Director of Strategic Communications and Deve in Cincinnati, Ohio at The Crossroads Center

Position Summary

The Director of Strategic Communications and Development is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through integrated marketing, communications, and fundraising strategies. This position leads the development and execution of a comprehensive plan to elevate brand awareness, strengthen community engagement, and secure sustainable funding to support programs serving individuals affected by substance use and mental health disorders.

The Director works collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders to ensure messaging reflects the organization’s values of compassion, recovery, equity, and evidence-based care.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a unified communications and development strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and executive team on messaging, public positioning, and growth opportunities.
• Build and maintain a strong, consistent brand identity that reflects the organization’s mission and impact.
• Monitor trends in behavioral health, philanthropy, and nonprofit communications to guide strategy.
• Manage departmental budget and resources effectively.

Communications & Marketing

• Lead all internal and external communications, including media relations, digital content, publications, and crisis communications.
• Oversee the creation of compelling content (stories, campaigns, reports) that highlights recovery, resilience, and impact.
• Manage website, social media platforms, email campaigns, and marketing materials.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets and position the organization as a thought leader in mental health and substance use services.
• Ensure messaging is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and stigma-reducing.

Fundraising & Development

• Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising program, including:
  • Major gifts
  • Grants and foundation relations
  • Corporate partnerships
  • Annual giving campaigns
  • Special events
• Identify, cultivate, and steward donors and strategic partners.
• Collaborate with program leaders to align funding priorities with programmatic needs.
• Track and report fundraising performance and outcomes.

Grant Strategy & Management

• Lead grant prospecting, proposal development, and reporting.
• Build relationships with foundations and public funding entities.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of proposals and compliance with grant requirements.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Strengthen relationships with community stakeholders, healthcare organizations, and advocacy groups.
• Represent the organization at public events, conferences, and coalition meetings.
• Develop outreach initiatives that increase awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, public health, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 4-6+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit communications, fundraising, or related leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including major gifts and grant writing.
• Strong understanding of branding, storytelling, and digital marketing strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in or with behavioral health, healthcare, or human services organizations.

Preferred

• Knowledge of substance use disorder recovery models and mental health systems of care.
• Experience with trauma-informed communication approaches.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and donor management platforms.
• Proven track record of building partnerships and growing donor pipelines.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and execution
• Relationship building and stakeholder engagement
• Empathy and cultural humility
• Leadership and team development
• Data-driven decision-making
• Adaptability and innovation

Work Environment

• Office-based setting, depending on organizational structure
• Occasional evening and weekend events required

Equal Opportunity Statement