing and communications, including creating content and managing digital platforms and campaigns Experience in grant writing or grant management Demonstrated ability to build relationships and confidently ask for financial support Strong writing, editing, storytelling, public speaking, and interpersonal skills High proficiency with computers, social media platforms, email marketing systems, donor databases, and content creation programs Ability to create quality faith-based written content, photos, graphics, and short videos using a phone Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines A warm, kind, compassionate, dependable, and humble approach to working with others A collaborative approach that puts CCM’s mission and team success first Ability to offer thoughtful recommendations and carry out the direction established by the CEO Professional judgment, discretion, initiative, and consistent follow-through Reliable personal transportation for community outreach, meetings, and events Ability to work onsite in Hickory, NC, and attend occasional evening and weekend events Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, business, public relations, or a related field preferred Faith-Based Alignment CCM is a Christian ministry founded by local churches. The ideal candidate will have an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ and demonstrate CCM’s Christian values in their personal and professional conduct. They must be comfortable sharing their faith and able to represent the ministry authentically within all communications and with donors, churches, partners, staff, clients, and the broader community. About CCM Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM) is a 501(c)(3) faith-based nonprofit serving the greater Hickory, NC area. Founded by local churches, CCM serves as an extension of the church for people walking through crisis. We are the only free and charitable clinic serving uninsured individuals in Catawba and Alexander counties. Our ministries include free medical and dental care with nine additional specialty providers, a pharmacy providing medications at little or no cost, homeless ministry, crisis intervention, peer support, pastoral care, veterans services, and Next Steps career development. Through these ministries, we help people move beyond immediate crisis toward stability, independence, and lasting life transformation. #J-18808-Ljbffr