Director of Marketing, Development & Communications

WRTP|BIG STEP•Milwaukee, WI

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Marketing, Development & Communications is a key leadership role responsible for executing WRTP | BIG STEP’s strategic communication priorities and fund development efforts in support of the organization’s mission and vision. This position provides strategic oversight of fund development, grants, marketing and communications, public relations, and public policy engagement by ensuring advocacy messaging aligns with the organization’s brand and tone, public statements do not conflict with policy strategy, and fundraising appeals support. As a member of the leadership team, the Director ensures the organization is positioned to respond to funding, workforce, and policy trends while strengthening brand credibility, stakeholder relationships, and long-term financial health.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or a combination of related education, certifications, and experience in marketing, communications, or development.
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with proof of insurance.
Thorough knowledge of standard computer programs, including Microsoft Office, and ability to learn new systems.
Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
The ability to work comfortably with a wide range of participants, partners, stakeholders, or community members, in both group and individual settings in a calm, respectful, and professional manner always.
The ability to establish rapport and relate sensitively to a multiracial and multicultural group of participants, partners, stakeholders, or community members.
Excellent interpersonal skills and experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team is necessary.
Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.
Self-starter: able to multi-task while also being highly detail oriented.
Some knowledge of implementing urban programs and training.
This position requires the ability to regularly sit and write at a computer, stand, and lift less than 20 pounds to stock office supplies, frequently move from room to room to accommodate guests, use a telephone, and use a computer equipment to generate input and output and transmit data.
Follow the WRTP|BIG STEP Code of Conduct.
Adhere to established policies and procedures of the program, agency and of all funding sources.
Conduct self in an ethical manner.
Ability to work effectively with youth while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Role model a positive attitude and provide affirming feedback and positive reinforcement to participants.
Must be grounded and organized and yet flexible and open to the changing demands of a small organization.
Willing to step into tasks as needed and requested by WRTP|BIG STEP leadership.
Maintain professional, respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment and relationships with staff, participants, and all external persons and agencies involved with WRTP|BIG STEP and its partnering agencies.
Demonstrates commitment to the WRTP|BIG STEP mission, vision, and values.

Nice To Haves

Project management experience is favorable, utilizing planning and organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks to ensure projects get to completion.
Knowledge of construction industry and State of Wisconsin Apprenticeship system helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

Assist executive management in developing, implementing, and continuously refining a diversified fund development strategy aligned with organizational priorities and growth objectives.
Consult with executive management and proper team members on grant strategy, proposal development, submission, contract negotiation, compliance, and reporting across public and private funding streams.
Identify emerging funding opportunities and present to CEO and COO to assess strategic fit, risk, and return on investment.
Lead and as needed, directly write or cowrite grant proposals, narratives, and supporting materials across public and private funding sources.
Cultivate, steward, and retain relationships with foundations, corporate partners, government agencies, and individual donors.
Ensure clear and effective communication with finance, program, and data teams to promote accurate budgeting, performance monitoring, and outcome reporting tied to funding.
Collaborate with executive management to establish fundraising benchmarks, monitor performance, and implement corrective strategies as needed.
Support the CEO and COO in major gift cultivation, strategic partnerships, and high‑value funding opportunities.
Set and oversee the organization’s marketing, communications, and public relations strategy to support fundraising, partnerships, and public engagement.
Lead, supervise, and develop the marketing department team, establishing clear goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
Provide executive oversight and direction for marketing deliverables; the marketing team or external partners primarily perform tactical execution.
Oversee content strategy, messaging, and storytelling across print, digital, media, and stakeholder communications.
Ensure consistent, professional brand identity and voice across all platforms and audiences.
Guide media relations, thought leadership, and external communications during both planned initiatives and emerging issues.
Align marketing and communications strategies with program outcomes, research findings, and organizational priorities.
Advise executive leadership on funding trends, external risks, reputational considerations, and strategic positioning.
Collaborate across departments to align development, marketing, policy, and program strategies.
Support organizational planning efforts by providing external intelligence, stakeholder feedback, and performance insights.
Contribute to continuous improvement of systems, processes, and tools related to development, communications, and external affairs.
Ensure ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in all external‑facing activities.