Communications and Advancement Director
Status: Full‑time (40 hours/week), This position would require occasional weekend work for special events.
Salary Range: $85,000–$100,000 (commensurate with experience and ability to meet fundraising goals)
Reports to: Sr. Development Director & Executive Director
Benefits Package: begins three months after the start date.
6 weeks paid vacation a year (in accordance with the school calendar)
Health Insurance
Dental/Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Flex schedule: off every other Friday.
About AHA!
AHA! equips teenagers, educators, and parents with social and emotional intelligence to dismantle apathy, prevent despair, and interrupt hate‑based behavior. For over two decades, AHA! has been a leader in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mental Wellness in the greater Santa Barbara community, fostering connection, resilience, and compassion in the next generation of leaders.
Position Overview
The Communications and Advancement Director is a senior leader helping drive AHA!’s visibility, financial sustainability, and strategic partnerships. This role blends communications strategy and implementation with high-level fundraising strategy to ensure AHA!’s mission is powerfully conveyed, widely understood, and generously supported. Working closely with the Executive Director, Senior Development Director, and the Board, the Director will be responsible for expanding AHA!’s presence in the media and other channels while helping to cultivate new donor relationships, secure major gifts, and develop new partnerships. They will oversee brand strategy, public relations, and storytelling initiatives that elevate AHA!’s impact across Santa Barbara County and beyond. This position plays a critical role in shaping the organization’s external voice, building community trust, and helping generate the resources needed to sustain and grow a $2M annual budget.
Key Responsibilities
Communications & Brand
Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that elevates the organization’s mission, programs, and impact across all channels.
Manage media relations, press outreach, and serve as a spokesperson when needed.
Oversee content development for website, newsletters, social media, and campaign materials.
Ensure consistent brand voice and messaging across all platforms.
Manage and work closely with the Social Media Coordinator.
Fundraising & Development
Work closely with the Sr. Director of Development to support fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, events, and corporate/individual donor campaigns.
Cultivate and steward relationships with new donors, partners, and stakeholders to expand AHA!’s funding base.
Collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Senior Development Director, and the Board to develop donor engagement strategies and drive revenue growth.
Partner with senior staff to support grant writing and reporting processes, ensuring alignment with program goals and funding priorities.
Leadership & Collaboration
Manage and mentor staff and youth, supporting communications and development.
Partner with Associate Director and program leaders to translate impact into compelling stories and cases for support.
Collaborate with the Senior Development Director and the Board Development Committee to align fundraising and communications strategies.
Qualifications
Minimum of 7 years of experience in nonprofit communications, development, or external relations
Proven success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and executing strategic communications campaigns
Exceptional written, verbal, and storytelling abilities, with a talent for translating impact into compelling narratives
Professional background in media relations and storytelling, with demonstrated success in securing press coverage and elevating public awareness
Experience developing and implementing brand strategies across digital and traditional platforms
Strong relationship-building skills with donors, partners, and community leaders
Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
Confident public speaker with strong presentation skills
Skilled in administrative management and organizational systems
Effective in community outreach and engagement efforts
Familiarity with digital platforms such as Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Sheets; willingness and ability to learn additional tools (e.g., Salesforce, Canva)
Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) preferred or equivalent professional experience
Qualities desired
Bilingual a plus
Dynamic, charismatic
Clear communicator
Attentive to detail; organized
Strong work ethic
Excellent time management skills
Innovative, strategic thinker
Professional demeanor and presentation
Empathetic and self-aware
Comfortable with building relationships with teen participants and parents
Experience and knowledge of schools and youth-serving nonprofits in SB/Carpinteria/Goleta
Comfortable giving and receiving feedback
Good problem solver and team player
Interested in social-emotional learning
Passionate about serving the community
Additional details of work tasks will be provided.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to roxy@ahasb.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
