Senior Manager of Individual Giving

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. Through our work with communities on and off the High Line, we’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities.

Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. Visitors can walk through the gardens, engage with art, experience a performance, indulge in food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors—all while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.

Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.

The Senior Manager of Individual Giving reports to the Senior Director of Major and Individual Giving and is a central member of the individual giving effort and the entire development team.

Job description

The Senior Manager of Individual Giving oversees the High Line’s portfolio of mid-level donors and works closely with the membership and major gift teams to reinforce the donor pipeline and lifecycle. Managing the Annual Fund and serving as the Major and Individual Giving team’s main writer, this position raises crucial general operating support each year. Writing proposals and appeals, this position works with the Communications team to develop digital and written fundraising materials to tell the High Line story as to compel philanthropic support. The position is full-time, exempt and will work both onsite and remotely.

Primary responsibilities

• Design and implement a high-performance, multi-channel Annual Fund communication and stewardship plan that builds donor loyalty and helps strengthen the major gift pipeline.
• Actively steward and engage with the High Line’s Annual Fund donors and ensure they are appropriately included and receive an optimum experience
• Manage an assigned portfolio in Raiser’s Edge and maintain Annual Fund donor records
• Serve as the main writer for the Individual and Major Gifts team: write a timely case for support, general operating appeals, and donor-centric proposals for restricted support
• Develop fundraising printed materials and digital strategies in collaboration with the Communications team
• Design and execute a plan to maximize the High Line Council ($1,500-$5,000) as a donor engagement tool and pipeline to major gifts.
• Partner with the Membership team to create an annual appeal program that incentivizes Members ($25-$750) to upgrade to the High Line Council.
• Assist the Senior Director of Major and Individual Giving in the development and implementation of a planned giving program.
• Work with the Special Events team and curators to steward the Plinth Committee and ensure members receive regular, thoughtful engagement

• Strong writer with exceptional communication skills
• 5+ years experience working in development
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Highly motivated, entrepreneurial, and engaging
• Demonstrated courtesy and diplomacy when working with colleagues and donors
• Demonstrated experience with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office

Preferred

• Demonstrates ease and comfort interacting with high-net worth individuals
• Friendly and upbeat with a positive attitude
• Experience with digital fundraising
• Knowledge and experience with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge

Abilities

• Sit at a desk for extended periods of time
• Travel along the High Line
• Some weekends and evenings are needed on occasion (1-2/month)

Newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (i.e., have received both doses of a two-dose vaccine or a single dose of a one-dose vaccine) and must provide proof of vaccination upon request by the organization. Requests for potential accommodation shall be considered in accordance with applicable law if and at such time as a conditional offer of employment is extended to a candidate. Applicants should not provide any medical or genetic information with their application

 Benefits

• 20 vacation days, 56 hrs of sick time, 10 paid holidays, and 2 floating holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Supplemental short-term disability insurance and 100% paid life insurance and AD&D coverage
• Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
• Flexible spending account
• Commuter benefits
• Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
• Discounted Citi Bike membership
• Employee Assistance Program