The client seeks a Director of Development to lead individual giving and major gift strategy and implementation, with a focus on New York while also supporting development growth and donor engagement across the country. Working closely with senior leadership and the board, the Director of Development will act as a trusted fundraising thought partner and mobilizer, helping marshal organizational resources—board, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders—to achieve sustainable fundraising results.
Key responsibilities include partnering to create and implement annual and longer-term development plans centered on donor cultivation and stewardship; managing a portfolio of major donors and building deep relationships with current and new supporters through cultivation and solicitation strategies; and leading donor moves management and tracking with support from the development team. The role will also coordinate major donor engagement at organizational events, craft compelling cases for support and fundraising pitches, identify and cultivate prospect opportunities, and serve as a visible ambassador at development- and program-related gatherings.
The ideal candidate will bring passion for the client’s mission and the ability to authentically articulate its impact, along with mature, poised leadership and strong communication and relationship-building skills. The role typically requires extensive development experience, including direct donor engagement and frontline fundraising, plus a proven track record of identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual donors and achieving fundraising goals. The Director of Development should be strategic yet hands-on, highly organized and proactive, comfortable influencing diverse stakeholders including high net worth individuals, computer savvy with donor database management, able to work non-business hours for key events, and willing to travel occasionally for donor meetings and cultivation events.