April 14th, 2026
Ballard Food Bank
Vice President of Development & Communications
( WASHINGTON| On-site )
About the Organization
Ballard Food Bank’s mission is to bring food and hope to our neighbors because there can be enough for everyone.
To achieve our mission, we provide access to nutritious foods through our grocery model food bank, Kindness Café, and Community Resource Hub, which encompasses financial resources, referral, and mail services that support self-sufficiency. We also advocate for food equity and justice.
Our new home, which opened in October 2021, serves as a Hub for Hope as it brings together food, services, and community partners in a one-stop shop.
The Ballard Food Bank actively strives to be an anti-racist organization and promotes the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its work.
Job Description
Position Summary
The Vice President of Development & Communications is responsible for creating, implementing, and leading the organization’s development and communications strategy.
The position provides strategic oversight and direction to all resource development activities including development (fundraising, corporate and community partnerships), communications (PR, brand management, internal communications), and external engagement in partnership with the Executive Director.
As a member of Ballard Food Bank’s Leadership Team, the VP of Development & Communications helps shape the organization’s external image and brand identity and works directly with the Executive Director and Board to create a strong community base of support.
This role manages six direct reports as part of the development and communications team and manages contract partners as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
Partner with the Executive Director to set and execute development and communications strategies that strengthen financial sustainability and organizational reputation
Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and collaborate on agency-wide strategies
Build and sustain a high-performing, collaborative team through recruitment, performance management, coaching, professional development, and succession planning
Maintain current knowledge of best practices and trends in fundraising and marketing within the nonprofit and human services sectors, including community-centric fundraising
Represent the organization in the community with partners and funders to share Ballard Food Bank’s mission and impact
Fundraising Strategy
Lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy and annual development plan to grow private revenue streams ($6M+ annually) and achieve organizational objectives
Oversee a diverse fundraising program including major gifts, donor stewardship, seasonal campaigns, recurring giving, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, and planned giving
Oversee planning and execution of special fundraising initiatives, including capital and unrestricted campaigns
Develop and implement a major gifts strategy in partnership with donor relationship managers and the Executive Director
Work with a contract grant writer to establish a grant calendar and ensure timely submission of applications and reports
Oversee technology initiatives to strengthen development and communications operations and community-facing engagement
Communications & Marketing
Partner with the Executive Director and leadership team on messaging, positioning, and external relations
Shape the organizational narrative through mission-driven content translating programmatic success into philanthropic messaging
Oversee communications strategy including website, email, press, print, and social media
Partner with program teams to communicate services to clients and the broader community
Work with the Executive Director to manage internal communications ensuring transparency and inclusiveness
Operations, Budgeting & Analytics
Develop and manage departmental budget, including revenue projections and expenditures
Analyze development reports and donor trends to inform revenue goals and strategy
Ensure compliance with fundraising principles, financial reporting requirements, and ethical standards
Skills & Qualifications
Experience & Skills
7+ years of development experience, with at least 3+ years in an executive role
Proven track record of leading multi-million-dollar fundraising efforts, including major and principal gifts
Strategic expertise in brand, communications, and digital engagement
Commitment to strength-based storytelling
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong analytical and data interpretation abilities
Leadership Competencies
Experience building and aligning high-performing, cross-functional teams
Strong interpersonal, decision-making, and leadership skills
Strategic, accessible leadership style that builds trust across diverse teams and community partners
Demonstrated commitment to equity-centered leadership
Proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Ukrainian, or Russian is a plus
Benefits
The starting salary range for this position is $140,000 – $160,000 per year.
Ballard Food Bank provides a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to:
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Employer-matched Simple IRA
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
How to Apply
Ballard Food Bank is utilizing the services of Common Great in this job search.
Submit your cover letter and resume as a single PDF
Send to:
Include “Vice President of Development & Communications” in the subject line
Position open until filled, with priority given to applications received prior to April 30, 2026
Cover Letter Requirement
Please address the following in your cover letter:
Below are Ballard Food Bank’s core values. Share which resonate with you most and why:
Access to food is a human right, as is access to housing, education, and healthcare. Lack of access is a result of systemic racism and injustice
Every individual is worthy of respect and dignity
We center relationships and meet people where they are
We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment
We include perspectives from those we serve
Healthy, culturally appropriate food is critical to community wellbeing
We are stewards of the land and promote sustainability
Equal Opportunity Employment
Ballard Food Bank is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to cultivate a diverse and inclusive team.
Applicants representing the diversity of the community—including people of color, people with disabilities, individuals with lived experience, and people of diverse sexual orientations and gender expressions—are encouraged to apply.