Director of Communications & Development

Job Description

Director of Communications & Development

Reports To: President & CEO
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Annual Salary Range: $75k-$90k

Position Summary

The Director of Communications & Development is a strategic leader responsible for advancing the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s mission through integrated fundraising, marketing, communications, and community engagement efforts. This position develops and executes strategies that increase philanthropic support, strengthen the organization’s brand, expand community awareness, and cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, corporations, foundations, media, and community stakeholders.

Working closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and program leadership, the Director will lead comprehensive development initiatives while ensuring all communications reflect the organization’s vision, values, and impact.

Essential Responsibilities

Development & Fundraising

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, foundation, and government donors.
• Research and identify new funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with program staff to develop compelling grant proposals and reports.
•  Manage donor cultivation events, campaigns, and recognition initiatives.
• Oversee donor database management and ensure accurate gift tracking and reporting.
• Develop strategies to increase unrestricted revenue and sustain long-term philanthropic partnerships.
• Support the President & CEO in major gift cultivation and donor engagement.

Communications & Marketing

• Develop and execute an integrated communications and marketing strategy.
• Manage the organization’s brand identity across all platforms.
• Create compelling content including press releases, newsletters, annual reports, impact reports, speeches, website content, social media, and marketing collateral.
• Serve as the primary media liaison and coordinate media relations.
• Develop communication plans for organizational initiatives, campaigns, and events.
• Oversee website management and digital marketing efforts.
• Measure communication effectiveness through analytics and audience engagement.

Events & Community Engagement

• Lead planning and execution of fundraising events, donor receptions, recognition ceremonies, and community initiatives.
• Coordinate sponsorship opportunities and corporate partnerships.
• Represent the organization at community events and public engagements.
• Strengthen relationships with civic leaders, businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations.

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team.
• Collaborate across departments to communicate organizational impact.
• Develop annual communications and development budgets.
• Monitor fundraising and communications metrics and prepare reports for leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Supervise communications and development staff, interns, consultants, and volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit fundraising ethics and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Five to seven years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit development, communications, marketing, or philanthropy.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and foundation funding.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Experience managing media relations and public relations campaigns.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience with donor management software (e.g., Salsa).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital communication platforms.
• Experience with social media management, email marketing platforms, and website content management systems.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for meetings and special events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential or willingness to pursue certification.
• Experience working within nonprofit, workforce development, education, or communitybased organizations.
• Established relationships with corporate, philanthropic, and civic leaders in the Greater Pittsburgh region.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Fundraising and Donor Stewardship
• Storytelling and Brand Management
• Public Relations and Media Engagement
• Grant Development
• Community Partnership Development
• Event Management
• Budget Management
• Data Analysis and Performance Measurement
• Cultural Competency and Equity-Centered Leadership

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Achievement of annual fundraising goals.
• Growth in individual, corporate, and foundation giving.
• Increased media visibility and positive brand recognition.
• Expansion of digital engagement and community outreach.
• Successful execution of fundraising and community events.
• Timely completion of grant submissions and reporting.
• Strong donor retention and stewardship outcomes.
• High-quality communications that effectively demonstrate organizational impact.

Why Join the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh?

The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh is committed to empowering communities through education, workforce development, entrepreneurship, housing, health equity, and advocacy. Joining our team means becoming part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to creating economic opportunity, advancing equity, and transforming lives throughout the region.

The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at every level of the organization.