Vice President of Strategic Development

Newport County Community Mental Health Center•Middletown, RI

About The Position

Newport Mental Health seeks an accomplished and visionary Vice President of Strategic Development to lead strategic initiatives that advance the organization’s mission and long-term growth. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this executive will oversee all aspects of fundraising, grant acquisition, marketing, and communications. The VP will direct major philanthropic efforts, including capital and comprehensive campaigns; cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners; and guide government relations and advocacy initiatives. This role will also provide strategic oversight of Newport Mental Health’s grants portfolio and external communications, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and operational excellence. The Vice President will lead and mentor the Development, Marketing, and Grants teams, fostering collaboration, innovation, and accountability. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and a proven record of success in fundraising, grant management, and brand advancement within mission-driven organizations.

Requirements

Master’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management or related field.
At least 5 years of leadership experience in philanthropy, grants, fundraising, or strategic communications, ideally within nonprofit or healthcare sectors.
Proven record of managing major campaigns, donor relationships, grant portfolios, and communications strategies.
Understanding of donor-advised funds, philanthropic vehicles, and government grant regulations.
Strong dedication to Newport Mental Health’s mission.
Proven leadership integrating fundraising, grants, marketing, and communications strategies.
Excellent interpersonal, public speaking, and written communication skills.
Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, major gift solicitation, and securing federal/state grants.
Expertise in marketing, branding, public relations, and digital engagement.
Ability to use fundraising CRM systems and grants management tools effectively.
Strategic thinker, adept at managing complex projects and inspiring staff, board members, and volunteers.
Highly organized, proactive, and skilled at problem-solving and follow-through.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the CEO, COO, and Executive Leadership to establish long-term strategies for philanthropy, grant acquisition, and organizational growth.
Direct major fundraising initiatives, including comprehensive and capital campaigns.
Build and maintain relationships with high-net-worth donors, foundations, corporations, and community leaders.
Set annual fundraising and grant objectives, benchmarks, and performance measures that align with organizational goals.
Work with leadership on government relations and advocacy at both federal and state levels.
Engage the Board of Directors to strengthen connections with external stakeholders through Board involvement.
Lead the management of all grant portfolios, including researching prospects, preparing proposals, submitting applications, and ensuring compliance.
Facilitate collaboration across departments to guarantee grant-funded projects achieve established goals, deliverables, and reporting standards.
Oversee grants systems to monitor deadlines, budgets, and compliance, while maintaining a comprehensive resource library of funding opportunities and relevant data.
Act as the lead grant reviewer, ensuring submissions are high quality, persuasive, and aligned with the mission.
Design and supervise a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance Newport Mental Health’s visibility and reputation.
Manage media relations, including outreach, press releases, and representing the organization within the community.
Coordinate and execute all fundraising and public relations events organized by Newport Mental Health.
Oversee brand messaging across digital platforms, social media, print materials, newsletters, and presentations.
Partner with leadership to ensure internal communications are consistent, transparent, and engaging.
Translate organizational data into persuasive stories for distribution both internally and externally.
Lead the Development, Marketing, and Grants teams, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
Mentor team members in fundraising, communications, and grant management to align with strategic objectives.
Promote interdepartmental partnerships to advance organizational initiatives and expand community impact.
Represent Newport Mental Health at events at the local, state, and regional levels as a professional ambassador.