Director of Development and Communications

About 

Custom Collaborative (CC) is a US-based non-profit social enterprise that trains, mentors, and advocates for and with no/low-income and immigrant women to build the skills necessary to achieve economic success in the sustainable fashion industry and broader society. We enrich women and their communities by preparing those facing high barriers to employment with skills to own, operate, and contribute to fashion and design businesses at a high economic, social, and environmental standard. CC’s revenue was ~$1.2M, in 2022, and is projected to grow to $2M in 2024. The organization has just secured a new space, centrally located in New York City’s Garment District, and is affiliated with a growing roster of high-profile supporters.

The Role

Custom Collaborative seeks a proven fundraiser to serve in a new leadership position as Director of Development and Communications, joining our staff of nine at an exciting point in our organization’s evolution. With a primary focus on executing growth in fundraising, the Director of Development and Communications leads the team in fundraising, communications, and brand management to raise revenue and expand our influence. The role is primarily focused on (1) raising money through interaction with funding prospects, (2) sharing with the public the impact of Custom Collaborative, and (3) generating substantial results from the preceding.  

The Director will spend considerable time building relationships with and stewarding donors, partners, and prospects, strategically partnering with the Executive Director to cultivate and request major contributions and support. Custom Collaborative’s Executive Director is an enthusiastic fundraiser, who is building a leadership team to strategize and partner with, as the organization continues its upward trajectory. CC is at an inflection point, transitioning from a high-performing local organization to a national and global partner, with support from major philanthropic partners.

The Director will collaborate with the staff, Board of Directors, and other volunteers, and lead a team to set and achieve annual and long-range fundraising and brand visibility goals, regularly measuring progress to ensure success. The Director collaborates with Program staff to support funding needs and priorities and directly supervises the Development and Communications staff. 

What we expect of you:

• Oversee a current calendar and work plans for all fund development efforts, including future grant proposals and reports, mailings, marketing activity, and events. 
• Execute and develop relationship management strategies for all prospects, including research, visit strategy and execution, making asks, managing follow up activities and engaging other members of the CC team.
• Ensure that all major donors receive appropriate, consistent engagement and accounting of their gift’s impact. 
• Support the efforts of donor-ambassadors engaged in peer-to-peer cultivation and solicitations. 
• Plan and execute 3 - 4 small donor cultivation events per year, with support of staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Institute planned giving support options for donors 
• Develop and execute effective marketing/communications campaigns and manage ongoing content, including copy for marketing materials (i.e. brochures, press releases, website).
• Execute an organizational strategy for excellence in external relations.
• Manage a team, including developing annual plans and budgets. 
• Be flexible and comfortable in a dynamic environment, with excellent follow through. 
• Be well-organized and have good decision-making and delegation skills.

What you can expect of us:

• Supportive colleagues
• Commitment to the organization’s mission
• Commitment to your professional development and growth
• The tools and budget necessary to succeed at your job
• Clear expectations and partnership to meet them
• Compassion

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Requirements

• A clear history of growing organizational revenues in relationship-driven fundraising including a track record of soliciting gifts, grants, and substantial investments of $25,000+ from foundations, high net worth individuals, and others.
• Relevant knowledge of philanthropic giving trends and best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership of development teams in matrix organizations. 
• Record of prioritizing/initiating new opportunities to expand donor base and stewarding strong relationships with funding sources.
• Prior representation of organizations at all levels of engagement with external stakeholders and media representatives, including strategic meetings and speaking engagements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with people from a wide diversity of backgrounds and cultures, including staff, colleagues, volunteers, and donors 
• At least 7 years of relevant experience.
• Track record of success in meeting and exceeding fundraising goals.
• Proven ability to establish objectives, set performance standards, and organize and motivate a team to achieve goals.
• Experience hiring, mentoring, and retaining staff.
• Demonstrated project management, organization, delegation, and prioritization skills.
• Experience motivating and collaborating with volunteers.
• Proven ability to work within a POC-led multi-cultural team that is building an inclusive and equitable workplace committed to racial and gender equity and justice.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to the Executive Director
• Oversees a staff of four: two each in Development and Communications.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and résumé to apply@customcollaborative.org. Your cover letter should answer the following:

1. What is your proudest fundraising success and why it makes you proud.
2. What is it that most excites you about this role and what you could bring to our team.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. No inquiries by third-party vendors and no phone calls please. Base salary range is $95,000 - 105,000 annually; the position is bonus eligible. Benefits include generous and flexible paid time off: 4 weeks leave; paid leave the last week of the calendar year; two floating, and several other holidays; paid family leave; healthcare insurance plan; transportation benefits; disability insurance; supplementary funds to support staff wellness and professional development.

Custom Collaborative is committed to equity and inclusion. Everyone is encouraged to apply, especially LGBTQIA+ people, people of color, and people with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class.