Director of Development and Communications
Reports to: CEO
FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-time
Date: March 2026
Position Summary:
The Director of Development and Communications leads Wellness House of Annapolis’ fundraising initiatives and external communications strategy. This role is responsible for strengthening financial support while elevating the organization’s voice across the community.
This is a key leadership position that works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and staff to advance the mission of Wellness House. The Director develops and implements integrated strategies that align fundraising, storytelling, and relationship-building to inspire giving and deepen community connection.
About Wellness House of Annapolis:
Wellness House of Annapolis provides free, comprehensive support to individuals and families impacted by cancer. Through mental health and integrative wellness services, Wellness House offers a place of connection, healing, and hope throughout the cancer experience.
Located in a welcoming, home-like environment, Wellness House serves as a trusted resource for individuals and their families navigating the cancer continuum. With a focus on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—our programs empower members with the tools they needed to move through cancer with resilience.
About Our Culture:
We’re mission-driven and we work hard because we genuinely care—about our members, about each other, and about the work we do every day. We believe in showing up with compassion, honesty, and a willingness to grow, both individually and as a team.
There’s something truly unique about the space we work in—a house on a horse farm that seems to hold its own kind of magic. Nature, animals, and the history of the land are part of the healing environment we offer, playing a vital role in creating a sacred space for our members. We believe the right people find their way here, and we nurture that sense of purpose and belonging once they do.
Responsibilities Overview:
- Fundraising & Strategy: Create and implement comprehensive fundraising plans, including an annual giving campaign, leadership gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants.
- Donor Relations & Stewardship: Cultivate, solicit, and steward existing donors as well as prospects to grow the organization’s donor base and improve donor retention rates. Responsible for planning and implementing Wellness House’s annual Great Fall Fundraiser and Festival at the Farm fundraising events.
- Communications & Marketing: Oversee all organizational communications, including website content, newsletters, social media, press relations, and the annual report.
- Leadership & Administration: Serve on the senior leadership team, oversee the Salsa database, track metrics, manage the department budget, and coordinate with support staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leads and collaborate with key staff members to establish, achieve, and annually revise a multi-year comprehensive Fund Development Plan
- Lead communications strategy with clear, compelling storytelling that integrates fundraising and strategic goals, ensuring consistent messaging across digital, print, and in-person platforms
- Conducts an average of three (3) major donor meetings per month to meet or exceed fundraising goals
- Utilizes Moves Management to cultivate, solicit, and steward a dynamic portfolio of donors
- Develops compelling donor communications including appeals, newsletters, reports, and stewardship materials
- Manages and tracks donor contributions; oversees donor acknowledgment, receipts, and reporting in partnership with staff
- Builds and maintains relationships with corporate sponsors, foundations, government entities, and community partners
- Leads outreach and public engagement through presentations, events, and partnerships
- Oversees digital communications including website, email, and social media to increase visibility and engagement
- Uses CRM data to segment audiences and guide donor engagement strategies
- Plans and executes fundraising events, ensuring strong messaging, participation, and revenue outcomes
- Collaborates with leadership and program staff to align messaging with organizational impact and member experience
- Ensures strong stewardship practices to meet donor expectations and strengthen long-term relationships
- Researches, writes, and manages all grant proposals and reporting, coordinating with staff and advising leadership
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Serves as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee
- Maintains and updates development and communications calendar
- Supports database and mailing list management for outreach and communications
- Collaborates with and leads volunteers supporting fundraising and communications efforts
Competency Areas:
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
- Exceptional writing, storytelling, and presentation skills
- Creative and adaptable approach to community engagement
- Strong strategic thinking with ability to integrate development and communications
- Ability to analyze data and use insights to guide strategy
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, nonprofit management, or related field with Five (5)+ years of fundraising and development experience
- Demonstrated ability to cultivate and secure leadership gifts of five and six figures
- Experience in successfully planning and implementing major fundraising events
- Ability to produce a variety of high-quality donor communications including online social media and printed materials
- Proficient with CRM systems and software (e.g., Salsa, MindBody, Constant Contact, Adobe, Canva, Microsoft Office, social media)
- Experience with grant writing
- Moves Management experience preferred
Work Requirements:
- Periodic evening and weekend work required
- Periodic local travel required
- Comfortable lifting up to 20 lbs.
- Ability to stand for extended periods during events
- Perform other duties as assigned
To apply, please submit a cover letter expressing your interest, along with a resume via email to johnt@annapoliswellnesshouse.org