Director of Development And Communications

Director of Development and Communications
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Classification: Director
Schedule: Full-time, 30 hours per week
Location: Onsite in Hickory, NC
Relocation: No relocation assistance is available
Position Purpose
The Director of Development and Communications is responsible for growing the relationships, financial support, and public awareness needed to advance CCM’s mission. This position works directly with the CEO as a close strategic partner and leads three primary areas: fundraising and donor development, marketing and communications, and community relations.

This person must be proficient with computers, digital platforms, social media, email marketing, content creation tools, and donor management systems. Strong writing skills and creativity are essential, including the ability to develop newsletters, take quality photos and short videos with a phone, and capture authentic stories that communicate CCM’s impact through compelling, faith-based content.

This is a highly relational and hands-on role for someone who can tell CCM’s story clearly, build donor and community relationships, confidently ask for major donor support, and turn plans into consistent action.

Primary Responsibilities
Donor Development and Fundraising

Create and carry out CCM’s annual development and fundraising plan

Lead efforts to meet CCM’s annual fundraising goal of $1.2 million

Build meaningful relationships with current and prospective donors

Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors

Develop relationships with businesses, physicians, churches, foundations, civic groups, and community partners

Plan and manage annual appeals, fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, donor events, and stewardship efforts

Maintain accurate donor records, giving histories, contact notes, and follow-up plans

Track fundraising results and provide regular progress reports to the CEO and CFO

Work with the CEO and CFO to develop the annual development budget and fundraising strategies aligned with CCM’s financial needs and priorities

Grants

Oversee CCM’s grant calendar, applications, deadlines, awards, and reporting requirements

Identify grant opportunities that align with CCM’s mission and priorities

Coordinate grant writing, budgets, supporting documentation, outcome data, and required reports

Work with leadership and program staff to gather accurate information and measurable results

Maintain strong communication and relationships with foundations and grantmaking organizations

Marketing and Communications

Create and carry out CCM’s annual marketing and communications plan

Develop newsletters, social media campaigns, donor communications, annual reports, press releases, appeals, and promotional materials

Work with CCM’s marketing company to execute strategic and timely content and campaigns

Work with the CEO to create clear, consistent messaging that aligns with the ministry’s faith, programs, and strategic direction

Work directly with staff, clients, patients, and volunteers to identify and capture stories and testimonials while following all consent and privacy requirements

Create timely written, photo, and phone video content that authentically communicates CCM’s faith, services, impact, and needs

Maintain a consistent faith-based voice, message, and visual identity

Oversee website content and coordinate branding, website, and marketing projects

Manage public relations and build relationships with local media

Maintain a coordinated content calendar and ensure communications are completed consistently and on time

Monitor engagement and use results to strengthen future campaigns and communications

Community Relations

Represent CCM at community events, meetings, churches, and public presentations

Secure speaking opportunities for the CEO that strengthen CCM’s community presence, donor relationships, and advocacy efforts aligned with the ministry’s mission

Develop opportunities for community members to tour CCM, understand its services, and become involved

Serve as a confident and engaging public speaker on behalf of the ministry

Strengthen CCM’s visibility, partnerships, and community support throughout Catawba and Alexander counties

Qualifications

A minimum of two years of experience in donor development

Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising and donor development, including securing major gifts

Demonstrated experience in marketing and communications, including creating content and managing digital platforms and campaigns

Experience in grant writing or grant management

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and confidently ask for financial support

Strong writing, editing, storytelling, public speaking, and interpersonal skills

High proficiency with computers, social media platforms, email marketing systems, donor databases, and content creation programs

Ability to create quality faith-based written content, photos, graphics, and short videos using a phone

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines

A warm, kind, compassionate, dependable, and humble approach to working with others

A collaborative approach that puts CCM’s mission and team success first

Ability to offer thoughtful recommendations and carry out the direction established by the CEO

Professional judgment, discretion, initiative, and consistent follow-through

Reliable personal transportation for community outreach, meetings, and events

Ability to work onsite in Hickory, NC, and attend occasional evening and weekend events

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, business, public relations, or a related field preferred

Faith-Based Alignment
CCM is a Christian ministry founded by local churches. The ideal candidate will have an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ and demonstrate CCM’s Christian values in their personal and professional conduct. They must be comfortable sharing their faith and able to represent the ministry authentically within all communications and with donors, churches, partners, staff, clients, and the broader community.

About CCM
Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM) is a 501(c)(3) faith-based nonprofit serving the greater Hickory, NC area. Founded by local churches, CCM serves as an extension of the church for people walking through crisis. We are the only free and charitable clinic serving uninsured individuals in Catawba and Alexander counties. Our ministries include free medical and dental care with nine additional specialty providers, a pharmacy providing medications at little or no cost, homeless ministry, crisis intervention, peer support, pastoral care, veterans services, and Next Steps career development. Through these ministries, we help people move beyond immediate crisis toward stability, independence, and lasting life transformation.

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