AHA! Communications and Advancement Director

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.