Director of Development

Richemont•New York, NY

23h•$130,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Laureus Sport for Good USA is a national nonprofit organization that uses sport to improve young people’s lives and unite communities. Since 2012, it has invested more than $30 million in community-based organizations and supported programs through grants, capacity building, convenings, research, and strategic advisement. Laureus USA is part of the global Laureus network. The Director of Development, based in New York City and reporting to the Executive Director, leads the Development Department and oversees fundraising strategy and execution across individual, foundation, and corporate giving. The role focuses on stewarding and growing existing donor and funder relationships, building new partnerships, and creating a more robust and sustainable fundraising pipeline, with particular emphasis on high-net-worth individual giving. The Director manages a team of two staff members and serves on the national leadership team, aligning fundraising with organizational priorities.

Requirements

At least 10 years of relevant experience in development, fundraising, or related external-facing roles.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing fundraising strategies across individual, foundation, and corporate giving, with a track record of managing relationships and securing funding.
Experience working with high-net-worth individuals and building individual giving programs or donor pipelines.
Experience managing foundation and corporate relationships, including proposals, grant reporting, renewals, and partnership development.
Experience supervising staff, setting clear goals, and supporting team performance and professional growth.
Strong interpersonal presence and ability to build trust and credibility with donors, funders, Board members, and other senior stakeholders.
Ability to balance departmental leadership with hands-on fundraising and relationship management.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including experience using donor management systems to track activity, manage pipelines, and assess progress.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion across all forms of diversity and difference.

Responsibilities

Lead the Development Department and set priorities for fundraising strategy and execution across individual, foundation, and corporate giving.
Develop and implement an annual development plan with revenue goals, donor engagement strategies, and team responsibilities.
Partner with the Executive Director on fundraising priorities and strategies, including engagement with major donors and prospects.
Oversee donor records, pipeline tracking, fundraising performance reporting, and the use of data to assess progress and adjust strategies.
Work with Finance to align fundraising goals, revenue projections, and departmental spending with the organizational budget.
Grow and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects across individual, foundation, and corporate giving; cultivate, solicit, and close gifts.
Lead donor relationships through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Engage the Board of Directors, Athlete Council, and broader athlete community to support introductions, cultivation, and fundraising opportunities.
Develop and execute Laureus USA’s individual giving strategy, focusing on high-net-worth donor support, pipeline growth, retention, and increased giving.
Develop cases for support and engagement strategies tailored to individual donors, and establish systems to sustain growth in individual philanthropy.
Lead foundation and corporate fundraising, steward existing funders, and develop new partnerships aligned with Laureus USA’s mission and strategic goals.
Oversee grant proposals, funding requests, and partnership agreements with the Executive Director and relevant staff.
Coordinate with Programs and Finance to manage grant and partnership commitments, reporting, budgets, and funder requirements.
Develop strategies for grant renewals, expanded funding, and longer-term foundation and corporate partnerships.
Lead fundraising strategies for cultivation events and major fundraising moments, and support event planning and execution.
Engage donors before, during, and after events; participate in evening and weekend events as needed.
Manage, coach, and support staff by setting clear roles, goals, and expectations; providing feedback; supporting professional development and performance management; and coordinating workloads.
Serve on Laureus USA’s national and city-based leadership team and contribute to organizational strategy, planning, and decision-making.
Work with Marketing and Communications to align fundraising messages and donor engagement with broader communications efforts.
Collaborate with program staff to communicate impact and connect donors and funders to Laureus USA’s work.
Engage Board members and support their fundraising and relationship-building efforts.
Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team environment across the organization.