Director of Development

Selfhelp Community Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 115,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Selfhelp Community Services is seeking a Director of Development to drive comprehensive fundraising strategies focused on major gifts and donor stewardship. You will manage a robust portfolio of individual donors, family foundations, and planned giving prospects, partnering with leadership and volunteers to expand philanthropy.

The role leads planning and execution of signature events (Annual Gala, Fall Classic) and collaborates with Board members to maximize giving opportunities while advancing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CFRE a plus.
• 5–7 years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in major gifts.
• Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Experience working with volunteer leaders, Boards of Directors, and fundraising committees.
• Experience planning and managing major fundraising events.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a strategic fundraising plan for major gift prospects and donors.
• Designs strategies to engage donors from diverse communities and faith traditions.
• Researches and cultivates new individual donors and foundations.
• Prepares donor briefings, proposals, and materials for leadership solicitations.
• Partners with senior leadership and volunteers to maximize fundraising opportunities.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor stewardship

Relationship building

Event fundraising

Strategic planning

Board relations

CRM proficiency

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRE or advanced degree a plus

Tools

CRM/database management

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary: The Director of Development is a key member of the Foundation's fundraising team and is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that advance Selfhelp's mission and strategic priorities. The Director will focus on the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors and prospects, while managing a robust portfolio of individual donors, family foundations, and planned giving prospects. This position also plays a leadership role in the planning and execution of Selfhelp's signature fundraising and cultivation events, including the Annual Gala, Fall Classic, and other donor engagement initiatives. The Director serves as a strategic partner to Foundation leadership, Board members, and volunteers in building philanthropic support and expanding Selfhelp's community of donors.

Principal Responsibilities

Major Gifts Fundraising

• Develops and implements a strategic fundraising plan for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors in support of institutional priorities.
• Designs and executes innovative strategies to identify, engage, and steward donors from diverse communities and faith traditions, broadening Selfhelp's donor base and building philanthropic support that reflects the diversity of the clients and communities we serve.
• Researches, identifies, and cultivates new individual donors, family foundations, and other philanthropic prospects.
• Prepares donor briefings, fundraising strategies, proposals, and other materials to support leadership and volunteer solicitations.
• Partners with senior leadership, Board members, and volunteers to maximize fundraising opportunities and strengthen donor relationships.

Annual Campaign and Donor Engagement

• Executes, in partnership with Foundation leadership, a multi-year strategy to expand and strengthen Selfhelp's Annual Campaign.
• Builds upon Selfhelp’s donor engagement initiatives, including giving circles, targeted solicitation programs, leadership donor recognition opportunities, and donor stewardship activities.
• Designs and implements cultivation strategies for leadership and top-tier donors.

Special Events

• Provides strategic and operational leadership for Selfhelp's major fundraising and cultivation events, including the Annual Gala, Fall Classic, Founders Society events, and dedications.
• Works closely with event committees, Board members, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors to ensure successful fundraising outcomes and meaningful donor experiences.
• Develops sponsorship strategies and donor engagement opportunities associated with fundraising events.

Board and Volunteer Engagement

• Works closely with the Board of Directors, Foundation Board, and Selfhelp NextGen to optimize fundraising results.
• Assists in Board development activities, including identifying and engaging prospective Board members, supporting committee work, and advancing fundraising participation among Board members.
• Participates in staffs Board and committee meetings as required.

Planned Giving

• Assists in the management and stewardship of estate bequests, trusts, and gifts of securities and other non-cash assets.
• Supports initiatives to grow Selfhelp's planned giving program and recognition societies.

Communications and Donor Stewardship

• Assists in the preparation of fundraising communications and collateral materials, including proposals, newsletters, annual reports, donor correspondence, acknowledgment letters, and stewardship materials.
• Ensures timely and meaningful donor recognition and stewardship activities.
• Maintains accurate donor records and activity reports within the organization's CRM system.

Additional Responsibilities

• Represents Selfhelp at community, donor, and professional events.
• Maintains awareness of fundraising trends, best practices, and philanthropic opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Salary Range: $115,000 - $135,000 per year commensurate with experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CFRE a plus.
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising.
• Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Experience working with volunteer leaders, Boards of Directors, and fundraising committees.
• Experience planning and managing major fundraising events.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and donor stewardship best practices.
• Strong strategic thinking, relationship-building, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in CRM/database management and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend events.

Preferred Characteristics

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated relationship builder who is passionate about Selfhelp's mission and committed to helping older adults, Holocaust survivors, and vulnerable New Yorkers live with dignity and independence. The individual will possess outstanding interpersonal skills, strong fundraising instincts, and the ability to inspire philanthropic investment in Selfhelp's vision and impact.