Vice President of Business Development

ImpactAlpha; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work in NYC

Leadership path to CDO

Mission-driven impact

Conferences and events

Job summary

Confluence Philanthropy in New York is seeking a Vice President of Business Development to lead fundraising, grant funding, and sponsorships. The role oversees membership engagement, brand management, and development strategy, with regular travel for cultivation and events, reporting to the CEO, and guiding a small team of 3.5 staff.

The position offers a clear path to Chief Development Officer, a collaborative culture, and opportunities to shape investment-aligned philanthropy for a diverse

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years of nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Experience in structuring corporate partnerships is required.
• Proven leadership of teams and strategic fundraising planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead membership cultivation and recruitment efforts and oversee engagement metrics.
• Oversee grant development and sponsorship solicitation strategy and execution.
• Develop fundraising strategies and grant workplans; manage donor communications and annual report.
• Oversee marketing, branding, and communications strategies to support development goals.
• Travel 3–5 times per year for cultivation and events; support Board in fundraising goals.

Skills

Fundraising

Grant writing

Corporate partnerships

Donor cultivation

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

About Confluence Philanthropy

Confluence Philanthropy is a nonprofit, membership-based network dedicated to transforming the practice of investing by aligning capital with values of sustainability, equity, and justice. The organization serves a diverse membership consisting of 250 foundations, family offices, and investment firms committed to addressing critical environmental and social issues. This membership collectively represents over $3 trillion in managed capital, with members predominantly based in the United States and some operating internationally. The organization operates as a tight-knit, collaborative team deeply engaged with its members and motivated by a shared sense of urgency around pressing global challenges. Confluence is known within the investment community for producing thought-provoking, industry-shifting content and analysis. The organization hosts two major annual multi-day conferences alongside regional and virtual learning and networking events throughout the year, creating multiple touchpoints for member engagement and knowledge sharing. Confluence maintains an intentionally lean operational structure with a budget of $2.6 million and nine staff members. The organization has diversified its revenue model to rely predominantly on earned revenue rather than traditional grant funding. In 2026, Confluence launched Confluence Overview Effect, a public benefit LLC, to better serve the investment managers within its network and expand its capacity to support mission-aligned investing practices.

About this Role

The Vice President of Business Development is a member of the Management Team and leads the business development functions of Confluence Philanthropy with a predominant focus on fundraising activities including sales, grant funding, and corporate sponsorships. This position also oversees membership engagement with emphasis on both recruitment and retention strategies, as well as brand management across the organization. The role supports the Executive Team in strategic decision-making around organizational growth and manages Overview’s Business Advancement & Membership Committee. Confluence operates as a fast-paced, dynamic organization with multiple concurrent initiatives. The organizational culture is deeply committed, focused, and highly collaborative, with a shared commitment to being excellent stewards of an investor community serious about protecting people and the planet. The organization takes pride in creating joyful experiences, recognizing that shared joy builds organizational unity. The Vice President of Business Development must be exceptionally well-organized, able to create and uphold transparent processes that support the team, and capable of getting things done efficiently while leading with charisma, grace, and humor. The successful candidate will be a collaborative strategist who creates and executes plans by working effectively with others. This position requires a proven entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to make meaningful change through building trust. High social intelligence, demonstrated through discreet and effective communication, is essential for success in this role. The ideal candidate is present and inquisitive, captures important details, and builds business partnerships that feel regenerative and mutually beneficial. The role provides a clear pathway to advancement toward the Chief Development Officer position. At its core, Confluence’s mission depends on people and relationships. The Vice President of Business Development must exhibit genuine gratitude, make supporting Confluence easy and rewarding for staff and members, and genuinely enjoy spending time with the member community. This requires a focused leader who is available for regular travel and local evening networking events. The position reports directly to the CEO and leads a team of 3.50 full-time staff members.

Responsibilities

• Lead membership cultivation and recruitment efforts (30% of role) by cultivating the network’s values within the organization and membership, making Confluence an attractive place for members to belong
• Direct annual member recruitment initiatives and oversee internal systems to motivate and manage staff in meeting annual recruitment goals
• Lead monthly recruitment team meetings and develop dashboards to track membership recruitment and participation metrics for the Board
• Regularly share progress updates internally for accountability and coordination purposes
• Collaborate with the Program Team to inform Confluence’s member engagement processes and deepen member services
• Develop authentic relationships with members and partners to enrich the overall membership experience
• Oversee the Development and Program Teams in development-related responsibilities
• Complete 3-5 trips per year for membership cultivation and recruitment activities
• Oversee grant development and sponsorship solicitation strategy and execution (25% of role)
• Oversee the development team to craft fundraising strategies and grant workplans
• Manage data points and storytelling for grant applications and proposals
• Devise reporting materials for grants and oversee the creation of the Annual Report
• Craft and execute donor cultivation plans, including relationship development strategies
• Effectively support the Board in meeting annual fundraising campaign goals
• Play a strong role in protecting, managing, and building Confluence brands (15% of role)
• Oversee marketing communications and advise on the use of social media platforms
• Oversee branding guidelines and advise protocols for the appropriate use of social media
• Oversee communications consultant(s) and staff hires related to communications and marketing
• Deploy the Executive Team and Board effectively to maximize development and marketing opportunities (20% of role)
• Oversee the production of donor and sponsorship recognition events and benefits
• Strategize with the Executive Team in evolving the business model (10% of role)
• Develop new business opportunities including significant industry partnerships
• Create and implement strategies to further diversify revenue streams

Requirements

• Minimum ten years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including grantwriting, donor cultivation, recognition events, and sponsorship management
• Minimum five years’ experience in structuring corporate partnerships (references will be requested)
• Minimum five years’ experience managing a team of direct reports (references will be requested)
• Experience in a membership organization (highly desirable)
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills (non-AI supported written exercise will be required during the hiring process)
• Experience devising development strategies (mock example presentation and mock donor pitch will be components of the interviewing process; use of AI to create these materials is prohibited)
• Degree in business, marketing, communications, or equivalent experience (graduate degree preferred)
• Demonstrated attention to detail, highly organized, and efficient with a self-directed work style
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with exceptional time-management skills (related reference from most recent supervisor will be required)
• Demonstrated interest in environmental and social investing and/or innovations in the philanthropic, financial, or social enterprise sectors
• Ability to travel 3-5 times per year and attend 2-4 external local events per month (early evenings or weekend social events)
• Ability to perform well under pressure while maintaining patience and a sense of humor
• Legal residence in New York or New Jersey (required for this hybrid position)

Benefits

• Highly competitive benefits package
• Hybrid work arrangement with minimum 4 days per week required in the midtown New York City office
• Leadership position with clear pathway to Chief Development Officer role
• Opportunity to work with a mission-driven organization aligned with environmental and social justice values
• Engagement with a diverse membership representing over $3 trillion in managed capital
• Collaborative, supportive organizational culture that values shared joy and unity
• Involvement in hosting major annual conferences and multiple networking events
• Impact on transforming investment practices toward sustainability, equity, and justice