Director of Philanthropic Partnerships

The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) has worked with and for New Yorkers since 1843 to promote economic opportunity and champion an equitable city and state. We power change through a strategic combination of research, direct services, and advocacy to make New York more livable for people facing economic insecurity. By expanding access to health care, affordable housing, employment, debt assistance, and more, we make a tangible difference in the lives of millions. Through rigorous research, frontline services, and bold policy advocacy, CSS transforms individual struggles into collective power for New Yorkers, turning everyday experiences into evidence that drives real reform.

We're seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial fundraiser who understands that philanthropy is partnership. As our Director of Philanthropic Partnerships, you’ll cultivate relationships with donors who share our vision of a more equitable New York—engaging them not just as funders, but as co-stakeholders in social change. This is more than a fundraising role. You'll steward transformational gifts ($15,000+) and planned giving commitments that fuel our work for generations to come. You'll be the architect of donor experiences that inspire, educate, and activate—utilizing philanthropy as a driver of social change.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Build Transformational Relationships

• • Manage planned giving and major donor fundraising strategy, outreach, solicitation and ongoing reporting, as well as updating and maintaining CSS’ Salesforce database.
  • You will develop and manage your own portfolio of major and planned giving donors, treating each as a valued partner in our mission
  • With a data-driven mindset, build and design innovative strategies for major gifts and planned giving outreach to new prospects and current donors.
  • Conduct strategic outreach, cultivation, and solicitation that moves donors through the giving pipeline with authenticity and purpose
  • Design personalized stewardship experiences including program visits, intimate convenings, and relationship-building meetings that deepen commitment

Drive Strategic Growth

• • Develop and execute comprehensive major gifts and planned giving strategies that align with organizational priorities
  • Conduct sophisticated prospect research to identify and qualify potential major donors
  • Build robust pipelines in partnership with the Director of Individual Giving and Events, and the Vice President of Development
  • Create compelling communications—from acknowledgment letters to campaign materials—that tell CSS's story with power and precision

Support Organizational Leadership

• • Partner with the CEO, VP of Development, Board Trustees, and Honorary Life Trustees on high-level donor engagement and follow-up needs.
  • Provide strategic counsel and follow-up support for leadership-driven fundraising initiatives
  • Serve as the subject matter expert on planned giving vehicles including bequests, charitable trusts, IRA rollovers, and complex asset donations

Execute with Excellence

• • Oversee all major and planned giving operations in Salesforce, ensuring impeccable data integrity, donor tracking and reporting
  • Contribute to digital strategy including website content, social media, and email and direct mail campaigns
  • Manage the stewardship process and development calendar with precision, ensuring no engagement opportunity is missed
  • Identify and research opportunities for cultivation events, donor briefings, campaigns, and similar special meetings to cultivate and solicit financial support from individuals capable of major impact giving.
  • Plan and execute major and planned giving donor cultivation and fundraising events and assist in the execution of larger CSS benefit and appreciation events (in partnership with the Director of Individual Giving and Events and/or the Vice President of Communications)
  • Develop constructive and effective relationships within the development team and across all departments within the organization and contribute to the overall positive working environment.

Key Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Minimum of 12+ years of proven success in individual, major donor and planned giving fundraising, including planned giving and major donor stewardship, working with Board of Trustees
• Deep expertise in cultivating, soliciting, and closing six-figure+ gifts
• Demonstrated experience with sophisticated planned giving vehicles (IRAs, trusts, bequests, stock/real estate donations, annuities)
• Track record of building and managing donor portfolios with measurable results
• Experience working effectively with board members, key stakeholders and organizational leadership in high profile environments.
• Event organization, management, and/or producing experience.
• Key understanding of donor management, benefit fulfillment, and an emphasis on “moves management”.
• Event planning and execution experience that creates memorable donor experiences
• Strategic thinking paired with meticulous execution
• Exceptional writing and communication skills that can inspire and compel giving, and navigate complex donor relationships
• Relationship-building mastery grounded in authenticity and active listening
• Project management excellence with the ability to juggle multiple priorities seamlessly
• Technical proficiency in Salesforce, DonorSearch, Instrumentl, Active Campaign, and Microsoft Office Suite and other CRM software, and project management platforms
• Research acumen for identifying and qualifying prospects
• Ability to travel to meet with donors, funders, attend conferences or convenings

Salary and Benefits: The annual salary range for this position is $135,000 to $142,000. Community Service Society provides a comprehensive employee benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance, annual performance-based bonus, 403b retirement savings plan, defined benefit retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits plan, EAP, and more in addition to paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal days.

Physical Requirements: Office work, prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, etc.

CSS currently offers a hybrid work environment requiring onsite work at CSS’ office at least two days per week and three days per week remote work.

***Interested applicants should provide a cover letter and resume at the time of application submission***

CSS is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

CSS complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing employment, recruitment, and hiring.

Community Service Society provides a comprehensive employee benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance, annual performance-based bonus, 403b retirement savings plan, defined benefit retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits plan, EAP, and more in addition to paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal days.