Hybrid Development Director — Fundraising & Donor Growth

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 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.