Director of Development and Communications

About Historic Yellow Springs

Historic Yellow Springs is a living village steeped in a distinguished history, tradition, and folklore that stirs the imagination of those who visit. The village spans 300 years of American history. Today, the village includes 11 buildings and 142 acres. HYS continues to host a wide range of fine art, sculpture and ceramic classes for adults, teens and children, boasts some of the best art shows in the area, contains a beautiful venue for weddings and events and hosts numerous trails for all who visit to enjoy, including passing the Revolutionary War hospital commissioned by then General Washington.

Our Mission

The mission of Historic Yellow Springs, Inc. is to share, preserve and celebrate the unique living village of Yellow Springs.

Job Summary

The Director of Development and Communications supports the organization’s fundraising, membership, marketing, and communications activities through the implementation of campaigns, engagement initiatives, and administrative systems. This role manages donor and membership records, coordinates communications and stewardship efforts, assists with fundraising and sponsorship activities, and promotes programs and events through a variety of marketing channels. Working collaboratively across departments, the Director helps strengthen relationships with donors, members, supporters, and community partners while advancing the visibility and sustainability of the organization.

Essential Job Functions

1. Fundraising, Grant Support & Donor Engagement
   • Coordinate and implement annual fundraising campaigns, appeals, and special fundraising initiatives.
   • Assist with donor cultivation, stewardship, acknowledgments, and ongoing communications.
   • Provide administrative support for grant applications, reporting, compliance requirements, and grant-related documentation.
   • Support sponsorship outreach, benefit fulfillment, and relationship management.
   • Maintain accurate donor and grant records and track fundraising activities and results.
   • Prepare reports, materials, and correspondence to support fundraising, grant, and donor engagement efforts.
2. Membership Management & Administration
   • Manage membership enrollment, renewals, retention efforts, and benefit fulfillment.
   • Maintain accurate membership records and oversee membership database management.
   • Coordinate membership communications, renewal reminders, acknowledgments, and member services.
   • Track membership participation, retention, and growth metrics.
   • Support member-focused events and activities that strengthen engagement and connection to the organization.
3. Marketing, Communications & Public Engagement
   • Oversee marketing and communications plans that support fundraising, membership, programs, and events.
   • Oversee and coordinate content for social media, newsletters, website updates, publications, and promotional materials.
   • Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all organizational communications.
   • Assist with media relations, community outreach, and promotional partnerships to increase visibility and engagement.
   • Support the promotion of organizational programs, events, exhibitions, and initiatives.
4. Be an engaged team member to promote personal growth and development of best practices in the department
   • Provide program support for other organizational programs or activities as needed
   • Attend meetings, trainings and key program events as determined by program staff
   • Responds to emails and approval requests in a timely manner
   • Maintain positive interactions in promotion and retention of Yellow Springs operations and activities
   • Actively engage in brainstorming and review exercises

Competency Requirements

• Management skills: Ability to motivate, negotiate, coach, and develop employees, contractors, and volunteers
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to build relationships, problem solve, and manage challenges
• Organizational and time management skills
• Cultural competency: Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word)

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or GED
• People management experience preferred
• Experience CRM, Email, or class registration software preferred
• Proficiency and proven experience with WordPress preferred
• Prior development and/or communication experience preferred

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Works primarily indoors in open office environment
• Works regular hours; some evening and weekend hours are required
• Occasional physical demands associated with carrying/moving art materials and supplies, installing exhibitions; must be able to climb ladders and lift a maximum of 25 lbs.
• Individuals must be able to move freely about the work site.
• Individuals must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.