Development and Communications Director

Job Description

Overview: The Development and Communications Director leads fundraising, donor engagement, communications, marketing and community outreach efforts for Options Veterinary Care.

Options Veterinary Care is a Reno based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality, affordable veterinary care to pets who would otherwise suffer without it. Each year, Options serves over 8,500 dogs and cats living in Northern Nevada, helping to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent animals from receiving needed veterinary care.

Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to work with a growing nonprofit animal welfare organization in Northern Nevada? The Development and Communications Director will be a member of the management team and play a key role in advancing the mission of the organization. The ideal candidate has strong communication and relationship-building skills, is able to convey stories in a compelling way, and is passionate about the welfare of animals and excited to make a meaningful
difference for animals and the people who love them.

The ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, take initiative, bring creativity and flexibility to work and balance multiple priorities are helpful to succeed in this role. A proven track record of successful work in communications and fundraising is beneficial.

Options is a program of Humane Network, a Reno-based nonprofit organization.

Specific Responsibilities:
• Plan execution: Execute a comprehensive and effective fundraising, communications, marketing, and outreach plan for Options. Assess results and make adjustments.
• Donor communication: Manage fundraising to achieve goals including online and traditional approaches, such as direct mail appeals and twice monthly e-newsletters.
• Donor cultivation:
o Direct communication with donors regarding giving opportunities.
o Major gifts and bequest cultivation, working closely with the Executive Director.
o Engagement in donor retention and cultivation, such as developing the monthly giving and On-Call Angels programs.
o Utilization of appropriate strategies to reach potential new supporters in the
community.
• Impact stories:
o Identify stories that show Options impact and share these through social media and other appropriate outlets.
o Create videos to promote Options work to supporters and write about Options for
publications, such as community newsletters or blogs.
• Media coverage:
o Identify newsworthy activities and events and write and distribute news releases in a timely manner.
o Develop and maintain relationships with media contacts and reporters and arrange coverage through TV, radio, and other platforms.
• Online presence: Maintain/create an online presence for the organization including the website, social media, and nonprofit donor websites.
• Community events and campaigns: Plan and implement two to three community events or special campaigns each year as appropriate to create awareness and raise funds (assisted by volunteers and other staff) including opportunities for local business sponsorships.
• Grants: Oversee management and tracking of grant applications and reports, seek additional grant opportunities, and assist with grant writing.
• Identify opportunities: Stay current on new strategies for development and outreach and recommend ways to increase fundraising.
• Collaboration with the team: Develop and maintain communication and work together effectively with the Executive Director and with other key management staff and volunteers.
• Consistent organizational branding: Help ensure consistent standards and messaging.

Specific Qualifications:
• Knowledge and experience in fundraising, communications, and marketing functions including social media and traditional media.
• Knowledge and experience in animal welfare and common development strategies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications with ability to learn the Wix website platform quickly.
• Experience with basic photography, videography, graphic design, and other content creation skills are a plus.
• Strong project and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to communicate compassionately and professionally with clinic clients.
• Able to work in a busy environment with changing priorities.
• Self-starter; able to be effective while working from a home office.

General Qualifications and Expectations for All Staff:
• Commitment to the mission, goals, and guiding principles of Options Veterinary Care.
• Affection for animals and concern for their wellbeing.
• Flexible with the ability to manage changing priorities and varied tasks and schedules.
• Strong interpersonal skills—The ideal person would be outgoing, personable, professional, and able to get along well and communicate successfully with a variety of people.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Results-oriented—Able to set goals, plan and carry out projects without direct supervision in an organized, efficient, and effective manner.
• Collaboration—Working effectively as part of the team to accomplish the organization’s goals.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Learning-agility—Willingness and ability to learn new things quickly; interest and commitment to keeping up with emerging best practices.
• Innovative/solution-oriented—Strong problem-solving skills; able to find ways to make things work.
• Drive―Takes initiative and works with minimal supervision and direction; performs all duties in a manner which encourages attainment of the campaign’s goals.
• Attention to detail―Exceptional ability to follow through and meet deadlines.
• Technology savvy—Comfortable and proficient with computer technology (Microsoft Office and possibly other programs/applications that apply to specific role); able to learn new programs quickly.
• Sound judgment―Maturity, good judgment, and strong decision-making and implementation skills.
• Professional personal appearance and demeanor.

Responsibilities of All Staff:
• Promoting a humane and caring attitude toward all animals and treating all animals with respect and compassion at all times.
• Working courteously and cooperatively with colleagues, volunteers, and other organizations.
• Treating clients, co-workers, and others with respect and courtesy.
• Ensuring superior customer service by promptly addressing concerns, demonstrating respect and empathy, and resolving problems on the spot during walk-in or telephone call situations.
• Willingness to assist with tasks outside of primary realm of responsibility in a manner which demonstrates interest, care, and concern for the staff, public, and animals we serve.
• Being alert to and providing information on success stories to appropriate team members.
• Participating in periodic team meetings to discuss goals and plans.
• Helping to ensure that all established procedures and policies are followed within the intended spirit of each.

Requirements:
• Education/experience: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.
• Location: Lives in greater Sparks/Reno, Nevada area or willing to relocate.
• Nevada Driver’s License in good standing.
• Able to work with and around animals.

Reporting Structure:
The Development and Communications Director reports to the Options Executive Director.

Terms of Employment:
• Full time, exempt position.
• A typical work week is Monday through Friday, five eight-hour days OR four ten-hour days. Work schedule (hours and days of the week) may vary according to the needs of the organization; may occasionally include weekend, night, and holiday work.
• Benefits include three weeks paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick, and personal time), eight paid holidays, and a substantial employer contribution toward individual medical and dental insurance and access to the state of Nevada’s pre-tax retirement savings plan.
• There is no minimum period of employment that is implied or guaranteed.
• Annual starting salary range: $70,000 to $87,000 based on relevant experience.

Humane Network, as the employer, does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring, and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of
our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

How to Apply:
Send a one-page cover letter and a resume to info@humanenetwork.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

About Options Veterinary Care:
Options Veterinary Care is a program of Humane Network that operates a clinic that provides quality, affordable, and accessible spay/neuter services and veterinary care for pets and community cats to keep pets and families together and support a humane community.

About the Community:
Humane Network is based in Reno, Nevada, The Biggest Little City in the World. Reno is a world-class tourist destination with a vibrant arts scene and year-round outdoor activities that has something for everyone. Only 45 minutes away is Lake Tahoe and some of the country's best ski resorts. Reno is also home to numerous hiking, biking, and kayaking options, as well as many casino-resorts and some of the
nation’s top special events: Burning Man, Hot August Nights, the National Championship Air Races, and more. US News and World Report ranks the University of Nevada, Reno as a national Tier 1 university.

The area is rapidly becoming a manufacturing and technology hub with Apple, Switch, and Tesla all opening major facilities. Reno rests at a comfortable 4,400 feet above sea level and gets more than 300 sunny days each year. Average high temperatures are 46 degrees in January and December (the coldest months) and 92 degrees in July (the warmest). Learn more at whyreno.org/livability. 

This is a full time job

Contact Information

Closing Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Posting Date: June 15, 2026

Closing Date: September 15, 2026