Chief Development and Communication Officer

Forestdale, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Generous PTO and professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading child welfare organization in New York City is seeking a Chief Development and Communication Officer to drive strategic revenue growth and enhance organizational visibility. This pivotal role requires a visionary leader to inspire philanthropic growth, strengthen donor relationships, and champion a culture of philanthropy. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in fundraising and communications, with proven leadership capabilities.  The organization offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance and 401(k).

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising and communications.
• Proven success in major gift solicitation and campaign management.
• Strong strategic planning and team leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic revenue growth to sustain and expand programs.
• Lead a talented Development team, fostering innovation and accountability.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Proficiency in donor management systems

Digital marketing tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred

Job description

Forestdale is a leading NYC child welfare agency dedicated to strengthening families and preventing child maltreatment through parenting, prevention, youth development, health and foster care & adoption services. Serving thousands of families annually across Brooklyn and Queens, Forestdale ensures children and families have the resources they need to thrive and live independently.

This is a pivotal executive role for a visionary leader who can inspire philanthropic growth and increase organizational visibility. The Chief Development and Communication Officer (CDCO) will help shape Forestdale’s future by building a culture of philanthropy, strengthening donor relationships, and positioning the organization as a recognized leader in child welfare advocacy. The successful candidate will have the authority and influence to:

• Drive strategic revenue growth to sustain and expand programs.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board on development and communications strategy.
• Lead a talented Development team, fostering innovation and accountability.
• Represent Forestdale externally as a captivating and authentic ambassador for its mission.

Position Summary

The CDCO is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive strategy to advance the organization’s mission through fundraising, marketing, and communications. This role oversees all development initiatives—including major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, grants management—and leads integrated communications to enhance visibility and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to set and achieve ambitious revenue and engagement goals.
• Build and lead a high-performing development and communications team, fostering professional growth and accountability.
• Serve as a thought leader on fundraising trends, digital engagement, and donor stewardship.
• Champion a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
• Design and implement strategies for major gifts, annual campaigns, planned giving, and institutional support.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with high-level donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
• Oversee donor management.

Communications

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan to strengthen brand identity and amplify impact.
• Develop and execute annual fundraising plans across individual, corporate, and foundation giving.
• Oversee digital, print, and media strategies to engage donors and the broader community.
• Ensure consistent messaging across all platforms and campaigns.
• Update organization’s website.
• Cultivate new relationships with community and government stakeholders.
• Write compelling appeals, donor communications, and impact reports.
• Support board and leadership in donor outreach and relationship-building.
• Manage a portfolio of donors using moves management strategies.
• Secure sponsorships, journal ads, and auction items.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align fundraising efforts.
• Prepare briefing materials for leadership and board members.

Events & Campaigns

• Provide strategic oversight for fundraising events and donor engagement activities.
• Integrate events into broader development strategies for maximum impact.
• Develop and manage event timelines, budgets, vendor relationships, and logistics.
• Create and implement marketing materials and campaigns to promote events across multiple platforms.
• Recruit and lead event planning committees composed of trustees, donors, and prospects.
• Ensure events are mission-aligned, well-branded, and optimized for revenue and engagement.
• Track and evaluate event ROI, attendee experience, and fundraising outcomes.
• Supervise one full-time events staff member and coordinate cross-functional teams.

Data & Reporting

• Ensure accurate donor data management and reporting.
• Monitor and analyze fundraising performance metrics to inform strategy.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in Nonprofit Management, Communications, or related field.

Experience

• 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising and communications.
• Proven success in major gift solicitation and campaign management.
• Strong strategic planning and team leadership skills.

Skills & Attributes

• Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and mobilize stakeholders.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Proficiency in donor management systems and digital marketing tools.
• Mission-driven, collaborative, and results-oriented.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with employer contribution.
• Generous PTO and professional development opportunities.

Forestdale Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is proudly committed to becoming an anti‑racist and multicultural organization that stands up for justice and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse backgrounds, for administrative support and direct service and leadership roles, who will join us on that journey, uphold our values and approach, and believe in our mission. Additionally, we aim to have a racially representative leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.

Forestdale Inc. is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, participants, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of our activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and termination of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.