Director of Institutional Giving

New York City Outward Bound Schools•Long Island City, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Founded in 1987, NYC Outward Bound Schools is a nonprofit organization that partners with more than 100 public schools across NYC to engage students in equitable, immersive and joyful learning that prepares them to thrive in community, college and career. Our unique approach to programming focuses on adventurous learning — daring exploration, real-world engagement, and meaningful challenge — whether in school, local communities, or the outdoors. In schools, we coach teachers and school leaders to implement Crew, our signature advisory structure that supports student connection and belonging, and Instruction for Deeper Learning in the classroom. Outdoors, whether in the city or upstate at our wilderness basecamp, we deliver adventure programming to students, helping them realize that they can do hard things, and develop leadership skills like collaboration and initiative that transfer to the academic classroom. In all spaces where we work, we support students to be co-creators of their own learning and growth, in environments where their voices are heard and valued. Every day, we are proving that transformation and innovation can happen within a public school system, and that with truly equitable schools, all students — regardless of background or circumstance — are capable of achieving at high levels. Role Summary: Reporting to and working closely with the VP of Advancement, the Director of Institutional Giving develops, drives and implements the strategy to significantly expand the organization's institutional funding base. The Director manages the institutional giving portfolio — identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation and corporate partners — with a focus on attracting new prospects and deepening current support. The ideal candidate combines exceptional writing and storytelling with strong internal and external relationship-building. They will develop a deep understanding of NYCOBS’s programs, impact, and priorities; translate that understanding into relevant and compelling funding narratives; and communicate those narratives effectively to institutional funders. As a key member of the Advancement team, the Director will work toward an institutional fundraising goal of $1 million in FY2027 and grow institutional support to $2 million annually within three years, while expanding public funding opportunities and increasing the organization’s visibility. We are driven by our vision of a future where all NYC students are engaged in equitable, immersive, and joyful learning, and are looking for someone who shares that passion.

Requirements

Demonstrated dedication to our core values of community, courage, equity, integrity, and learning
Exceptional communication and influencing skills — a persuasive, credible, and polished communicator, both written and verbal
Creative, independent, and strategic thinker
Self-starter with a proven ability to manage and complete multiple tasks against firm deadlines
Strong attention to detail
Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in private-sector fundraising, preferably for an educational or youth-development institution
Proven track record prospecting, cultivating, closing, and stewarding 5-figure+ institutional gifts
Strong familiarity with the philanthropic community in NYC, with an emphasis on corporate and foundation partners
Demonstrated success developing and executing effective fundraising strategies
Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, and familiarity with fundraising tools such as Salesforce, DonorSearch and Candid
Successful completion of a NYC Department of Education background check

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of foundations, corporations, and public funders, as relevant, in the 5- to 7-figure range
Co-create the institutional funding strategy with the VP of Advancement and other leadership team members to meet annual and multi-year revenue goals
Build and maintain a robust funder pipeline supporting operational and capital needs — identifying and cultivating new funders, pursuing aligned opportunities, and monitoring the funding landscape
Research and identify prospective foundation, corporate, and public funders; uncover relevant connections and pathways for engagement; and conduct both warm and cold outreach to cultivate new funding relationships
Cultivate and steward current funders through meetings, site visits, program experiences, regular updates, and other meaningful opportunities for connection
Develop a deep understanding of NYCOBS’s programs, impact, and funding priorities, and translate that knowledge into clear, persuasive, and funder-specific narratives.
Write compelling letters of inquiry, grant proposals, concept papers, and other solicitation materials that effectively communicate NYCOBS’s work, impact, and case for support.
Continually refine the organization’s institutional funding pitch to reflect evolving priorities, evidence of impact, and key organizational messages.
Develop and implement corporate funding and engagement opportunities (sponsorships, grants, employee engagement/volunteering, and other forms of partnership) to bolster corporate support and engagement
Collaborate with program, finance, evaluation, and organizational leaders to gather accurate information and develop strong funding requests and reports for new and existing programs.
Own and actively manage the institutional funding calendar, ensuring that proposal deadlines, grant reports, stewardship activities, funder communications, and other commitments are completed on time—either directly by the Director or through clear coordination with organizational leadership and other contributors.
Maintain accurate and effective systems for prospect research, funder qualification, relationship management, submissions, grant requirements, and reporting.
Establish clear internal collaboration processes and timelines that keep proposals, reporting, stewardship, and funder communications on track.