EPACENTER

JOB DESCRIPTION

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING & COMMUNICATIONS

Organizational Overview:

EPACENTER is a creative youth development center in East Palo Alto that amplifies the creative potential in every young person. Harnessing the power of art, design, and technology, EPACENTER accelerates positive youth development outcomes for youth and young adults in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. EPACENTER envisions a future where all young people can become creative innovators and enjoy economic and social success in their community.

In our state-of-the-art 25,000-square-foot facility, we offer classes for youth, ages 6-25) in visual art, dance, music, digital media, technology, and internships in high-wage creative fields. We serve 800 youth and young adults annually.

Position Overview:

The Associate Director of Fundraising and Communications is a key member of EPACENTER's leadership team, reporting directly to the Executive Director. This role equally prioritizes fundraising, and marketing and communications. Fundraising responsibilities include creating an annual fundraising plan, developing and managing donor relationships, securing annual, major, and principal gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations, leading grant writing efforts, overseeing cultivation events and fundraisers, supporting EPACENTER's Board and Executive Director in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding gifts, creating materials for Board meetings, and managing the fundraising budget. Marketing responsibilities include creating comprehensive marketing strategies, conducting advertising and media buys, developing marketing partnerships, securing event sponsorships, and overseeing public relations and social media efforts.

This full-time, exempt position requires a strategic, solutions-oriented professional with a proven track record in fundraising, marketing, and communications who thrives in a dynamic environment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate discretion, an ability to maintain confidentiality, responsiveness to feedback, and an ability to collaborate effectively with high-level donors, community leaders, and stakeholders.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Grant Writing (50%):

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan targeting individual, corporate, foundation, and government donors.
• Lead grant writing processes, including researching funding opportunities, proposal preparation, reporting, and compliance with grant requirements.
• Personally cultivate and steward relationships with individual and institutional donors capable of making significant contributions ($5,000 to over $1 million).
• Manage and oversee fundraising events, including galas, awards ceremonies, and donor-focused events.
• Collaborate with and support the Board of Directors in donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Maintain accurate donor records and oversee fundraising analytics through the donor database.

Marketing & Communications (50%):

• Develop and execute strategic annual marketing and communications plans to promote EPACENTER's public events, programs, and community initiatives.
• Oversee advertising strategies and media buys across digital, print, radio, and television.
• Supervise the creation and distribution of marketing materials, manage EPACENTER's website and social media presence, and coordinate public relations efforts.
• Ensure consistency and effectiveness of branding and communication standards throughout all platforms and materials.
• Manage relationships and projects with external vendors and internal team members to fulfill marketing goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• At least ten years of professional fundraising and grant writing experience, including directly soliciting major gifts ($25K+).
• At least five years of professional experience managing strategic marketing, advertising, and media campaigns.
• Proven expertise in crafting persuasive grant proposals, reports, and marketing communications.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage relationships with donors, partners, media representatives, and external vendors.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with strategic problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism when engaging with high-level donors, community members, and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in fundraising and marketing within arts-focused organizations.
• Knowledge of and connections within the San Francisco Bay Area donor and media landscape.

Key Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with exceptional analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of engaging funders, stakeholders, and communities.
• Commitment to EPACENTER's mission and values, and to working in a team environment in collaboration with executive and board leadership.
• Ability to accept direction, maintain confidentiality, and contribute positively to a collaborative work environment between staff and the Board.

Position Details:

• Full-Time: 37.5 hours per week, in-person
• Office environment, with occasional local travel
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers and phones

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by EPACENTER's nondiscrimination policy.