The Director of Development and Communications at Acterra is responsible for overseeing all fundraising, communications, and marketing activities to meet the organization's financial and relationship-building objectives. This includes managing major gifts, foundation support, planned giving, special events, capital campaigns, and marketing efforts. The role involves supervising a small team, collaborating with various internal stakeholders, and working to grow Acterra's funding base. The director also plays a key role in budgeting, grant management, and ensuring compelling fundraising messaging. Additionally, they are tasked with creating a sustainable financial structure for Acterra while promoting equity, environmental justice, and expanding access to environmental knowledge.

About Acterra

Acterra is an environmental organization based in Palo Alto, in the Bay Area. It has a history dating back to 1970 and aims to inspire and motivate action for change. The organization brings people together to create local solutions for a healthy planet. Acterra is driven by the opportunity to learn and grow together while achieving high impact through fighting climate change and reducing carbon emissions. They harness the individual strengths within their staff and network to foster a leader-full organization. The team members are high performers and high collaborators, and creativity and failing forward are encouraged

Qualifications

You have a proven track record of securing major gifts and meeting fundraising targets. You have demonstrated experience in bringing in grants in the six- and seven-figure range.
You have the ability to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including donors, board members, volunteers, and staff.
You are highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects and priorities effectively while maintaining a results-driven focus.
You have a deep understanding of nonprofit finance, budgeting, and financial management, as well as experience in optimizing resource allocation for fundraising initiatives.
Extensive knowledge of and expertise in marketing and public relations campaigns.

Responsibilities

Development 60%
- Manage a development team including a Grants Manager and possible contractors
- Build the major gift and legacy donor pipeline by fostering current relationships (managing a portfolio of ~100 donors) and engage in strategic planning to identify new prospective donors
- Develop and implement Acterra’s annual fundraising program
- Facilitating a multi-year major giving campaign, leveraging our 55th year anniversary, inclusive of a gala type event
- Work with the Grants and Program staff to identify new funding opportunities
- Build and maintain ongoing communications with foundation and corporate donors, fulfilling the needs of each grantmaker’s unique deliverables
- Ensure timely and accurate revenue and donor reports to Acterra’s Executive Director and stakeholders
- Collaborate with Acterra’s Executive Director and staff on the planning of fundraising events, donor receptions, and donor meetings
- Work with Acterra’s Communications team and vendors to develop digital and print marketing collateral to support fundraising efforts and increase the organization’s visibility
- Create an annual budget for the development department and ensure compliance.
Communications 40%
- Manage a communications team including a Digital Media Manager and possible contractors
- Establish and drive a multi-channel communications strategy together with the Digital Media Manager
- Review all communications material.
- Develop brand voice and work with Digital Media Manager to maintain brand integrity across all platforms.
- Manage media relations and develop contacts with media members, influencers, and community leaders on behalf of the organization
- Assist in the creation of digital, video, audio and print content, particularly the Annual Report and other external facing materials.
- Analyze engagement across various platforms and make data-driven decisions.
- Maintain presence at donor and industry events, and conferences.
- Create an annual budget for the communications department and ensure compliance.

COmpensation and Benefits

The annual rate for this Director level role will be $110,000-$120,000. Acterra strives to provide equitable and competitive compensation for all of its employees, including health, vision, dental insurance for full-time staff and dependents, generous PTO and a retirement match. Acterra offers a highly collegial work environment.