Managing Director of Development

Harlem Children's Zone•New York, NY

10h•$230,000 - $240,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Managing Director, Development is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the organization's long-term fundraising strategy and philanthropic growth. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this leader serves as a strategic thought partner, translating organizational priorities into a cohesive development strategy and strengthening execution across the fundraising operation. The Managing Director provides strategic leadership to three Directors overseeing Major Gifts, Institutional Giving, and Development Operations. The role aligns teams, fosters collaboration, and drives operational excellence in support of ambitious revenue goals. It also manages a curated portfolio of major donors and prospects, ensuring strong engagement and stewardship while advancing institutional fundraising priorities. Working closely with executive leadership, board members, and program teams, the Managing Director identifies opportunities to improve fundraising performance and organizational effectiveness. The position contributes to senior leadership decisions and helps build the capabilities, systems, and culture needed for continued growth and long-term sustainability.

Requirements

A demonstrated record of success leading sophisticated fundraising programs, with deep experience in major gifts, donor strategy, and cultivating transformational philanthropic partnerships that drive sustained revenue growth.
Proven experience leading, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams through coaching, collaboration, accountability, and talent development.
Experience partnering with executive leaders and boards, including supporting trustee engagement, preparing board materials, and contributing to fundraising strategy and governance discussions.
Strong strategic, analytical, and business acumen, with the ability to translate organizational priorities into actionable fundraising strategies, measurable goals, and operational plans.
Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage, influence, and inspire donors, trustees, senior leaders, and external partners.
Sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and executive presence, with the ability to navigate complexity, build trust, and lead with integrity, professionalism, and humility.
Ability to prioritize competing initiatives, make sound decisions in a dynamic environment, and deliver high-quality results through others.
Ability to lead through change, influence across functions, and build alignment among diverse stakeholders while maintaining momentum.
Experience using donor databases and fundraising analytics, such as Raiser’s Edge or comparable CRM platforms, to inform strategy, measure performance, and strengthen fundraising effectiveness.
Bachelor's degree required.
A minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including at least 3–5 years leading and developing high-performing teams.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership, coaching, and performance management to three Directors responsible for Major Gifts, Institutional Giving, and Development Operations.
Partner with the Chief Development Officer to develop and execute an integrated fundraising strategy, set revenue goals, monitor performance, and identify opportunities to improve fundraising effectiveness and long-term growth.
Cultivate, solicit, steward, and strategically manage a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects.
Support board fundraising engagement, including trustee cultivation, preparation of meeting materials, fundraising strategies, and donor communications.
Strengthen alignment and collaboration across development teams through cross-functional planning, effective systems and processes, and disciplined execution of annual and multi-year priorities.
Collaborate with senior leadership and program teams to align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities, emerging opportunities, and organizational needs.
Develop presentations, proposals, donor communications, and other materials to support donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and philanthropic investment.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Development Officer and contribute strategic insight and cross-functional leadership as a member of the senior leadership team.
Promote collaboration, operational excellence, continuous improvement, leadership development, and shared accountability for fundraising success.