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 sustainable fashion and broader society. The organization is

centrally located in New York City’s Garment District, and is affiliated with a roster of high-profile

supporters.

The Role

Custom Collaborative seeks a proven fundraiser to serve in a leadership position as Director of

Development and Communications, joining our staff of ten generous and engaging people. With

a primary focus on executing growth in fundraising, the Director of Development and

Communications leads the team in fundraising and communications to raise revenue and

expand our influence. The role is primarily focused on (1) developing partnerships by engaging

with individual and institutional giving prospects, (2) sharing with the public the impact of

Custom Collaborative, and (3) generating substantial revenue from the preceding.

The Director will build relationships with and steward donors, partners, and prospects,

strategically partnering with the CEO to cultivate and request major contributions and support.

Custom Collaborative’s CEO is an enthusiastic fundraiser, who has built a leadership team to

strategize and partner with, as the organization continues to grow. CC is at an inflection point,

transitioning from a high-performing small organization to a regional and global partner, with

support from public and philanthropic partners.

The Director will collaborate with senior staff, board of directors, and other volunteers, leading a

team to set and achieve annual and long-range fundraising and 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

team.

What we expect of you:

• Develop and oversee a calendar and work plans for all fund development efforts,

including grant proposals and reports, mailings, marketing activity, and events.

• Execute and develop relationship roadmap strategies for prospects, including research,

visit strategy and execution, asking for support, managing follow-up activities, and

engaging other members of the CC team.

• Ensure that all major donors receive appropriate, consistent engagement and

accounting for their gift’s impact.

• Support the efforts of donor-ambassadors engaged in peer-to-peer cultivation and

solicitations.

• Establish basic planned giving options for donors.
• Be comfortable in a dynamic environment.
• 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 systems, tools, and budget necessary to succeed at your job
• Clear expectations and partnership to meet your goals
• Compassion

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, or others.

• Relevant knowledge of philanthropic giving trends and best practices.
• Record of prioritizing/initiating new opportunities to expand donor base and stewarding

strong relationships with funding sources.

• Prior representation of organization 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

colleagues, volunteers, and donors

• At least 7 years of relevant experience.
• Track record of success in meeting fundraising goals.
• Proven ability to establish objectives, set performance standards, and organize and

motivate a team and (including volunteers) to achieve goals.

• Demonstrated project management, organization, delegation, and prioritization skills.
• 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:

• Director of Development and Communications reports to the CEO and oversees a team

of two permanent staff and a contracted proposal writer.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and résumé to apply@customcollaborative.org. Your

cover letter should answer the following:

1. What is it that most excites you about this role and what you could bring to our team?
2. How have you adapted your fundraising strategies in response to the current social and

political shifts?

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. No inquiries by third-party vendors and

no phone calls please. This is a full-time, hybrid schedule role, requiring a minimum of three

days/week in office. Base salary range is $110,000 - 120,000 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; and paid family leave.

Health 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,

including LGBTQIA+ people, people of color, and people with disabilities. All qualified applicants

will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national

origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class.