Director of Development

Selfhelp Community Services • New York, NY

2h • $115,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The Director of Development is a key member of the Foundation's fundraising team and is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that advance Selfhelp's mission and strategic priorities. The Director will focus on the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors and prospects, while managing a robust portfolio of individual donors, family foundations, and planned giving prospects. This position also plays a leadership role in the planning and execution of Selfhelp's signature fundraising and cultivation events, including the Annual Gala, Fall Classic, and other donor engagement initiatives. The Director serves as a strategic partner to Foundation leadership, Board members, and volunteers in building philanthropic support and expanding Selfhelp's community of donors.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising.
• Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Experience working with volunteer leaders, Boards of Directors, and fundraising committees.
• Experience planning and managing major fundraising events.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and donor stewardship best practices.
• Strong strategic thinking, relationship-building, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in CRM/database management and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree or CFRE a plus

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a strategic fundraising plan for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors in support of institutional priorities.
• Designs and executes innovative strategies to identify, engage, and steward donors from diverse communities and faith traditions, broadening Selfhelp's donor base and building philanthropic support that reflects the diversity of the clients and communities we serve.
• Researches, identifies, and cultivates new individual donors, family foundations, and other philanthropic prospects.
• Prepares donor briefings, fundraising strategies, proposals, and other materials to support leadership and volunteer solicitations.
• Partners with senior leadership, Board members, and volunteers to maximize fundraising opportunities and strengthen donor relationships.
• Executes, in partnership with Foundation leadership, a multi-year strategy to expand and strengthen Selfhelp's Annual Campaign.
• Builds upon Selfhelp’s donor engagement initiatives, including giving circles, targeted solicitation programs, leadership donor recognition opportunities, and donor stewardship activities.
• Designs and implements cultivation strategies for leadership and top-tier donors.
• Provides strategic and operational leadership for Selfhelp's major fundraising and cultivation events, including the Annual Gala, Fall Classic, Founders Society events, and dedications.
• Works closely with event committees, Board members, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors to ensure successful fundraising outcomes and meaningful donor experiences.
• Develops sponsorship strategies and donor engagement opportunities associated with fundraising events.
• Works closely with the Board of Directors, Foundation Board, and Selfhelp NextGen to optimize fundraising results.
• Assists in Board development activities, including identifying and engaging prospective Board members, supporting committee work, and advancing fundraising participation among Board members.
• Participates in staffs Board and committee meetings as required.
• Assists in the management and stewardship of estate bequests, trusts, and gifts of securities and other non-cash assets.
• Supports initiatives to grow Selfhelp's planned giving program and recognition societies.
• Assists in the preparation of fundraising communications and collateral materials, including proposals, newsletters, annual reports, donor correspondence, acknowledgment letters, and stewardship materials.
• Ensures timely and meaningful donor recognition and stewardship activities.
• Maintains accurate donor records and activity reports within the organization's CRM system.
• Represents Selfhelp at community, donor, and professional events.
• Maintains awareness of fundraising trends, best practices, and philanthropic opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director