Teach For America New York seeks a Vice President, Development (VPD) to serve as its chief development officer and secure the financial resources needed to pursue our mission of educational equity and excellence. The VPD will collaborate with other regional leaders to develop a regional strategy that is sustainable, and will lead TFA NY’s efforts to consistently raise $15M to $18M annually to support the annual operating budget. Ultimately, the VPD will ensure that TFA NY has the means to dramatically increase our impact and fundamentally alter the life trajectories of thousands of New York City children.
The successful candidate is an expert relationship manager who: balances the art and science of fundraising, understands development best practices, and has an exceptionally high level of personal responsibility for achieving ambitious results. They are passionate about TFA’s mission, believe deeply in the importance of investing supporters in our work, and can represent TFA with a broad scope of external constituents. The VPD reports to the Executive Director, manages the SMD, Development Operations, and oversees a ten-person Development team. The VPD also sits on our regional executive and leadership teams, and works closely with the New York Board and TFA’s National Development team.
Fundraising Strategy (40%)
- In collaboration with the Executive Director, the New York Board and the national organization, develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy that steadily increases revenue while building long-term sustainability
- Create a compelling case for support that effectively communicates TFA’s distinctive value and impact within the NY education landscape
- Develop donor acquisition strategies to expand individual and corporate portfolios
- Design donor engagement strategies that deepen supporters’ understanding of and commitment to TFA
- Work closely with ED and COO to set specific and measurable goals for contacts, effective portfolio management, proposals presented, gifts closed, and dollars raised
- Partner with team leaders to motivate and support the 10-person Development team to achieve ambitious goals
- Serve as liaison to the Development & Finance Committee of the Board
Portfolio Management (40%)
- Identify, qualify, cultivate and steward a portfolio of high-net worth prospective and current donors to increase conversion, renewal and upgrade rates
- Timely reporting of results of prospect meetings with detailed recording in database.
- Attend appropriate regional events that present opportunities to advance prospect or donor relationships
- Support the Executive Director in managing the New York Board, including: preparing for quarterly meetings, cultivating new Board members and supporting Board members in their work for the organization
- Prepare the Executive Director, board members, and other senior leaders at TFA to engage with donors effectively and strategically
Regional Responsibilities (20%)
- Contribute to the work and decision-making of the New York regional leadership team
- Participate in all-staff (region and organization-wide) activities and events such as selection, confirmation, strategic planning and summits
- Engage directly with members of the Programs and Alumni & Community Affairs teams to internalize and be able to compellingly communicate regional priorities and impact
- 10+ years of work experience including 5-7 years in a senior development role
- Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape in New York
- Track record of leading a team to achieve ambitious goals
- Exceptional strategic and critical thinking skills, specifically ability to think big, generate ideas and implement solutions to complex problems
- Ability to set and evolve team vision and direction
- Ability to build strong relationships with others in challenging situations
- Talent for influencing others toward outcomes through sophisticated relationship management
- Impeccable ethical standards and an uncommon level of personal responsibility in driving towards ambitious goals
- Agility and endurance to navigate a large, complex national organization and competitive landscape
- Strong formal and informal communications skills with an ability to convey complex ideas concisely and compellingly to a range of external audiences
Work Demands
- Ability to work some evenings, weekends, early mornings
- Willingness and ability to travel on public transportation to in-person meetings