Groundwork Denver- Development and Communications Director

Groundwork Denver • Denver, CO

4d • $65,000 - $85,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Development and Communications Director (DCD) will lead GWD’s efforts to expand and sustain a diverse funding base while amplifying the organization’s public presence. This role is ideal for a strategic, creative development professional eager to help build a more sophisticated, sustainable, and community-centered fundraising program. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the DCD will serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and Board External Affairs Committee, overseeing all aspects of development (≈70%) and marketing and communications (≈30%).

Requirements

• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications, with demonstrated success in individual and/or corporate giving.
• Strong understanding of marketing, communications, and brand-building strategies.
• Proven experience in building customer-loyalty through successful marketing efforts, including physical marketing, social media marketing and management, digital/affiliate marketing, in-person marketing, and more.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire donors, partners, and community members to support our mission.
• Experience supervising staff or consultants and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Commitment to environmental justice, racial equity, and community empowerment.
• Ability to utilize computer systems, manage phones, and travel to and from meetings and appointments.
• A background check will be completed prior to start of work and as often as annually.

Nice To Haves

• English and Spanish-language proficiency is preferred.
• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills.
• Collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Equity-minded relationship builder, who values authenticity and community voice.
• Creative storyteller who can translate program outcomes into inspiring impact narratives.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Director and Board External Affairs Committee to develop and implement an integrated Development and Communications strategy.
• Establish annual and long-term goals to ensure diversified revenue growth, prioritizing growth in GWD’s annual individual, corporate, and community-based giving programs.
• Serve as a strategic partner aligning fundraising, communications, and program narratives around GWD’s mission, centering environmental justice, community health, and workforce development priorities.
• Lead strategies for individual and corporate giving, including annual appeals, monthly donor programs, and sponsorships.
• Design and implement donor cultivation and stewardship plans, centering equity and authentic relationship-building.
• Coordinate with Groundwork Denver staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors to successfully oversee at least two major fundraising events per year, along with overseeing quarterly giving campaigns.
• Manage Groundwork Denver’s donor database (CRM), ensuring accurate and timely gift entry, acknowledgment, and reporting.
• Partner with the Finance Director on fundraising projections, grant budgets, and financial reporting.
• Connect volunteers (corporate and community) with program leads for engagements that are integrating volunteer support.
• Represent GWD externally at events and community forums to build visibility and partnerships.
• Assist in the management of consultants and staff supporting events and donor communications.
• In partnership with the Executive Director, centering GWD’s Environmental Justice focus, develop and execute a communications strategy that grows local awareness of Groundwork Denver’s mission, while leveraging Groundwork USA’s national messaging and assets.
• Oversee storytelling, social media, email campaigns, and digital engagement to deepen community and donor connections.
• Produce key marketing materials, including newsletters, annual reports, event collateral, etc., that highlight GWD’s impact and leadership.
• Ensure consistent, mission-aligned messaging across all channels, centering Environmental Justice.
• Collaborate with Program Teams, Leaders, and Directors to amplify success stories and connect impact to fundraising goals.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Wellness resources
• Paid sick, vacation, and holiday time off
• Health and dental insurance for employees
• RTD EcoPass
• employee vision insurance; health, dental, and vision coverage of family members; retirement savings program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed