Director of Development & Community Engagement at Transition House

Director of Development & Community Engagement

Do you want to play a key role in expanding resources for survivors of domestic violence? Do you thrive on crafting innovative fundraising strategies and strengthening donor connections? 

Transition House is hiring a Director of Development & Community Engagement to join our team. They have retained Riverwalker Talent for this search. 

About Us: Transition House’s mission is to end domestic violence and create communities where survivors can live in safety and thrive. Transition House has been providing holistic support for nearly 50 years. Our greatest asset is our employees, encompassing a variety of origins, concepts, viewpoints, and life journeys. We've established a diverse and inclusive atmosphere filled with individuals who share a common purpose. Our leadership is characterized by openness, approachability, genuineness, and a commitment to nurturing our staff. 

About the Role: We seek a Director of Development & Community Engagement who will work and lead from a philosophy that sees people, not problems, and is committed to fostering a workplace culture that is social justice centered. A few of the key responsibilities for this role will be in strengthening Transition House’s fundraising capacity through donor relationships, fundraising initiatives, and brand strategy. In 2026, Transition House will celebrate its 50th anniversary, a major milestone for the organization, planning and executing the anniversary events will be a core part of this role. 

A successful Director will feel energized by building authentic relationships and processes to support the mission of Transition House with strong communication skills and the ability to work independently, collaboratively and with innovation. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Plan and execute multiple fundraisers throughout the year, including, supporting planning and logistics for fundraising events
• Develop and implement donor cultivation strategies, including legacy gifts and major gifts programs. 
• Support Executive Director with annual and summer fundraising appeals.
• Develop a donor stewardship annual plan and engage new donors.
• Collaborate to design innovative fundraising strategies that reflect the strengths and needs of the communities we serve and develop diverse funding streams.

Communications & Brand Strategy

• Create and execute social media strategies aligned with development goals.
• Maintain and enhance monthly donor newsletters, ensuring compelling storytelling and engagement.

Community Engagement & Partnerships  

• Cultivate and sustain meaningful relationships with local businesses, community groups, and partners to expand awareness and support for Transition House.  
• Represent Transition House at community events and networking opportunities to strengthen visibility and build goodwill.  
• Collaborate with program staff to amplify survivor-centered community narratives and ensure community engagement efforts are trauma-informed and mission-aligned.  
• Develop outreach strategies that engage diverse communities and build a broader base of supporters and allies.

Volunteer Coordination

• Coordinate volunteer engagement for events, as needed
• Strategically engage volunteers as future donors, advocates, and community ambassadors.

Grant Management & Data Support

• Assist with grant writing and management, ensuring compliance and reporting
• Collaborate with the leadership team to identify data needs for both new and existing grants, and develop strategies for using data to tell compelling stories while upholding the confidentiality and dignity of the survivors we serve.

Qualifications: 

We believe successful candidates will be proactive, strategic, and creative development professionals with a track record of growing funding streams (we imagine this will mean 3–5 years of related experience or clearly transferable skills and results). 

Beyond experience, we’re seeking someone who brings both strong technical skills and the relational qualities that make development work meaningful. A self-starter with collaborative capacity will thrive as leadership encourages autonomy and innovation.

We are looking for:

• Demonstrated success in fundraising and development, including donor communications, social media strategy, and ethical storytelling that uplifts survivor voices.
• A relationship-builder and connector, able to authentically engage donors, volunteers, and community members in support of Transition House’s mission while holding the value of community relationships at the forefront.
• A strong communicator with excellent writing and verbal skills. (English fluency required).
• A team player who thrives in a collaborative, high-performing environment while also working independently with initiative.An ethical storyteller who can gather stories from staff in a way that honors survivor experiences and use them to craft compelling narratives that inspire meaningful engagement and giving.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience working across diverse populations and a high-level of comfort in multicultural diverse settings.
• Strong organizational skills to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, with a willingness to take on responsibilities as needed to support the functioning of a small nonprofit team.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Zoom, and Microsoft Office.

We’d Love to See:

• Nonprofit experience, especially in social or human services 
• Fluency in another language is a plus
• Familiarity with family systems, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and domestic violence services.

What We Offer:

• Salary Range is $80,000-85,000 annually, great benefits package, professional development opportunities, empowering supervisor 
• Supportive supervisor who encourages new ideas and prioritizes team support and professional development 
• Schedule: Mon-Fri - 9:00am-5:00pm with some flexibility. Some evenings and weekends will be required for events and fundraisers
• Hybrid: 4 days in the office, 1 day remote
• Location: Cambridge, MA (Central Square)
• Type: Full-time, exempt, with one-hour lunch break
• Reports To: Executive Director and is part of a highly collaborative Management Team. 
• Opportunity to work in a collaborative and mission-driven organization where your ideas and expertise are valued.

Comprehensive benefits package includes health, and dental, retirement plan, and paid time off. Transition House provides ongoing weekly supervision, and opportunities for all staff to participate in education and training regularly throughout the year. 

It is our policy to complete a Criminal Offense Record Information (CORI) background check prior to hire. Findings will not automatically disqualify candidates.

Transition House values diverse life experience and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Bilingual/bicultural applicants, survivors of domestic violence, persons of color, people with disabilities and GLBTQI people are strongly encouraged to apply. 

How to Apply:
Transition House is partnering with Riverwalker Talent (formerly Jessye Kass Consulting) for this search. Instead of a cover letter, applicants will be asked to answer the following short-answer questions and upload their resume:

1. Share an example of a fundraising success story. What were you responsible for and what was the outcome?

2. What experience do you have in planning and executing events? How do you ensure their success?

3. How do you envision leveraging your experiences to support the growth of Transition House?  

4. What draws you to this role and the mission at Transition House?

If you have any accessibility issues, need accommodations, or have questions, please contact Jessye Kass Karlin at jessye@riverwalkertalent.com 

No phone calls, please.

Transition House’s mission is to end domestic violence in our community. To learn more about us: https://www.transitionhouse.org