DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS

The Director of Development & Communications leads Rising Sun’s fundraising and
communications initiatives. This position manages a team of two and works to
increase and diversify funding while elevating the organization’s visibility and
values.

Rising Sun’s Director of Development & Communications is a full-time position that
sits on Rising Sun’s Leadership team and reports directly to the Chief Executive
Officer. The Director of Development & Communications works in collaboration
with the Chief Executive Officer, other members of the leadership team, Board of
Directors, and development and communications staff to accomplish the goals of
the organization. This position is an integral part of Rising Sun’s commitment to
make a significant and lasting impact in the lives of hundreds of people every year.

RISING SUN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Rising Sun is committed to diversity and considers all applicants for all positions
without regard to color, ethnic background, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation,
national origin, age, and disability status. EOE/AA; women and minorities are
encouraged to apply.

For more information about Rising Sun, please visit www.risingsunenergy.org

A successful Director of Development & Communications…
• Is passionate about Rising Sun’s mission and excited to actively champion it;
takes ownership of the success of the organization’s development goals
• Has strong interpersonal skills, enjoys networking, and builds relationships to
support Rising Sun’s mission; loves getting out into the community to share the
organization’s work and impact
• Is a goal-driven self-starter who’s not afraid of the word “no”; persistent,
efficient, effective, and creative in identifying and securing revenue
opportunities while remaining true to our work and mission
• Works well independently towards significant fundraising goals, effectively
employing a variety of intentional strategies to meet those goals
• Is a strong writer, editor, and speaker who can articulately share our story and
impact; presents information, analysis, ideas, and positions in a clear, succinct,
accurate, and convincing manner, tailored to the audience
• Thinks creatively and expansively, always listening for new opportunities; is a
master problem-solver and thrives in the face of a challenge
• Fosters a fundraising culture among staff and on the Board by building
relationships, making it easy for people to participate, and inspiring action;
collaborates closely with programs to understand their needs and to share their
stories
• Has a track record of leading or co-leading organizational strategy and culture
in collaboration with a team
• Is a skilled manager of people/teams, with a history of motivating staff and
inspiring others to perform their best; leads by example and is an efficient and
organized delegator
• Has a positive attitude, demonstrates an understanding of the people and the
communities we serve, practices humility and open-mindedness
• Is technologically proficient and comfortable using: Salesforce (or other CRM),
online platforms, social media, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office

The Director of Development & Communications is responsible for…
FUNDRAISING & DEVELOPMENT
• Develop, implement, and lead an intentional and multi-faceted fundraising
strategy and plan; co-develop realistic and ambitious development goals
• Create, implement, and oversee a three-year development plan to meet the
organization’s annual revenue goals ($4-5M) and to increase giving over time, in
line with our Strategic Plan and in support of Rising Sun’s mission
• Maintain and steward strong relationships with existing funders, identify new
opportunities, and cultivate new prospects
• Oversee the organization’s Annual Fund, including Rising Sun’s annual
fundraising event and annual giving campaign
• Identify and pursue opportunities to diversify Rising Sun’s funding portfolio,
including major gifts and corporate giving
• Take ownership of Rising Sun’s annual fundraising goals and strategies
• Oversee the application process for government and foundation grants,
including managing high level relationships, collaborating with program staff
and leadership, monitoring contracts, and shepherding the reporting process
• Work closely with the Leadership team to develop and pursue new, strategic
funding opportunities
• Make public appearances, attend networking events, and accept speaking
engagements to increase Rising Sun’s visibility and cultivate new funders
• Oversee the effective use of Rising Sun’s development database (Salesforce)
and tracking systems; set departmental fundraising goals and metrics and track
outcomes annually and over time
• Support the Chief Executive Officer in her development and fundraising
responsibilities
• Develop and manage the Development/Communications annual budget
• Perform other duties as assigned

COMMUNICATIONS
• Support the Development & Communications Associate to create a multi-year
communication plan and strategy to increase brand awareness, organizational
visibility, and in support of the organization’s mission and values
• Act as the primary ambassador and manager of Rising Sun’s brand internally
and externally; maintain integrity of brand, marketing materials, and identity
• Oversee and provide vision for all institutional communications including annual
report, collateral, videos, social media presence, etc., ensuring brand and
mission alignment as well as accuracy and professionalism
• Elevate Rising Sun’s profile and brand through comprehensive strategies
including relationships with key influencers and press
• Support staff and board in developing their communication skills and
messaging; facilitate staff’s ability to act as Rising Sun ambassadors
• Perform other duties as assigned

LEADERSHIP
• Supervise, coach, and hold accountable 2-3 development & communications
staff
• Collaborate as a member of Rising Sun’s leadership/Director team, bearing the
leadership standard for the organization, implementing the organizational
mission and vision, and contributing towards a thriving organizational culture
• Perform other duties as assigned

To hold this position, you must…
(We are serious; no matter how much we like you, we simply cannot consider you for
this position if you don’t meet the following:)
• Be able to travel within the Bay Area and Central Valley
• Have significant prior fundraising and development experience (5+ years) and
leadership/management experience with a track record of bringing in
meaningful revenue on an annual basis ($500K+)
• Be able to work some flexible hours (e.g., evenings and occasional weekends)
• Cultivating and prospecting major donors

It’s a big plus if you have…
• Experience as a Development Director
• Raising funds for workforce development programs, direct service
organizations, and/or environmental/climate justice
• Competency using Salesforce, particularly for development
• Advanced public speaking skills
• Experience with nonprofit marketing, communications, social media, and
traditional media
• A Master’s in Marketing and/or Communications, Nonprofit Management, or
Business Administration
• A car, valid driver’s license, and insurance

Please email your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to
hatton@risingsunopp.org, and include “Director of Development &
Communications” in the subject line.