Director of Development

About the Fiver Children’s Foundation

The Fiver community includes 400+ youth, ages 8-18 and 700+ alumni, ages 18+, from systemically under-resourced neighborhoods in New York City and rural central New York. Fiver programs develop the inherent strengths of young people in a supportive environment suffused with shared values and mutual respect. Following a multi-week experience at our award-winning, overnight summer camp, we wrap our arms around youth providing social and emotional support as well as education and career programs during out-of-school time hours. Fiver creates a far-reaching community of role models that nurture and challenge youth over a period of ten years.

Position overview: With a $2.7 million budget, and in the midst of our 25th anniversary year, Fiver is seeking a dynamic Director of Development to spearhead a robust and thoughtful fundraising strategy. The director should believe deeply in creating a level playing field for youth from marginalized communities. They will create and implement fundraising strategies that increase the organization’s support from individuals, corporations, and other sources. The director will cultivate relationships with major donors, manage our annual gala, and will have an opportunity to build new and innovative revenue streams.

This position is part of Fiver’s senior leadership team, reports directly to the Executive Director, and supervises a Development Manager and Donor Engagement Associate. The director will interact regularly with program participants in our midtown Manhattan office and on occasional visits to our camp in central New York during the summer.

Job Responsibilities

Strategy Development

• Develop and execute the organization’s overall fundraising strategy
• Manage development efforts in a fiscally sound manner by ensuring that the appropriate systems and procedures are in place to achieve fundraising goals

Individual and Corporate Donor Relations

• Create and execute a strategy for a large, sustained base of annual individual donors
• Develop relationships and secure financial support from major donors and corporate partners
• Oversee stewardship of all donors to support donor retention and connection to mission

Event Planning and Management

• Design, coordinate and execute a major gala ($1 million revenue) including selection and recognition of honorees, securing sponsors, and managing event consultant (auction and event logistic support)
• Develop and coordinate donor cultivation events (two per year)

Board and Volunteer Engagement

• Orient new board of directors and collaborate with them in developing fundraising strategy, identifying clear individual fundraising targets, and providing necessary support to achieve them
• Manage, cultivate, and grow the Fiver Advocates (mid-career professionals volunteer group)
• Empower and support the board marketing committee
• Bring together ad hoc committees of board members and volunteers around events and projects to achieve fundraising goals
• Collaborate with the program team to offer volunteer opportunities to individual and corporate groups, including planning site visits and panel volunteers for summer job training program and midwinter internship program.

Supervision and Leadership

• Supervise, motivate and cultivate leadership in Development Manager (oversees foundations portfolio and supports marketing efforts) and Donor Engagement Associate
• Grow the capacity of the team by recruiting volunteers, interns and pro bono support
• Partner closely with our program staff to understand our Fiver community and to effectively share our story with potential and current supporters
• Collaborate with fellow leadership team members and the board on development and implementation of the strategic plan
• Create and manage fundraising components of the revenue and expense aspects of the annual operating budget
• Represent Fiver at conferences, board fairs, and industry events

Donor Communications and Data Management

• Manage the implementation of Raiser's Edge and oversee staff responsible for data entry and gift processing
• Oversee development and implementation of communication plans and marketing materials
• Integrate communications, events, and all development functions to ensure a consistent case for support and core messaging for all donor communications, including appeals

Requirements

• A passion for the mission of the Fiver Children’s Foundation, including a deep appreciation for summer camp and positive youth development programs
• At least 5+ years of experience with a successful track record and a history of increased responsibility
• Strong collaborative work ethic
• Proven ability to raise funds from individuals and special events
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience planning and managing fundraising events
• Understanding of nonprofit budgets
• Willingness to work in-person at Fiver’s midtown Manhattan office (6 work-from-home days offered each month)
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and active participation in growing one’s knowledge and understanding in these areas

Benefits Package

• Subsidized medical insurance for employee
• Full dental and vision insurance for employee
• 24 PTO days, 11 holidays, 10 sick days
• 403b retirement plan with 2% employer match after 2 years
• Participation in professional development program, “Fiver U”
• 2 work-from-anywhere weeks (one in August and one in December)
• Potential for bonus pending the organization’s achievement of annual fundraising goals

Estimated Hiring Timeline

Review Resumes: 9/17 - 9/27

First Round Video Interviews: 9/23 - 10/4

Second Interviews (In-Person): 10/7 - 10/11

Final Interviews with Board Members: 10/14 - 10/19

Anticipated Start Date: Mid November

To apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter to careers@fiver.org

The Fiver Children’s Foundation believes that historically marginalized communities must be centered in the work that we do, and are actively taking steps to make sure our processes and practices promote equity for all, including people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage applications from people with these identities or members of other marginalized groups.

For more information about Fiver’s commitment to DEIB, please visit: https://www.fiver.org/dei