Director of Development, Ind.Giv. & Spec. Ev

Job Description

Director of Development, Individual Giving & Special Events

About New York Cares

New York Cares exists to turn passion into action, leverage resources through partnership, and create long-lasting change across New York City. We've become the City's leading volunteer management organization by adapting and responding to our most pressing community needs – from everyday challenges like food insecurity and educational inequity to relief efforts in response to 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. As we grow our team, we are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued, finds a place of belonging, and brings their authentic self to work.

About The Director of Development, Individual Giving & Special Events

We're in search of a seasoned fundraiser and leader adept at forging robust relationships and crafting a dynamic, growth-oriented revenue strategy that adapts seamlessly to a constantly evolving world. The Director of Development will helm a team dedicated to individual giving, encompassing annual, monthly, and major donors, as well as orchestrating Special Events, which include a spring cocktail party, a fall gala, and various smaller gatherings. Moreover, the Director will personally oversee a portfolio of Major Donors, contributions ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and will be responsible for the Annual Gala, aiming to raise between $1.5 million and $1.8 million.

The ideal candidate will be organized, vibrant, and skilled in balancing long-term strategic planning with immediate operational demands, demonstrating an ability to navigate the organization's needs, abilities, and resources effectively.

Scope of Responsibilities

• Set the organization’s strategic communications calendar for fundraising, working with the other Development Directors and the CDO to implement a coherent and compelling case for supporting New York Cares. Message this strategy down to the team and ensure campaigns, solicitations, and appeals are aligned.
• Manage a team of four Direct Reports: An Officer of Special Events, Officer of Individual Giving, Officer of Major Gifts and a Development Coordinator.
• In partnership with the Director of Marketing and Communications, oversee a Revenue Optimization Consultant – assign and manage projects, track progress during monthly report-out meetings, assess success, and plan for the future.
• Manage planning and implementation of the Annual Gala, including managing an Event Manage Consultant, graphic designer, and speech writer; writing solicitations and sponsorship agreements; tracking contributions and payments; tracking venders; etc.
• Develop and implement the Leadership Circle Patron Calendar – a series of events and communications that engage and steward donors of $1,000+
• Manage a portfolio of major donors, executing engagement plans and providing exceptional stewardship to close renewed and increased gifts.
• Coach the 5-person team, and the 6-person Institutional Relations team, on operations tasks (e.g. salesforce reporting, reconciliation, etc.) and moves management and stewardship (e.g. how to make an effective touchpoint, how to conceive a year-round donor journey).
• Manage the Development budget, providing monthly P&L reviews to the finance team.
• Support the Executive Director in tracking major donor fundraising and stewardship, ensuring appropriate talking points and assets are prepared, calls are scheduled, and emails are sent in a timely manner.
• Support the Chief Development Officer in operations, donor engagement, board management, and more.

This list is not an exhaustive job description. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates for the Director of Finance and Operations role will possess:

• A bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of experience or a high school diploma with 5+ years of experience in fundraising or related fields such as marketing, communications, or sales, with a preference for those who have secured five- and six-figure donations.
• Proven leadership skills in managing and mentoring emerging talent, focusing on rapid learning and skill acquisition.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects in a dynamic environment, especially during peak fundraising seasons.
• Superior communication skills, skilled in crafting messages for specific audiences and producing compelling written materials with excellent grammar and copywriting to bolster fundraising efforts.
• Demonstrated project management expertise, efficiently planning work activities, using time effectively, and responding to management direction.
• Capability to analyze data and metrics to inform goals, strategies, and tactics.
• Understanding diverse cultural nuances, backgrounds, and identities, leveraging this knowledge to interact effectively with various communities.
• A forward-thinking, entrepreneurial mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with Salesforce.org, Mailchimp, Apollo, or similar platforms is preferred.
• Superb communication skills, with experience tailoring messages to suit intended audiences and compelling readers to act. Can use outstanding grammar and copywriting to create a variety of written materials that support fundraising efforts.
• Excellent project management skills. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and plans work activities, use time efficiently, follow instructions, and respond to management direction.
• Ability to analyze and use data and metrics to shape goals, strategies, and tactics.
• Understand social nuances, practices, and world views of people of various backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Leverages that understanding to effectively interact with people of diverse communities.
• Possesses a strong future-orientation and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.
• Experience using Salesforce.org, Mailchimp, Apollo, and/or similar technical systems preferred.

Compensation

The salary range is $ 110k - $125K and is commensurate with experience.

Salary is just one component of New York Cares’ total compensation package. We offer generous paid leave, including a winter holiday break, self-care days, and summer Fridays; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; access to a suite of e-learning courses; tax advantage accounts including a 403b Thrift Plan, FSA, and much more.

New York Cares is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are deeply committed to building a workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion are valued and prioritized. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other non-merit-based or legally protected grounds.