VP of Communications & Development

Position Title: Vice President (VP) of Communications & DevelopmentReports to: Executive DirectorLocation: Portland, Oregon metro region or Seattle, Washington metro region. We are unable to pay for the cost of relocation.Starting Salary: $136K to $150K. Starting salary will be based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.Full Annual Salary Range for Level: $136K to $192KPosting Date: Oct 3, 2025Application Deadline: Oct 26, 2025Anticipated Start Date: Between Dec 16, 2025 and Jan 6, 2026Who we areAt Ecotrust, we work in partnership from California to Alaska toward a vision of a more just, prosperous, and climate-smart future. Across more than 30 projects and with hundreds of partners, our approach focuses on impact at the intersection of equity, the economy and the environment.Job SummaryThe VP of Communications & Development is responsible for building robust, comprehensive and sustainable fundraising and communications programs for the organization that match Ecotrust’s ambitious goals.Primary ResponsibilitiesOrganizational leadershipWork closely with the Executive Director and leadership to ensure alignment between organizational objectives.Collaborate with the Finance team on annual budget process and resource management.Identify and address issues that affect the well-being and efficacy of the organization.Collaborate with leadership and Board of Directors in making key strategic decisions.Provide analysis and present to the Leadership Team and the Board about development and communication strategies.Department managementManage day to day and overall success of 3-6 direct reports.Assure sound fiscal and mission management of development and communication functions.Lead the development and execution of Ecotrust’s fundraising strategy.Build and manage the systems and infrastructure necessary to support fundraising operations.Advance innovative, integrated approaches to resource development.Provide support, input, and resourcing for Communications Director.Recruit, manage and support the professional development of high-performing staff.Fundraising strategy and leadershipServe as the primary fundraiser and fundraising strategist for Ecotrust.Create individualized revenue targets as well as accountability and efficiency metrics.Supervise and contribute to the development of all Ecotrust donor communications and materials.Model effective donor relationship management and engagement to the team.Work with the Board Chair, Executive Director, Capital & Fundraising Committee Chair and others to ensure fundraising responsibility of the Board is being pursued and munications strategy and leadershipDevelop the organization’s best-in-class communications program.Along with the Communications Director, build brand recognition across channels.Work in collaboration with the Executive Director, as well as fellow Ecotrust VPs, to align communications team priorities with programmatic focus areas.Provide strategic guidance to resource the communications function at Ecotrust.Advise and guide activities related to crisis communications and reputational risk.Key Qualifications and Transferable SkillsAuthentic Commitment to Ecotrust’s MissionTopical Familiarity with at least one area of our work.Professional Experience : 10+ years of relevant experience in fundraising, business development, marketing, communications and/or sales.Supervisory Experience : 5+ years supervisory experience with proven ability to provide mentorship, coaching, and skill-building support for direct reports.Fundraising : Demonstrated track record of securing six and seven figure contributions.Donor Management : Desire to be visible and engage partners at the highest levels, manage relationships, and secure pelling Communications: Memorable, powerful, absorbing, or otherwise impactful writing, design, responsible storytelling, and presentation skills.Crisis Communications : 5+ years of relevant experience leading crisis communications strategies and activities.Justice Competencies : Experience with trauma-informed approaches, owning and learning from mistakes, and skills in facilitation.Relationship Competencies : Demonstrated expertise with collaboration, transparency and patience; exhibits an empowering versus controlling leadership style.Financial Management : Demonstrated expertise over the financial environment impacting the organization.Systems Thinking: Ability to holistically analyze information, data, interactions, influences, and factors as part of an interrelated system.Accountability to Impact: Takes responsibility for organizational fundraising and communications outcomes and impacts on colleagues, partners, impacted parties, and the community.Adaptive Leadership: Modifies and shifts approaches and strategies to address challenges that do not have quick, singular, or technical solutions.Vision : Experience crafting a vision for fundraising and communications that centers the experiences of marginalized individuals and groups and applies insights gained from colleagues’ lived experiences.Tech : Experience with constituent database applications.Growth Mindset: Ability to lead on all communications and development efforts to expand our reach as well as increase giving, particularly unrestricted giving.Emotional Intelligence: Ability to navigate challenging dynamics, both organizationally and nationally; extensive skills and resilience in navigating conflict and competing priorities.Preferred but not required qualifications:Existing Connections: Engagement in an existing network that can support our development and communications goals.Strategic Communication: Experience developing short- and long-term strategies for communications that connect with impacted parties, embody values, and propel goals forward.Resourcing : Proficiency organizing and planning people, financial, time, and information resources in the best interest of both organizational mission and holistic colleague well-being.Events : Experience leading and operationalizing events to increase community engagement.Additional InformationThis is a full-time, exempt position. Ecotrust offers equity-centered benefits that strive to recognize employees as whole people and prioritize their overall wellbeing.Working conditions:Ability to travel up to 20% of time.Availability to work some evenings and weekends, and have a safe driving record, access to reliable transportation, and a valid driver’s license.If Portland Metro-based, you may work from home and/or the office and are encouraged to come into the Portland office at least weekly to maintain team connection and in-person collaboration.Ecotrust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a diverse staff of qualified, highly-skilled, and creative individuals is necessary to achieve the vision and mission of the organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-06