NRDC is currently seeking a skilled Director of Development, Eastern Region to oversee the major gift program for this critical region. This is a full-time position located in New York, NY.
The Director of Development, Eastern Region plans, directs, and executes NRDC’s major gift program for the Eastern region, which currently raises more than $30M annually. The Eastern Director is responsible for working with senior leadership to design and execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for a portfolio of approximately 200 donors who contribute at the five-figure plus level, and for identifying and managing a prospect pool of major donors in the region. S/he will be a member of the senior team of regional major gifts officers.
- The Director of Development, Eastern Region responsibilities are as follows:
- Establish annual Eastern fundraising goals and clear strategy for achieving them
- Direct and mentor a team presently comprised of two Portfolio Managers that will be expanding in the near future.
- Manage a portfolio of individuals and family foundations:
- Personally cultivate and solicit major gifts from current and prospective donors
- Set strategies and timetables for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high level gifts from current major donors and prospects for senior leadership, program staff, and volunteers
- Provide comprehensive, timely, and innovative stewardship opportunities. Elevate the importance of stewarding all gifts and programs in ways that strengthen donor interest in, satisfaction with, and commitment to NRDC
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for new fundraising efforts that will expand and diversify the funding base
- Develop strategies with membership team to upgrade members from direct mail solicitation to personal solicitation
- Contribute to the creation of fundraising materials that will resonate with major donors
- Partner with and support NRDC’s leadership with respect to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts, and utilize their time and talents appropriately; ensure their effectiveness as a spokesperson and fundraiser for NRDC
- Work with the New York special events and donor relations teams to plan events in the region that maximize major donor and prospect cultivation opportunities
- Develop and maintain expert familiarity with programmatic needs, budgets, and priorities
The Director of Development, Eastern Region must be a highly skilled major gift fundraiser with a track record of successfully and strategically identifying, cultivating, and stewarding donors at the $250K+ level. Other desired skills and qualifications include:
- 10+ years of fundraising experience with a focus on major gifts and a strong familiarity with philanthropic communities in New York and on the east coast
- Ability to manage and mentor staff and to coach fundraisers to increasing levels of success
- Ability to interface effectively with the highest level of NRDC donors and senior staff members
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple, complex fundraising activities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication, writing, and interpersonal skills
- Passion for the mission and goals of NRDC
- Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree
- Experience with fundraising campaigns a plus
- Experience with advocacy or environmental groups a plus
NRDC is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.