Chief Development Officer

Position: Chief Development Officer
Location: White Plains, NY
Reports to: CEO
Lifting Up Westchester (LUW) provides life-changing support to people who have lost their housing or are struggling to meet other basic needs. We work together with those we serve to build a more secure future for them and their families. Based in White Plains, New York, we provide emergency assistance, shelter, housing, employment and educational opportunities throughout Westchester County.

LUW is committed to being a best-in-class employer with an inclusive and supportive culture and work environment. To that end , we are seeking a Chief Development Officer reporting to the CEO who exhibits intellectual curiosity, including the ability to listen to and learn from multiple voices, has the capacity to build strong working relationships and collaborate with multiple stakeholders, and can establish a rapport with donors, volunteers, and all other members of the LUW community.

The Chief Development Officer will be responsible for our fundraising, marketing and communications, and volunteer outreach functions. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, entrepreneurial, solutions oriented, and hands-on professional to build on the organization’s fundraising and communications operation and to grow its $9 million organizational budget.

If you are an engaging and supportive leader, have a strong background in non-profit development and communication functions, have a commitment to excellence, have good people skills, and a proven record of fundraising success, we encourage you to apply.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all fundraising strategies and activities including donor relationship management, new donor cultivation, grant applications, direct mail campaigns, and special events (gala and golf outing).
• Creating and implementing an annual donor and community centric communications strategy including website, print, email, and social media communications.
• Supervising the activities of the full time Communication & Events Manager, Database & Stewardship Associate and Engagement/Volunteer Manager.
• Working with grant writing consultant to find new funding sources, create “winning” grant applications (we submit over 90 grant applications each year), prepare grant reports, and cultivate funders.
• Working with graphic design consultant to prepare marketing materials that maintain the LUW brand.
• Stewardship of existing and potential new donors at all levels.
• Growing the major donor program including qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts.
• Identifying and securing sponsorships for new and ongoing programs, events, and capital projects.
• Working with the Board Development Committee to promote a cohesive team-based approach to fundraising.
• Prepare and manage a budget and meet targeted fundraising goals ($2 million for 2023).
• Write and edit written materials for online and print publications and events including the annual donor impact report, newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, presentations, etc.
• Provides vital input in strategic and operational planning within the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
• 7-10 years of progressive, professional donor development and fundraising experience.
• Preferred experience in multiple fundraising areas such as annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, events, sponsorships, and grant writing.
• Outstanding verbal, written and presentation skills and the ability to effectively articulate the mission with poise, tact, and composure to a variety of audiences.
• Passionate about stewardship with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of stakeholders (e.g. donors, board members, corporations, foundations).
• Excellent donor & community centric strategic writing and storytelling experience.
• Demonstrated experience in securing major gifts. Established donor relationships, a plus.
• Knowledge of research based best practices and ability to perform rigorous analysis of fundraising strategies aiming for ongoing improvement.
• Self-motivated with highly developed administrative skills, the ability to multitask, and perform at a high level without regular supervision.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with a proven track record of delivering superior results while managing multiple and time sensitive priorities simultaneously.
• Interacts effectively and builds trust with diverse audiences and has demonstrated ability to work across differences. Communicates clearly and directly, continually able to hear, reflect, and act on feedback related to identity and equity with the aim to learn.
• Creative with a keen graphic sense and comfortable with social media.
• Bachelor's degree required; master’s desired. Education in Nonprofit Management or Communications preferred. CFRE designation is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Experience working with donor database software (with particular emphasis on maintaining meticulous donor and prospect records) and client tracking software, a plus.
• Experience leading a department and working with outside consultants.

Please email your cover letter and resume to: ckihm@liftingupwestchester.org Attention Carolyn Kihm, Human Resources Director. We offer a competitive benefits package along with generous paid time off. Salary range $115,000 to $130,000 based upon experience.

Lifting Up Westchester is committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive full consideration without regard to age, race, color, ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.