Director of Development

Academy of American Poets; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Paid vacation, sick, and personalleave

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Life Insurance

Job summary

The Academy of American Poets is seeking a Director of Development to oversee comprehensive fundraising efforts, including major gifts, grants, membership, and events. This hybrid NYC role emphasizes collaboration with the Executive Director and Development Committee.

You will lead a 2–3 person team, direct signature events, steward diverse donors, and analyze financial trends to drive improvements. 3 days/week in the NYC office; a deep commitment to poetry and the arts is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Strong team management skills.
• Steep experience in individual giving, membership, and major gifts.
• Foundation grant writing experience.
• Advanced knowledge of CRMs, with Raiser's Edge experience.
• Proven track record of success in organizing special events.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Commitment to excellence in database administration.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• A passion for poetry, literature, and the arts, a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work in close partnership with the Executive Director and the Development Committee of the Board to set and achieve fundraising goals.
• Manage 2-3 direct reports in the Development department.
• Direct the spring benefit, Poetry & the Creative Mind, during National Poetry Month.
• Direct the fall Chancellors Reading Benefit.
• Steward foundation, individual, and corporate donors and oversee appeals and proposals.
• Direct the membership program and benefit fulfillment.
• Oversee direct mail and online membership campaigns, including working with consultants.
• Oversee production of monthly financial reports and perform analysis to identify trends and suggest improvements or tests.
• Manage departmental budget and reconcile monthly with Finance.
• Manage membership and fundraising communications and solicitations on Poets.org.
• Oversee the development and production of a membership newsletter and Benefactor newsletter.
• Create compelling emails, donation pages, and social media promotions.
• Encourage online audiences to make a gift through targeted messaging.
• Create and coordinate social media promotions for membership and development-related events.
• Oversee the promotion of planned giving on Poets.org, American Poets magazine.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Major gifts

Donor relations

Nonprofit fundraising

Grant writing

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

The Director of Development oversees all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, individual giving, membership, foundations, annual appeals, special events, corporate partnerships, and government grants.

Responsibilities:

• Work in close partnership with the Executive Director and the Development Committee of the Board to set and achieve fundraising goals
• Manage 2-3 direct reports in the Development department
• Direct the spring benefit, Poetry & the Creative Mind, during National Poetry Month
• Direct the fall Chancellors Reading Benefit
• Steward foundation, individual, and corporate donors and oversee appeals and proposals
• Direct the membership program and benefit fulfillment
• Oversee direct mail and online membership campaigns, including working with consultants
• Oversee production of monthly financial reports and perform analysis to identify trends and suggest improvements or tests
• Manage departmental budget and reconcile monthly with Finance
• Manage membership and fundraising communications and solicitations on Poets.org
• Oversee the development and production of a membership newsletter and Benefactor newsletter
• Create compelling emails, donation pages, and social media promotions
• Encourage online audiences to make a gift through targeted messaging
• Create and coordinate social media promotions for membership and development-related events
• Oversee the promotion of planned giving on Poets.org, American Poets magazine
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Competencies:

• 10+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience
• Strong team management skills
• Steep experience in individual giving, membership, and major gifts
• Foundation grant writing experience
• Advanced knowledge of popular CRMs, with Raiser's Edge experience
• Proven track record of success in organizing special events
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service
• Commitment to excellence in database administration
• Strong written and oral communications skills
• A passion for poetry, literature, and the arts, a plus

The Academy offers a competitive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage plus employer-paid Life Insurance.

• Hybrid work schedule
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal leave
• Time off for all federal holidays, plus the week between Christmas and New Year's

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days per week in the New York City office.

The Academy of American Poets is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are welcome to apply. The Academy of American Poets does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any other characteristics protected by law.