Director of Development And Communications

About BEST NCBEST NC (Business for Education Success and Transformation in North Carolina) is a dynamic and innovative nonpartisan, non-profit organization dedicated to improving education in North Carolina. We are proud to have a membership that includes influential business leaders committed to shaping the future of education in our state. Our mission is to unite business leaders, educators, policymakers, and community members around a shared passion for transforming education in North Carolina; and a belief that every student in North Carolina should receive a high-quality education.BEST NC CORE VALUESStudent-focusedEvidence-based and Solutions-orientedOptimistic & CourageousCollaborativeCommitted to Continuous ImprovementLocation:BEST NC’s offices are in Cary, NC. We operate on a hybrid work schedule with required in-person attendance 2 days per week, plus key events. The office is open every day for anyone who prefers to work in the office. Limited travel is required to support events, typically day trips within the state and generally not more than one per month on average. Position OverviewBEST NC is seeking a senior, development and communications professional to serve as Director of Development & Communications. This role owns BEST NC's voice with its members, board members, policymakers, and the broader education field — managing the full member engagement cycle, leading grant development and reporting, producing the organization's flagship communications, and serving as a thought partner to the President & CEO. If you are an experienced fundraiser and communicator who thrives on relationships and writing, and cares deeply about education, we want to hear from you.PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESMember Engagement & FundraisingManage the member engagement cycle: quarterly newsletters, regular one-on-one touchpoints (scheduling and preparing the CEO), identification of new member candidates, membership and board recruitment and retention, and elevating current members to higher member tiersCoordinate member events with support from the Programs & Events ManagerMaintain SFDC (Salesforce) hygiene for all member and donor dataAnnual Innovation LabLead planning effort for the Annual BEST NC Education Innovation Lab – including: convening a planning committee to identify a theme, agenda, and speakersWork with Programs & Events Manager to execute logisticsBoard ManagementWork with CEO to plan content for quarterly board meetings including guest speakers and draft deckProvide Board updates on communications, membership, and other development activitiesGrant ManagementOwn the full lifecycle of general operating and special grants – prospecting, applications, relationship management, and reporting, working closely with staff and consultants to meet deliverablesCommunications & ContentProduce the quarterly member newsletter, annual report content, policy briefs, and monthly Catalyst newsletters (content calendar, content creation, and execution of digital pushes including one-offs) in coordination with policy and graphic design colleaguesDraft stakeholder emails and biweekly Board updatesCollaborate with the Programs & Events Manager on event communications, invitations, and recap content QUALIFICATIONSRequired5+ years of experience in development, member engagement, or fundraising at a mission-driven organizationDemonstrated grant writing and reporting experience, including general operating and project grantsStrong portfolio that includes long-form writing (annual reports, grant narratives) and short-form (newsletters, member communications, stakeholder updates)Track record of member or donor recruitment and retention, ideally in North CarolinaComfortable as a thought partner to the CEO and as a representative of the organization to business and philanthropic executivesExperience with Constant Contact or similar email platformsProficiency in Salesforce or a comparable CRMBachelor's degree or equivalent experiencePreferredFamiliarity with AI-assisted drafting tools and willingness to standardize their useBackground in K-12 or higher education, policy, business advocacy, or a related fieldCOMPENSATION & BENEFITSCompensation is commensurate with experience, within a target range of $90,000–$120,000 depending on experience and skills. Benefits include paid vacation leave and holidays, flexible work hours, a SIMPLE IRA contribution, and a contribution toward a flexible benefit of your choice. This is a full-time position that reports to the President & CEO. Please note that BEST NC does not currently offer employer-sponsored health insurance; the salary range above is intentionally set above local nonprofit medians for comparable roles to help offset the cost of individually purchased coverage.TO APPLYReady to join our extraordinary team and do great work for North Carolina? Please complete the following: 1)    Submit your application on LinkedIn.2)    Email your resume and cover letter to jobs@BESTNC.org with the subject line Director of Development & Communications. Be sure to include:A resume showcasing your skills and experienceA cover letter that speaks to your development and communications background and your passion for this workOne writing sample (grant narrative, annual report excerpt, or member communication)Applications will be accepted until Monday, June 1, 2026BEST NC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.Join us on the meaningful journey of connecting people, supporting the team, and driving education transformation in North Carolina, while working closely with influential leaders in the business and education sectors. Your dedication and skills can make a significant impact on the future of our state's education system!