Executive Director - The Arc Westchester Foundation

About The Arc Westchester Foundation:

The mission of the Foundation is to raise financial support for, and increase public awareness of, The Arc Westchester (“Chapter”).  The Foundation generates income through fundraising and long-term investments and makes annual contributions to programs and services for people with developmental disabilities supported by the Chapter. Since many of the Chapter’s most innovative services receive little to no public funding, and government funding is constantly shifting, the Foundation attends to the long-term health and vitality of The Arc Westchester.

About The Arc Westchester Chapter:

The Arc Westchester is the largest organization in Westchester County supporting children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.  Over 700 employees support more than 2000 people at over 60 sites, including homes throughout Westchester, with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services to foster independence, productivity, and participation in the life of our community.

Overview:

We seek a seasoned, enthusiastic, and passionate non-profit Development leader looking to make a difference in our world.  They will inherit a vibrant and dedicated team and build upon the record-breaking success of the last several years while accepting responsibility for a full spectrum of fundraising and branding activities for the Foundation, including appeals, major and planned gifts, grants, campaigns, and events.  In 2022 the Foundation brought in more than $2.5 million in donations and grants.

The new Executive Director (“ED”) will collaborate with the Board of Directors and existing donors to achieve higher levels of fundraising, as well as identify and solicit new contributions from prospective donors. They will serve as the Foundation’s leader and provide all necessary support services to the Foundation and the Chapter to assure success in raising funds in the philanthropic marketplace. The ED will represent the Foundation to a variety of audiences including the public, Board of Directors, donors, volunteers, businesses, and other community organizations. They are responsible for creating comprehensive fundraising and marketing programs to increase awareness as well as private source revenue to benefit the programs and services provided by the Chapter, as well as managing various budgets.

The ED is the key leader in the work of the Foundation, as well as being an active listener and valued collaborator with the Chapter Executive Director/CEO and their leadership team.

Ideal Qualifications and Characteristics:

• A Bachelor’s Degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in Development and 5+ years of supervisory experience, or equivalent.
• A track record leading and developing a successful, innovative fundraising program.
• A history of achievement in major gift work; a keen understanding of planned giving, including wills, trusts and estates, and gift tax laws.
• A solid understanding of grants for the social services sector within the philanthropic community.

•          Dynamic and charismatic communication skills – oral, presentation and written
•       Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with all levels in and outside of the organization.
•       Must feel comfortable with public speaking and be an effective brand ambassador in a variety of settings.

• An excellent writer, possessing persuasive messaging skills that encourage support, as well as acknowledgement letters, appeals, and marketing materials, including digital content.
• A keen understanding of social media and the benefits of other electronic media as a means of creating and furthering connections with donors and the larger community.
• Ability to build lasting relationships with key decision makers and donors of the Foundation.
• High ethical and professional standards; excellent organization and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen, time management skills, and ability to deliver budget goals.
• Understanding of the fundraising climate; perform analysis, identify trends, and anticipate needs.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with all levels in and outside of the organization.
• Facility with use of current communication and fundraising technology, e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Office, Raisers Edge
• Must be a creative thinker, problem solver, and possess a high level of empathy.
• Must be able to concurrently manage the daily workings of Foundation staff, related vendors and consultants, donor-specific requests, and Chapter needs.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and work extended hours as necessary.

Job Specifications:  Fundraising - Financial Fluency – Marketing - Management

• Develop and implement plans for securing major gifts and deferred gifts through ongoing cultivations and solicitations. Work with major gift and prospective donors within the community (individuals, families, foundations, corporations) who align with the mission of the Chapter and the Foundation.  Direct and coordinate all solicitations, follow-up, and stewardship activities. 
• Direct and supervise the management of Special Events, including motivating and supporting the volunteer committees, overseeing all printed materials, invitation lists and plans to support the fundraising goals.
• Identify grant funding opportunities, cultivate grant relationships; write, submit, and manage major grant proposals/reports.
• Design, prepare and coordinate all fundraising meetings and activities relating to major gifts, appeals, capital campaigns, and grant proposals.
• Create events, develop materials, etc. to increase the awareness and importance of planned giving, especially to our long-term donor families.
• Supervise the receipt, recording, and acknowledgement of all gifts in Raiser’s Edge, with reconciliation of all gifts in Financial Edge.
• Work closely with the Board by organizing quarterly Board meetings, preparing executive summaries, and collaborating with Board Committees, including the Budget & Finance Committee and the Investment Committee.
• Manage communication with the Chapter’s financial office as reporting arm for Foundation financials. Develop and manage the Foundation’s annual budget; meet or exceed annual income goals.
• Coordinate with outside communications company on branding appeals, messaging, website, etc.
• Hire, manage, supervise, and evaluate the Foundation staff, consisting of three full-time employees including Asst. ED/Director of Development, Director of Volunteer Services/Fund Development, and Director of Individual Giving/Database Administrator.
• Supervise all activities pertaining to a small number of pooled Supplemental Needs Trusts (SNT) of the Foundation.
• Reports to the President of the Foundation Board; works closely with the Chapter ED/CEO and team, which provides administrative services in Finance, Marketing and Human Resources.

Salary Range:

$150,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience; an excellent vacation and benefits package is also included.

Application: 

A detailed letter describing interest, outstanding personal characteristics, and related experiences; along with a current resume, should be sent by email to the Consultant to the Transition/Search Committee:  

Please                  

Rich Petriccione, Ph.D.

Concourse Consulting, LLC

concourseconsulting@gmail.com