Deputy Director of Development

ABOUT US

Apex for Youth empowers underserved Asian and immigrant youth from low-income families in NYC to unlock their potential and a world of possibility. Through programming focusing on health and well-being, education, and community engagement, Apex for Youth creates transformative social connections and celebrates cultural identity to build the confidence and self-efficacy of future generations.

Apex serves approximately 2,500 students annually from Kindergarten through their post-secondary years. We provide children and young adults with opportunities to develop strong relationships with adults who volunteer as consistent and caring mentors and role models.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Deputy Director of Development plays a key leadership role in driving Apex for Youth’s fundraising strategy and execution. This position oversees corporate and foundation relations, leads the cultivation and solicitation of individual major donors (donating $25,000–$249,000 annually), and manages a team of fundraising professionals.

Reporting directly to the Director of Development, the Deputy Director of Development will offer strategic leadership and support the Development team to raise $8.5 million in the next fiscal year, building a foundation to grow organization’s capacity in subsequent years. The Deputy Director will manage a portfolio of 100–150 prospects and donors, including corporations, foundations, and individual donors. The Deputy will be a thought partner for the Director of Development and a key contributor for development initiatives throughout the year including fundraising events, campaigns, and volunteer committees. This role will directly supervise the Grants Manager and other development officers, ensuring strategic alignment and achievement of their individual revenue goals as well.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Gifts and Donor Portfolio Management (40%)

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 50-75 individual major donors and prospects donating between $25,000 and $249,000 annually, producing a total of $1 million to $2 million a year.
• Develop and execute thoughtful cultivation and stewardship plans, including in-person meetings, site visits, events, reports, and updates.
• Partner with leadership, program staff, and board members to advance relationships and secure increased giving.
• Manage key volunteers such as board members, councils, associate board members, guest speakers, etc. to achieve fundraising goals.
• Track donor engagement and move management in CRM systems, ensuring data accuracy and timely follow-up.

Corporate and Foundation Relations (40%)

• Manage a portfolio of 50-75 corporate and foundation partners, producing $2 million to $3 million annually.
• Lead solicitation strategies and partnerships that include volunteer engagement, sponsorships, grants, and other philanthropic investments.
• Partner with the Volunteer Manager and Program teams to build mission-driven, sustaining relationships with corporate partners through volunteerism, thought partnership, and program engagement.
• Oversee the submission of proposals and reports in collaboration with the Grants Manager and development team.
• Collaborate with Marketing to create a communications strategy to strengthen the organization’s corporate partnerships, including reports, newsletters, website features, and storytelling through all channels.

Leadership, Supervision & Strategy (20%)

• Supervise and support the Grants Manager and other gift officers, providing clear goals, strategic guidance, and professional development support.
• Partner with the Director of Development to shape and execute the organization’s fundraising strategy, ensuring strong performance across all portfolios.
• Support special fundraising initiatives, including campaigns and events such as the annual Gala.
• Play a key role in implementing a fundraising campaign to grow the organization’s mission and capacity.
• Develop systems and strategies to ensure accountability, collaboration, and alignment within the development team.
• Represent Apex externally at donor meetings, events, and speaking engagements as needed. Some events may take place on weekends and evenings.
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 6–8 years of fundraising experience, with at least 3-4 years of experience in external-facing roles.
• Proven track record of soliciting and securing five- and six-figure gifts from individual donors, corporations, and foundations.
• Strong leadership skills and 3-5 years of experience supervising staff or managing teams preferred.
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional organizational and project management abilities.
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) preferred.
• Knowledge of the New York philanthropic and Asian American community is a plus.
• Commitment to Apex’s mission and values.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to devjobs@apexforyouth.org. Include “Deputy Director of Development” in the subject line.

OVERVIEW OF BENEFITS

Paid time off: In the first year of employment, employees are eligible for approximately a combined 40 days of vacation, holiday, personal, and sick leave (10 vacation days, 12 paid holidays, org-wide closures for one week over the winter holidays and one week during the Fourth of July, 5 sick days per year, 3 personal days a year). Additional vacation days accrue according to years worked in the organization.

Medical and other benefits: Employees are eligible to participate in a range of medical, dental and vision insurance plans with Apex covering the majority of the cost for employees; 401K plan with employer matching; flexible spending account; commuter benefits; paid parental leave; and professional development stipend.

Hybrid workplace: Apex provides for a flexible remote work schedule on specific days of the week and requires employees to be on-site for other days of the week, and for special events and programs, which take place in the evenings and Saturdays a few times a year.

Organizational Culture: Apex is a highly collaborative, flexible, and employee-centered workplace. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity both within our organization and in how we collaborate with others. If you love to work with a team and have exciting ideas you would like to explore and grow, we encourage you to join Apex for Youth!