Director of Development

Historic Hudson Valley seeks an experienced, results-driven, poised candidate with proven leadership and communication skills to direct the day-to-day operation of a four-person development team raising approximately $2 million annually. The Director of Development will lead efforts to achieve annual contributed income goals by stewarding and expanding a diverse, sophisticated donor base. He/she will build upon a successful fund-raising strategy that employs the organization’s growing earned revenue activities, including the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, to leverage contributed dollars through gifts, grants, sponsorships, and memberships.  

Historic Hudson Valley’s fundraising efforts support educational programs that serve some 15,000 schoolchildren a year, the development of digital tools for teachers, a research library, and capital and restoration projects at four properties. Programming addresses subject areas including the history of slavery in the colonial North, women’s history, and the impact of Washington Irving’s work on American culture.     

Responsibilities
Reporting to Historic Hudson Valley’s Senior Vice President, the Director of Development will work side by side with Development staff to identify, cultivate, and solicit individual and institutional donors. Responsibilities include:
 

Directing the operation of upper-level donor societies, fundraising dinners, corporate sponsorships, and a general membership program centered on the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze and other seasonal festivals Working with inter-departmental teams to develop grant applications for educational, digital, DEI efforts, and tourism/economic development projects to institutions including the New York State Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Empire State Development Maintaining and building relationships with current and new donors, including a small portfolio for major donors Working with committee members and trustees to build relationships and raise funds Developing and implementing new fundraising strategies, especially on-line, digital, and social media efforts Building relationships with elected officials at the state and federal levels to secure financial support for capital projects and educational programs   Creating donor-engagement opportunities, including cultivation events and site visits Drafting and editing letters, reports, proposals, digital copy, and other communications Overseeing a newly-adopted CRM system, Tessitura, and harnessing its capabilities to help build the donor base    Overseeing prospect research efforts Tracking progress toward annual fund-raising goals

Requirements
Successful candidates will have a Bachelor degree and eight or more years of management experience, especially in the areas of communications, fundraising, or non-profit administration. He/she should be a highly motivated manager with excellent judgment and interpersonal skills. Strong writing, editing, organizational, research, and budgeting skills are essential. The ability to multi-task while addressing details is a must. 

This is a full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer funded 401K, generous paid time off and professional development opportunities.  Evening and weekend hours at public and development events are required.

To be considered for this position, please upload your cover letter (including salary requirements), resume, and two writing samples. You may “click apply” or visit our employment page at https://j.brt.mv/ATS/jb.do?reqGK=27623056&refresh=true to create a profile and upload your documents. On the employment page click “create profile and apply”.

Historic Hudson Valley adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local COVID-19 requirements and has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.