Director, Donor Communications

Alzheimer's Association Careers•Chicago, IL

10d•$120,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Alzheimer’s Association home office seeks a Director, Donor Communications to lead the vision, strategy, and execution of compelling philanthropic communications that inspire, engage, and steward the Association’s most committed donors. Serving as both a strategic leader and a hands-on content creator, this role shapes the messaging that fuels transformational philanthropy and produces high-caliber materials that advance the organization’s mission. Reporting to the Senior Director, Donor Relations, the Director partners closely with colleagues across Relationship Development and the broader Association to articulate funding priorities, demonstrate philanthropic impact, and elevate the donor experience nationwide. Success in this role requires exceptional writing and storytelling ability, collaborative leadership, and a deep understanding of donor motivations within high-level philanthropy. The Relationship Development team raises over $150 million annually through the work of major gift, planned giving, foundation relations, relationship events, prospect research, communications, and stewardship professionals. This is a hybrid position based in the Chicago area. Cover letter required. Please include writing samples or links to prior work with your applications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Humanities, or related field preferred; advanced degree a plus.
8-10+ years of progressive nonprofit communications experience , ideally within an academic medical center, voluntary health association, scientific research environment, or similarly complex institution.
Ideal candidate possesses 5+ years of experience developing content for high-net-worth donor audiences and a deep understanding of donor motivations and expectations.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience managing and inspiring staff or cross-functional teams.
Exceptional writing, editing, verbal communication, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex, including scientific, ideas into compelling narratives.
Proven ability to plan and manage multiple projects independently, meet deadlines, and drive work from concept to completion.
Demonstrated experience producing high-quality collateral across print, digital, and multimedia formats; proficiency with communications tools preferred (e.g., Ovrture, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, ThankView)
Creative, solutions-oriented thinker who excels at synthesizing information and developing clear, donor-centered messaging.
Understanding of a federated nonprofit structure and ability to work collaboratively across functions and departments preferred.
Mastery of digital platforms, content strategy, and social media best practices.
High attention to detail and commitment to excellence; thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with responsible use of AI to develop communications is a plus.

Responsibilities

Design and implement a comprehensive donor communications strategy to support cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship across the Association’s highest-level philanthropic partners.
Develop messaging frameworks, narrative arcs, and communication calendars tailored to priority donor segments and other strategic audiences.
Serve as a thought leader and collaborative partner to major gifts, planned giving, relationship events, foundation relations, and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM), advising on communication approaches and donor engagement strategy.
Strategically manage and maintain the Donor Communications budget.
Supervise a full time staff member and help to grow and lead Donor Communications team.
Act as lead writer/editor for high-impact materials including briefings, publications, proposals, collateral, articles, newsletters, impact reports, digital content, solicitation letters and more.
Lead the development of high-level donor event materials—including run-of-show scripts, talking points, keynote remarks, impact videos, program books, and onsite donor engagement assets—to ensure a cohesive and inspiring donor experience.
Direct the development, production and distribution of all donor-facing collateral, including videos and digital assets.
Oversee editorial strategy and content creation for ALZ Forward and other communications for Zenith Society and Aspire Society members.
Support leadership communications by producing presentations, speeches, and tailored donor correspondence.
Ensure all materials make a compelling case for philanthropic partnership, clearly demonstrate impact, and meaningfully recognize donors and volunteers.
Partner with leaders across Care & Support, Medical & Scientific Relations, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and other divisions to maintain accurate, timely language on funding priorities and opportunities.
Coordinate with Marketing Communications to ensure alignment with brand standards and editorial style.
Special projects as assigned.

Benefits

Employees working 24 hours/week or more are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, flex accounts, short and long-term disability, life insurance, long term care insurance, tuition reimbursement, generous Paid Time Off, 12 annual holidays and Paid Family Leave, as well as an annual Cultural & Heritage Day and Volunteer Day of their choosing.
They are also eligible for our gold standard 401(k) retirement plan.
Full time employees (37.5 hours/week), will enjoy all of the above plus an annual School Visitation Day and an Elder Care Facility Day of their choosing.

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