Managing Director of Development

Harlem Children's Zone•New York, NY

1d•$230,000 - $240,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Managing Director, Development is a senior leadership role at Harlem Children’s Zone, reporting to the Chief Development Officer. The position advances the organization’s long-term fundraising strategy and philanthropic growth, translating organizational priorities into a cohesive development strategy and strengthening execution across a sophisticated fundraising operation. The Managing Director provides strategic leadership, coaching, and performance management to three Directors overseeing Major Gifts, Institutional Giving, and Development Operations. The role builds alignment and collaboration across development teams, promotes operational excellence, and supports ambitious revenue goals. It also partners with executive leadership, board members, and program teams to strengthen fundraising effectiveness and connect fundraising strategies with organizational priorities. Alongside this organizational leadership, the Managing Director manages a curated portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects, leading cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and engagement. The position develops strategic fundraising materials and contributes to board fundraising engagement, enterprise-wide decision-making, and the organization’s long-term philanthropic sustainability. The preferred location is New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or the surrounding metropolitan area, with a hybrid schedule of three days in the office and two remote, with flexibility as needed. Occasional evening and weekend work and overnight travel to communities nationwide may be required.

Requirements

Demonstrated success leading sophisticated fundraising programs, with deep experience in major gifts, donor strategy, and transformational philanthropic partnerships that drive sustained revenue growth.
At least 7–10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including at least 3–5 years leading and developing high-performing teams.
Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams through coaching, collaboration, accountability, and talent development.
Experience partnering with executive leaders and boards, including trustee engagement, board materials, fundraising strategy, and governance discussions.
Strong strategic, analytical, and business acumen, including translating organizational priorities into fundraising strategies, measurable goals, and operational plans.
Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills with donors, trustees, senior leaders, and external partners.
Sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and executive presence; 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.
Experience using donor databases and fundraising analytics, such as Raiser’s Edge or comparable CRM platforms, to inform strategy, measure performance, and improve fundraising effectiveness.
Bachelor’s degree required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Applicants in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or the surrounding metropolitan area are 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 cross-functional planning, systems, and processes and ensure disciplined execution of annual and multi-year fundraising priorities.
Collaborate with senior leaders and program teams to align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities, emerging opportunities, and evolving needs.
Develop presentations, proposals, donor communications, and other materials supporting donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Advise 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 results.