Chief Development and Communications Officer

Help USA•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the President and Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the executive leadership team, the Chief Development and Communications Officer (CDCO) will lead HELP USA’s comprehensive fundraising, communications, marketing, and external engagement efforts. The CDCO will partner closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team to strengthen philanthropic support, elevate the organization’s public profile, and advance HELP USA’s mission of ending homelessness and housing insecurity. The CDCO will develop and execute an integrated strategy that aligns fundraising, communications, brand management, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership. The successful candidate will build strong relationships with donors, foundations, corporate partners, policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders while serving as a leading external ambassador for the organization. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and entrepreneurial executive to build upon HELP USA’s strong reputation and drive its next phase of growth. The CDCO will focus on expanding and diversifying revenue, strengthening donor and stakeholder engagement, amplifying the organization’s impact story, and positioning HELP USA as a leading voice in housing, homelessness prevention, and supportive services. Success in the role will be measured by increased philanthropic investment, greater organizational visibility, stronger community partnerships, and greater impact on individuals and families in need.

Requirements

15+ years of progressive leadership experience in development, advancement, communications, external affairs, public affairs, marketing, or related functions within a nonprofit, housing, healthcare, higher education, public-sector, or similarly complex mission-driven organization.
Demonstrated success leading comprehensive fundraising programs, including major gifts, individual giving, foundation relations, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, campaigns, planned giving, and special events, with a track record of securing significant philanthropic investments.
Proven ability to serve as a strategic advisor to CEOs, executive leadership teams, and boards on fundraising, communications, brand management, stakeholder engagement, and organizational growth.
Experience developing integrated fundraising and communications strategies that strengthen revenue generation, enhance organizational visibility, and advance mission impact.
Significant expertise in communications and external affairs, including media relations, executive communications, marketing, digital engagement, and thought leadership initiatives.
Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage donors, foundations, corporations, government leaders, community partners, and other key constituencies.
Success leading and developing high-performing teams, managing budgets and performance metrics, and building a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Exceptional communication and executive presence, with the ability to represent an organization effectively across philanthropic, corporate, civic, governmental, and media environments.

Nice To Haves

Experience within large, matrixed organizations and familiarity with the New York philanthropic and nonprofit landscape are highly desirable.
An advanced degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, marketing, public policy, social work, or a related field is considered advantageous.
Professional certifications such as Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and other relevant continuing education credentials are welcomed but not required.

Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team on fundraising, communications, advocacy, and external engagement.
Develop and implement a multi-year development and communications strategy aligned with organizational priorities and growth objectives.
Represent HELP USA with donors, board members, public officials, corporate leaders, media, and community partners.
Advance organizational visibility, reputation, and long-term sustainability.
Lead all aspects of private fundraising, including major gifts, foundations, corporate partnerships, events, planned giving, and campaigns.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and strategic funding partners.
Partner with the CEO and Board to secure transformational philanthropic investments.
Establish fundraising metrics, forecasting tools, and systems that support sustained revenue growth and donor engagement.
Monitor fundraising performance, evaluate return on investment, and identify opportunities to strengthen donor acquisition, retention, and engagement.
Oversee integrated communications, marketing, media relations, digital engagement, executive communications, and brand strategy.
Ensure compelling and consistent storytelling that highlights HELP USA’s impact and expertise.
Strengthen organizational visibility through strategic communications and thought leadership initiatives.
Measure and evaluate communications effectiveness through engagement, media coverage, and fundraising outcomes.
Support Board engagement and philanthropic development efforts; and equip Board and executive leaders with relationship-management tools, talking points, and donor strategies.
Support relationships with policymakers, funders, coalition partners, and community stakeholders.
Advance advocacy efforts and elevate HELP USA’s voice on housing stability, homelessness prevention, and community development in partnership with the CEO and other senior leaders.
Provide strategic oversight of fundraising, cultivation, and public-awareness events.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing development and communications team.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Oversee budgets, technology platforms, operational systems, and infrastructure that support scalable growth and mission impact.