Director of Development and Communications

Position Description The Director of Development and Communications is responsible for advancing ACES’s mission by developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising, communications, and marketing strategies. Working closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, this role ensures a strong, consistent brand and drives philanthropic growth to support ACES’s expansion and impact. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director will lead the creation and execution of a dynamic fundraising strategy to increase donor support, including major gifts, annual campaigns, and special events. The role will also oversee all communications efforts, ensuring effective storytelling that highlights ACES’s impact and engages donors, partners, and the community. Additionally, the Director will manage and support the Associate Board young professionals volunteer committee, supporting their fundraising, engagement, and volunteer efforts to further the organization’s mission. This position operates during normal business hours and may require some flexibility including evening and weekend hours. Hours also include a hybrid model with consistent and timely communications with the leadership team, full-time staff, board members, and associate board members. Key Functions & Responsibilities Development and Communications: Create and implement development strategies to meet fundraising goals in conjunction with the Executive Director. Develop stewardship plan to maintain and strengthen connections with current donors. Develop and implement a robust communications plan that effectively articulates to donors, partners, and stakeholders ACES's unique role within the education system and that drives program and organizational growth. Donor Solicitation and Stewardship: In collaboration with the Executive Director, implement ACES’s donor solicitation strategy for growing support from individuals to achieve fundraising goals. Create and present proposals for donor consideration (individual and corporate) and secure major gifts. Maintain and strengthen relationships with current donors by overseeing the process for donor acknowledgement, recognition, and reporting. Outreach: Create promotional materials, develop and manage ACES’s social media calendar and campaigns, and serve as a liaison to the media. Effectively communicate ACES’s message and mission with current and prospective donors, partners, and other constituents. Lead efforts to effectively market ACES to diverse audiences through online, print, and in-person channels. Manage the creation, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic materials. Event Planning and Execution: Oversee the planning, promotion, and execution of all ACES events, including the annual All-Star Evening celebration, working closely with internal teams and external partners. Lead the solicitation of event sponsorships by identifying potential sponsors, developing sponsorship packages, and cultivating relationships with key sponsors to maximize event revenue. Manage vendor relationships, including negotiating contracts, coordinating logistics, and ensuring all event services (e.g., catering, AV, decor, etc.) meet organizational standards and timelines. Associate Board Liaison and Leadership: Serve as the primary staff liaison and lead for the Associate Board, collaborating with the Chair and Vice Chair to plan and lead quarterly meetings, team-building events, and strategic initiatives. Additional Responsibilities: Collaborate with the Executive Director and accountants to develop, monitor, and track budget goals, ensuring financial objectives are met. About You The ideal candidate is highly organized, reliable, self-motivated, creative, collaborative, and brings a positive attitude to their work. The Director of Development and Communications is committed to ACES’s mission, embodies ACES’s values (youth-centered, growth-mindset, teamwork, equity, and empathy and responsiveness), and works to eliminate education disparities and ensure all youth have access to high-quality learning opportunities. Desired Skills and Experience Experience working with diverse communities. Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative member of the ACES team. Exceptional time-management and organizational skills. Excellent communicator with strong listening, speaking, and writing skills. Adept problem solver with high level of independence and good judgement. Creative, innovative thinker with ability to improve systems and processes. Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion. Ability to work flexible hours. Some weekend and evening availability is required. Microsoft Office proficiency. Preferred Qualifications 4+ years of experience in development, donor relations, and event management. Demonstrated proficiency with technical writing, donor database systems, communications platforms, and/or graphic design software. About ACES ACES is an innovative out-of-school time program that brings math and social-emotional learning to life for Minnesota youth. Our mission is to empower youth and expand opportunities through engaging, inclusive, and accessible learning experiences. ACES’s programming consists of three primary, synergetic components: group classroom sessions, one-on-one mentorship, and unique experiential learning opportunities. Our unique, project-based curriculum engages students through sports-themed, real-world applications. ACES partners with mission-aligned Twin Cities organizations and schools, as well as Minnesota’s professional sports teams, to deliver transformational programming for hundreds of youth every year. Equal Employment Opportunity ACES is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. ACES strives to build leadership, staff, and volunteer teams that reflect our values of equity and inclusion about race, ethnicity, class, culture, religion, physical ability, age, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. We respect the value that diverse life experiences bring to our leadership and are committed to being nondiscriminatory and providing equal opportunities in all areas of our work. People of color and those from other marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Apply! To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to Jazmin Danielson, Executive Director at jobs@aces4kids.org. Applications review will begin on Monday, January 6th. Contact Jazmin Danielson, Executive Director at jazmindanielson@aces4kids.org with questions or to learn more about the position. Benefits package includes 100% coverage of health and dental with an approximate value of $9,500 annually, retirement match up to 3% of annual salary. #J-18808-Ljbffr