Director of Development & Communications

Director of Development & Communications Regular - Full Time • Vancouver, WA, US Salary Range: $75,000.00 To $90,000.00 Annually Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions. Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive. Our Mission - Through superior customer service, high quality programs, and well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions. POSITION TITLE: Director of Development & Communications Exempt Position REPORTS TO: CEO POSITION PURPOSE: The Director of Development & Communications is responsible for implementing comprehensive fundraising and marketing programs, overseeing internal and external communications, and ensuring the financial sustainability of Lifeline Connections. This position will plan and implement a development/fundraising program and marketing/communications strategy per the direction of the CEO to provide for the short and long-term needs of the organization. MAJOR DUTIES: Oversee all aspects of the organization’s development program and marketing/communications strategy, including fundraising, grant research, event planning, donor cultivation, donor stewardship, in‑kind and monetary donation drives, fundraising events, internal and external communications and marketing, and more; Supervise Marketing and Development Staff Teams; Gain and maintain a comprehensive understanding of all programs of Lifeline Connections; Oversee Marketing Department to ensure consistent and coordinated messaging and effective use of social media, email, and other communication tools and resources; Maintain and follow Development Department Policies & Procedures Handbook expectations; Design an annual strategy/calendar to meet fundraising, marketing, and communication goals aligned with agency’s strategic goals and objectives; Oversee department staff and/or contractors to research, plan, and carry out activities that bring new and renewed funding to the agency at all locations; In collaboration with leadership, establish fundraising and communications objectives for the organization, setting one‑year, five‑year, and longer‑term goals; Ensure effective stewardship of new and existing donors through written acknowledgements and timely responses to queries, gifts/awards, in‑kind donations, and through other regular contact, updates, and reports; Oversee the fundraising process and maintain records of receipts and disbursements of funds; Secure funding through grant applications, cultivating new and existing donors, and overseeing fundraising events across all service locations; Manage donor relations through personalized communication, reporting, and stewardship activities; Maintain and analyze agency contacts and donor data using fundraising and marketing/email software; Research and recommend funding and marketing opportunities from federal, state, local, and private sources; Work closely with CEO to develop long‑term funding strategies and program implementation based on secured grants and donations; Work with Quality Assurance and Finance to ensure program compliance, budget alignment, and effective communication of fundraising efforts; Stay current on trends and regulations in nonprofit fundraising, grant development, marketing, and communications; Ensure staff adherence to grant reporting requirements; Facilitate Board Fund Development Committee meetings and uphold departmental policies; Oversee the Development and Marketing departmental budgets and prepare financial proposals for grant applications and events; Meet with donors and potential donors to solicit support; Prepare reports for agency leadership on fundraising and marketing activities; Perform other duties as assigned. REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION: Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification preferred; Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit administration, business administration, communications, social work, or a similar field; master’s degree preferred; Five to ten years experience in development/fundraising and/or communications/marketing for a nonprofit organization highly preferred; A minimum of five years prior supervisory experience required; Demonstrated ability to write clear, articulate, and persuasive proposals and communication/marketing materials; Demonstrated ability to meet with private individuals and successfully solicit donations; Excellent interpersonal skills; Event planning and coordination experience required; A minimum of three years of professional grant and proposal writing experience required; experience writing government contract and grant proposals preferred; Working knowledge of behavioral health conditions and effective treatment modalities, and ability to communicate them to professionals and the community; Understanding of Washington funding community, knowledge of fundraising information sources; Demonstrated ability to supervise on‑site and remote staff and/or contractors; Demonstrated skill with Microsoft Excel and Word; Directors are required to give a minimum 30 days’ notice at resignation. GUIDELINES: Requires that the incumbent relies on specialized training and/or equivalent experience and performs duties in accordance with Washington Administrative Codes, federal regulations governing the confidentiality of patients, and Lifeline Connections Policy and Procedure Manual. PERSONAL CONTACT: Contacts are with current and former staff and leadership, board of directors, stakeholders, clients, representatives of community agencies specializing in the treatment of behavioral health conditions, related community representatives including lawyers, parole officers, and other court officials; and individuals and groups in the community engaged and/or interested in supporting people with behavioral health conditions. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state statutes, laws, and regulations dealing with the confidentiality of substance use client records. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. WORKING ENVIRONMENTS: Most working hours are spent indoors in offices or meeting rooms. Application Process To apply electronically for this position, please click "Apply Now" or visit our ADP career center. For more information on this and other positions, please visit our website at The Benefits Lifeline Connections strives to be an employer of choice by offering regular and full-time employees a robust and highly competitive benefits package designed to support both personal and family well‑being. Our comprehensive benefits include multiple options for medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. In addition, Lifeline Connections provides employer‑paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance, along with access to supplemental coverage options. Full‑time employees and eligible part‑time employees may also enroll in our 401(k) retirement plan, helping support long‑term financial wellness. Beyond benefits coverage, Lifeline Connections is proud to offer generous paid time off. Both full‑time and part‑time employees earn PTO at competitive accrual rates that increase with years of service, allowing for meaningful time away from work. Employees also receive paid holidays and personal holidays, reinforcing our commitment to work‑life balance and employee well‑being. Send us your resume and let's talk about you joining our team! #J-18808-Ljbffr