Director Of Development And Communications

Axis Community Health • Pleasanton, CA

14h

About The Position

The Director of Development and Communications is a senior leadership position responsible for planning, implementing, and managing comprehensive fundraising, external communications, community engagement, and public relations strategies. This role combines key responsibilities from both development and communications to support Axis Community Health’s mission, strengthen its presence in the community, and secure necessary funding to sustain and grow its programs. The Director will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), senior leadership, and external partners to build donor relationships, manage strategic communications, and lead development efforts to expand the organization’s impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, design or related area preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in communications, public relations, or development.
• Proven record of accomplishment in grant writing, fund development, and capital campaign activities.
• Excellent business and social communication skills, both written and verbal, with excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to think strategically and execute deliverables, while managing various projects and priorities.
• A collaborative relationship builder, with the ability to motivate and lead a project team, and adept at guiding ambiguous situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and sustain relationships with community players and leaders, including those in other non-profits and public service.
• Experienced in the development and execution of graphic design, photography, video, print, and online communication formats.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Publisher and PowerPoint with Adobe Suite programs, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop desired.
• Must have good computer skills with the ability to use Axis departmental systems.
• Experience in strategic use and management of on-line modalities, including e-newsletters, social media platforms, and search engines, and managing online feedback.
• Experience with website development and maintenance with WordPress is desired.
• Experience with event logistics, volunteer management, and fundraising.
• Experience with non-profit organizations and familiarity with the Tri-Valley area is desired.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission and core values, and background in the health needs of underserved populations.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and manage a team to achieve organization goals.
• Must possess a valid and current driver’s license with reliable transportation, a clean driving record and automobile insurance is required.
• Strong analytical and excellent employee relations skills.
• Ability to interact effectively and in a supportive manner with persons of all backgrounds.
• Proactive, self-motivated and able to work independently as well as on a team with the ability to exercise sound independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and a professional demeanor and must positively represent the organization at all times.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships.
• Must be able to adjust priorities quickly as circumstances dictate.
• Must be able to be at work regularly and on time.
• Must be a dynamic self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently or in a group setting.
• A can-do attitude, attention to detail, with the ability to organize.
• Ability to type a minimum of 35 WPM with minimal errors.
• Must be able to use office equipment (i.e., copier, fax, etc.).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Microsoft Word, Publisher and PowerPoint with Adobe Suite programs, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop desired.
• Experience with website development and maintenance with WordPress is desired.
• Experience with non-profit organizations and familiarity with the Tri-Valley area is desired.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, annual giving, grant writing, and donor stewardship.
• Build and maintain a portfolio of prospective and current donors capable of making significant contributions.
• Oversee the submission, tracking, and reporting of grants, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Cultivate relationships with local businesses, civic organizations, government agencies, and community partners to support fundraising and strategic objectives.
• Lead the annual fund, capital campaigns, donor recognition programs, and board-driven fundraising efforts.
• Oversee development operations, including donor database management, reporting, budgeting, and gift processing policies.
• Lead and execute Axis’s external and internal communications strategies to elevate brand awareness and foster a positive organizational culture.
• Oversee website management, social media strategies, digital marketing campaigns, and media relations to maintain a strong and consistent public presence.
• Ensure cohesive branding and messaging across all communication channels, including print, online, and event materials.
• Act as the primary media contact and build partnerships with media outlets to promote Axis’s work and advocacy efforts.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive community engagement plan to build relationships with diverse community stakeholders, including patients, civic leaders, and nonprofits.
• Represent Axis at community events, conferences, government meetings, and public forums.
• Lead the communications, community engagement, and development teams, including hiring, training, and supervising staff.
• Collaborate with the senior leadership team to enhance the organization’s reputation and influence at local, regional, and national levels.
• Oversee team performance, provide guidance and support, delegate tasks, resolve conflicts, foster professional development, and ensure alignment with organization goals.
• Provide leadership and oversight to development and communications team, including supervision of direct reports, and responsible for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and mentoring new team members, as well as conducting regular performance evaluations and supporting professional development to ensure a high-performing, mission-aligned department.
• Drive to other sites and locations attending events as needed and to perform job duties or support organizational operations.
• Participate in staff meetings and attend other meetings and training events as assigned.
• May be required to perform other related duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Employer paid health, dental, and vision benefits to the employee.
• Option to participate in a 403(B) retirement plan with employer matching contribution.
• Partial educational reimbursement.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Accrued paid time off with each pay period.
• Employee discount programs.
• Colleague Referral Bonus Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees