Director of Development and Communications

Director of Development and Communications Reports to: Executive Director Wage / Hour Status: Exempt / 12 month Location: 65 Great Arrow Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216 Job Number: 3300055670 Start Date: Open Closing Date: Open Mission Educating and inspiring a diverse community of K-12 learners by engaging them in rigorous real‑world learning experiences which prioritize intellectual, social and emotional growth. Vision Tapestry is a vibrant, sustainable school that empowers learners and leaders to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Values Perseverance, Integrity, Respect & Responsibility Goals The Director of Development and Communications is responsible for leading the school's fundraising efforts as well as the strategic marketing and communications efforts necessary to ensure that the broader community continues to embrace the innovative educational model provided by Tapestry.

Position Summary The Director of Development and Communications ensures that Tapestry can continue to provide its students and families with a world‑class K‑12 educational experience. By leading all aspects of the school's donor engagement and solicitation program—including annual and major gifts work, foundation relationships and grant applications—the Director builds and implements a strategic communications plan that ensures community members are aware of Tapestry's innovative model and its positive impact on the Buffalo community. Duties and Responsibilities Fundraising and Donor Engagement Plan and execute a comprehensive program to maximize philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Meet annual fundraising goals and budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, aligned with short‑ and long‑term strategic objectives. Lead all fundraising efforts on behalf of the school, including annual fund appeals, capital campaigns, planned giving, donor relations, and grant research and writing. Work closely with the Executive Director to pursue a coordinated and strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plan for annual and major gift prospects and donors.

Develop and implement an annual giving strategy with one‑year, five‑year, and long‑term goals. Maintain and continually expand a database of prospective financial donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations. Create and execute strategic, donor‑centered fundraising plans aligned with school goals, producing measurable, results‑oriented outcomes.

Develop a systematic annual operations plan that addresses both immediate and long‑term development needs. Oversee stewardship activities including ongoing donor communications, recognition events, and personalized outreach. In collaboration with the Executive Assistant and Director of Special Projects, design and manage an annual calendar of fundraising events that align with the school's goals.

Partner with the Executive Director to clarify the roles that different stakeholders play in fundraising events, including clarifying the role of the DDS and how the DDS partners with campuses to support ongoing fundraising efforts. Manage an annual development income and expense budget, providing timely, accurate, and comprehensive reports on revenue and expenses to the Executive Director. Work with the Board's Development Committee to develop new fundraising initiatives and enhance donor engagement efforts.

Marketing and Communications Oversee and direct the school's marketing, branding, and communications strategies to raise awareness and drive engagement. Develop an integrated marketing plan that supports fundraising, special events, and community engagement initiatives. Manage the organization's presence across digital platforms, including website, email marketing, and social media channels, to communicate impact and build relationships with donors and stakeholders.

Lead the creation of content and collateral that support fundraising appeals, donor reports, press releases, newsletters, and other external communications. Ensure consistent brand messaging across all platforms and materials, reinforcing the mission and values of the organization. Work in close collaboration with schools, central office staff, and Compass leadership to ensure marketing initiatives align with organizational priorities and effectively tell the story of the school's impact on students, families and the city of Buffalo.

Strengthen internal communications by producing a K‑12 staff newsletter that celebrates the work of our students, families and staff while also providing staff with important information about upcoming school events. Attend meetings of the Tapestry Community Association parent organization to provide ongoing support with fundraising initiatives and to ensure strong communication with Tapestry families. Collaboration with Compass Leadership Continuously invest leaders and staff in a shared vision for how the development and communications department can support the school to achieve its mission.

Deliver presentations to the Tapestry Board of Trustees to describe the school's progress towards meeting its fundraising and development targets and progress of any capital campaign. Attend key school events to support staff, better understand the unique identity of Tapestry, and learn how to best tell Tapestry's story to a variety of external stakeholders. Serve as a member of Tapestry's K‑12 Compass leadership team.

Position Qualifications Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, education or related field required. At least 2 prior years of successful experience working in development and communications. Demonstrated ability to develop, cultivate and maintain strong relationships.

Ability to take strong photographs and produce compelling video to continuously strengthen an organization's ability to communicate effectively about its work. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Unwavering belief that supporting Tapestry's students and staff can help strengthen the broader Buffalo community. Knowledge of best practices in development, marketing and communications, including the use of social media to drive awareness and engagement.

Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to set priorities, manage time, and ensure the successful completion of long‑term projects. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate information verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, including with a wide variety of diverse stakeholders.

Physical Requirements Work is performed primarily in an office environment, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion including walking, bending, standing. Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers to complete typing, filing, and data entry.

Required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. Position requires talking, walking, driving, speaking and comprehension of complex matters. Salary: Competitive Position Status: Full time Contact: Human Resource Department, [email protected] #J-18808-Ljbffr