Senior Managing Director of Development and External Affairs

WPA empowers women to redefine their lives in the face of injustice and incarceration. Together, we forge pathways towards freedom, safety, and independence. 

The Senior Managing Director of Development and External Affairs oversees the revenue strategy and external affairs for WPA, leading a high-performing team to sustain and grow public and private funding. A key member of the Executive Team, the Senior Managing Director of Development and External Affairs works closely with the Executive Team to build a culture of philanthropy across the organization and to raise WPA’s public portfolio. The ideal candidate has experience in frontline fundraising (with an emphasis on major gifts), communications and marketing, and government contracts.

The Senior Managing Director of Development and External Affairs reports to the Interim Executive Director. Reporting to the Senior Managing Director of Development and External Affairs is a team of seven with four direct reports. The Senior Managing Director of Development and External Affairs works closely with the Interim Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Responsibilities: 

Strategy and Leadership

• Develop a comprehensive fundraising plan to generate increased support for WPA’s annual budget, strategic plan initiatives, and long-term sustainability.
• Oversee all aspects of fundraising, including government grants, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, annual giving, individual giving, and events.
• Create an action plan to effectively draw down on existing government contracts and develop a process for evaluating the profitability of future RFPs.
• Provide mentorship and leadership for the department by creating annual individual and team-wide goals, collaborating on professional development plans, and fostering a cooperative environment.
• Analyze all department practices with an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens and provide suggestions for equity-centered fundraising. 

Frontline Fundraising

• Cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors (including the Board of Directors), as well as identifying and pursuing new prospective major donors.
• Serve as the strategy lead and project manager for WPA’s in-person special events.
• Expand digital fundraising efforts and find new ways to bring individual prospects to WPA.

External Affairs

• Drive communications strategy that centers the voices of women with lived experience.
• Supervise the Manager of Media Relations to proactively seek earned media opportunities that position WPA as an expert leader.
• Build on WPA’s successful 2020 rebrand by rolling out story development and internal ambassador workshops with key staff, Board of Directors, and junior board.
• Create and deliver compelling messages designed to engage new and diverse supporters.

Partnership and Collaboration

• Partner with the Finance team to build budgets, manage contract payments, and track spending across the organization.
• Support the Board Development Committee providing structure, meeting leadership, and activity oversight.
• With the Interim Executive Director, engage board members in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donor prospects.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated track record of success in a development leadership role.
• Experience working within a social justice and/or human services organization.
• Deep knowledge of the New York City government and philanthropic communities.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with experience in anti-racism work.
• A passion for WPA’s unique mission and history.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with an ability to convey difficult subject matter in a compelling, powerful way.
• Exceptional judgment, character, and integrity.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and follow-up skills.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.