DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

About the organization

Episcopal Charities of New York (ECNY) is a leading New York City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting acute needs throughout the ten-county region of the Episcopal Diocese of New York which spans from New York City through the Hudson Valley. Our mission is to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable members of our community by providing critical funding and operational support to non-sectarian grantee partners throughout the region. With a commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship, ECNY strives to be a beacon of hope and compassion in our local communities.

About the role

Episcopal Charities is seeking a Director of Development and Communications to join a well-established nonprofit organization focused on meeting acute need in the ten-county region it serves from New York City to the Mid-Hudson region, and which is funded by generous individual donors and large New York-based foundations.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Development and Communications will serve as a member of the senior leadership team and be responsible for developing an overarching development plan that ensures the maintenance, growth and diversification of its revenue streams. In partnership with the ED, this position is responsible for overseeing all fundraising and communications activities. The Director will implement baseline communications strategies that grow awareness and visibility of the organization.

The Director will have primary responsibility for mapping strategy for solicitation of individual and major gifts. They will oversee and manage events including the organization’s annual fall gala. They will map strategies to expand and diversify Episcopal Charities’ donor base/pipeline.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy and Revenue Growth

• Lead the organization’s creation of an annual Development plan which defines effective fundraising strategies focused on individual and grantor funding.
• Lead all efforts related to annual gala benefit event held each November or early December which generates more than $1.2m in revenue.
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities to diversify revenue streams, including small dollar individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and new foundation grants.
• Create and execute annual fundraising campaigns, including online and discrete targeted direct mail appeals.
• Provide regular progress reports to the Senior Leadership team and the Board.
• Track and manage all fundraising efforts using Raisers Edge to ensure accurate reporting, tracking and management.

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Develop and implement a donor stewardship strategy to retain and grow Episcopal Charities’ donor base with a particular focus on existing Top 25 donors, including cultivation around gifts to the organization’s endowment.
• Plan and execute donor initiatives, including recognition events, newsletters, and personalized outreach.
• Compose and manage effective donor communications in collaboration with the program team.

Grant Funding Acquisition and Management

• Manage grant application and reporting for all current funders.
• Track and monitor reporting requirements and ensuring compliance with deadlines.
• Develop and write compelling grant proposals and reports in collaboration with the program and finance teams to maintain and secure funding from foundations and other funders.
• Collaborate with program staff to refine relevant impact metrics collection and reporting.
• Research and identify new grant opportunities to support Episcopal Charities’ mission and budget priorities as defined by the board.
• Monitor the maintenance of accurate grant records.

Board Relations

• Prepare and present fundraising reports for the Board of Directors, providing insights on revenue progress and strategic initiatives.
• Facilitate periodic meetings with the Board Development committee.

Communications

• Direct communications vision and implementation across platforms, including website, social media, and print materials.
• Develop a compelling and persuasive narrative and related storytelling regarding Episcopal Charities’ mission and accomplishments for use in grant requests, donor communications, social media, and funding campaigns.
• Supervise any external vendors and consultants, including graphic designers, photographers, and videographers.

Management and Leadership

• Ensure fundraising strategy consistently aligns with the organization’s values and mission and financial goals.
• Be an active participant in the organization’s leadership as appropriate.
• Facilitate collaboration and productive problem-solving among and across teams.
• Effectively direct and delegate work to relevant staff.
• Supervise relevant portions of Administrative Coordinator’s role including training and supporting to ensure they can effectively meet their role requirements.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including at least two at a senior level, with a demonstrated track record of major donor cultivation ($25k+ asks), gala event management and diversified revenue generation.
• Demonstrated success in a development role, with additional leadership responsibility for communications functions preferred.
• Ability to construct, articulate, and implement an annual strategic development plan.
• Grant writing experience, with the ability to write proposals and oversee the grant management process, preferred.
• Ability to think strategically and drive towards goals without losing attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect to diverse stakeholders.
• Very strong written communication skills with the ability to adapt style, as appropriate, given the medium and the audience.
• Organized and able to oversee the organization and maintenance of development records and related information.
• Experience with CRM platforms (Raisers Edge) required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
• Self-starter and able to take initiative to move projects forward.
• Experience working in, and a passion for, a team-based and collaborative work environment.
• Ability and initiative to brainstorm and identify solutions when confronted with roadblocks.
• Commitment to Episcopal Charities’ mission.
• Knowledge of the New York City nonprofit and donor landscape is a plus.
• Familiarity with the Episcopal Church is a plus.

Who You’ll Work With:

• The role reports to the Executive Director.
• The role will supervise Development portions of the Administrative Coordinator’s role.
• The role will supervise any communications consultant(s).
• The role will work in collaboration with the program and finance teams.
• The role will work with the board development committee.

Application Instructions:

To apply for the position of Director of Development and Communications at Episcopal Charities of New York, please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. Please be prepared to provide three references who can speak to your leadership and expertise. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage candidates to apply who have many, but not necessarily all, of the qualifications listed.

Salary range: $105,000-120,000 annually

Benefits: Generous vacation and sick leave. Comprehensive family health insurance. Retirement benefits through Church Pension Group with generous 10% employer match with 2% employee contribution.

Episcopal Charities currently works live in-office 4-5 days per week. A hybrid schedule may be considered on a limited basis with prior approval from the Executive Director.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

ECNY is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of employment. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.