Director of Development & Communications

Sparc•Springfield, MO

9d•$75,000 - $83,500

About The Position

The Director of Development and Communications provides strategic leadership, vision, and management for all development and communications functions of the organization. This role is responsible for securing philanthropic revenue from non-governmental sources; strengthening brand awareness; guiding agency-wide communication strategies; cultivating meaningful donor and community relationships; and ensuring that the department operates in full alignment with the agency’s mission, goals, and regulatory requirements. The Director works closely with internal and external stakeholders to advance fundraising initiatives, steward donor engagement, and elevate the organization’s public presence.

Requirements

A High School Diploma is required.
A bachelor’s degree in advertising, journalism, marketing, or a related area is preferred, or a related combination of education and experience from an accredited university or college is preferred.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in the field of development and public relations is required.
Knowledge of community resources and dynamics.
Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to establish rapport with diverse staff, the individuals supported, families, guardians, and members of the Sparc community.
Must be detail-oriented with excellent analytical and organizational skills, including the proven ability to meet competing deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
Must have basic knowledge and experience utilizing computers, electronic timekeeping systems, and various software programs, including Microsoft Word, database applications, desktop publishing, and Outlook.
Must have a valid Illinois Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance.
Must possess reliable transportation.
The ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule as needed/required.
The ability to physically handle any special needs of individuals supported by Sparc, to assist program staff in emergencies, including the ability to lift and transfer individuals as needed.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, elderly populations, or in a healthcare setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide Directions, supervision, and mentorship to development and communications staff, including direct oversight of the Grants Coordinator.
Develop and execute departmental improvement and expansion initiatives aligned with agency-wide priorities.
Establish annual departmental goals, performance indicators, and evaluation benchmarks to measure effectiveness.
Ensure productive cross-departmental collaboration to support organizational cohesion and shared mission outcomes.
Lead all fundraising activities, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate partnerships, planned giving efforts, and foundation relations.
Develop and implement strategies for donor acquisition, cultivation, stewardship, and long-term relationship building.
Oversee all fundraising events, such as the Annual Breakfast and Annual Appeal, ensuring event objectives, revenue goals, and engagement outcomes are met.
Manage donor recognition activities, ensuring thoughtful, timely, and accurate acknowledgment processes.
Identify and pursue new revenue-generating opportunities, partnerships, and initiatives to diversify and expand funding streams.
Provide guidance and high-level oversight for the grants function, including research, proposal development, compliance, and reporting.
Ensure grant strategies support organizational goals and align with funding priorities and opportunities.
Hold primary responsibility for all agency publications, branding, and media relations.
Develop and oversee comprehensive communication strategies that effectively articulate the agency’s mission, programs, and impact.
Lead the creation of digital content, including website updates, social media strategy, e-newsletters, and marketing collateral.
Serve as the organization’s media liaison, cultivating positive relationships with local and regional media outlets to enhance visibility.
Support crisis communication planning and implementation as needed.
Serve as representative of the organization within the community, building and maintaining relationships with funders, partners, businesses, families, guardians, and other stakeholders.
Participate in select board, staff, and community committees and attend meetings on behalf of or in place of the Executive Director when appropriate.
Cultivate and manage a robust volunteer network to support agency initiatives.
Develop and recommend development and communication policies for board approval—both for departmental operations and agency-wide application.
Ensure full compliance with all relevant local, state, and national regulations and accreditation standards.
Prepare monthly reports for the Outreach & Philanthropic Committee and additional reports as requested.
Implement systems for financial accountability, efficiency, and transparency across development and communication functions, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
Build and maintain productive relationships with external stakeholders such as partner agencies, funding sources, businesses, families, and guardians.
Serves on assigned community committees to represent the agency and advocate for individuals supported.
Perform day-to-day duties that reflect Sparc’s mission and core values by being actively involved in the programs and the people that Sparc programs support.
Perform other agency-related duties as assigned or required reasonably within the scope of the above-mentioned duties.

Benefits

Annual Salary Range: $75,000 to $83,500.
A competitive salary will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, skills, specialized training, and education.
Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, prescription, group-paid life, dental, and vision insurance for full-time staff.
Pay rate increases for every 5 years of Sparc service.
Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days annually based on years of service.
Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
A minimum of eleven (11) paid holidays with the ability to earn additional leave time for holidays worked.
Employees earn eight to twelve (8-12) paid sick days annually based on years of service.
Retirement savings plan options.
Pre-tax Healthcare Flexible Spending Account option.
Pre-tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account option.
Employee Assistance Program.
Professional development opportunities.
Supportive, mission-driven work environment.