POSITION: Director of Development

LOCATION: The Child School/Legacy High School, 587 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044 

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION

The Child School/Legacy High School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and New York State approved Non-Public Day School for students with learning challenges. We serve children from K-12, providing an academically rigorous program within a supportive environment. The Child School is a unique educational institution. Since 1973, we have provided children of all races, socio-economic backgrounds, and learning differences, a diverse, nurturing and educationally-centered academic setting. Specialized individualized programs are offered through which children experience the joy of success and advancements that previously were never thought to be realistically achievable. Most of all, often for the first time, our students experience the feeling of being included and accepted. Our students are individuals who are not limited by their differences. Our school has proven that, by effectively channeling our students’ differences, a new reality emerges that opens doors to college acceptances, rewarding careers and entrepreneurship. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development is responsible for the oversight, coordination and strategy development for fundraising efforts and for the cultivation and solicitation of individual donors. The Director will identify, research, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward individuals, working closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors. The Director will identify upgraded gift prospects from the pool of existing donors, as well as new donor prospects through prospect research to identify individuals that have significant capacity and may have strong affinity for The Child School/Legacy High School. The Director will lead and manage donor cultivation activities such as individual donor site visits, house party fundraising events, and yearly gala. Success for the Director will be measured by the number and amount of upgraded gifts, new gifts, and prospects, stewardship of existing and new donors and the success of the annual gala. 

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop Individual Donor Portfolio

• Manage a prospect portfolio of approximately 100-150 individuals with the goal of generating gifts of $5,000 or more. 
• Build pipeline of qualified potential donors through donor research and board referrals.
• Communicate with prospects by leveraging connectors or cold outreach, and leverage the Executive Director as part of the outreach strategy.
• Cultivate relationships with current donors and Board of Directors to leverage their networks and connections.
• Identify and plan prospect cultivation and donor stewardship events, including site visits, cultivation dinners, and thank you events. 
• Maintain Alumni database and organize several Alumni fundraising events throughout the year.

Manage Development Activities

• Serve as a thought partner with the Executive Director in developing overall development strategy.
• Work with Executive Director to establish specific fundraising goals and metrics within overall fundraising plans. Prepare detailed reports of activity and progress towards goals for review by Executive Director and Board of Directors on a regular basis.
• Develop and manage the system to integrate data and research into the donor cultivation process, building strategies to increase donor support and enhance donor experience. 
• Develop a deep understanding of programmatic offerings and innovations, and use these learnings to drive and inform development strategy.
• Work with the Executive Director to support the Board of Directors, including recruitment and selection of board members, communication and preparation for board meetings. 
• Oversee current foundation relationships include grant reporting.
• Identify new opportunities for grant funding and work to submit grant proposals.

Manage Fundraising Gala

• Oversee event planning committee in managing event logistics.
• Manage host committee to ensure successful fundraising of the event.
• Solicit event sponsorship and individual gifts.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to The Child School/Legacy High School’s mission and core values.
• 3-5 years of development/fundraising experience with 2-3 years of front-line major gift experience, required, with proven track record of successfully closing 5+-figure individual gifts. 
• Detail oriented, results oriented and strong attention to follow-through.
• Ability to connect with families and an affinity for students with learning challenges.
• Ability and interest in identifying new prospects.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with an ability to use data to make decisions and to translate strategy to action.
• Superior verbal communication skills with an ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision and lead others to implement it.
• Superior writing skills, including the ability to draft emails on behalf of Executive Director and others.  
• Ability to exhibit an executive presence as portrayed by excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to articulate The Child School/Legacy High School’s mission and work to major donors and prospects.
• Sound judgment, excellent customer service, and solid organization skills.
• Ability to multi-task and manage a variety of projects simultaneously in order to meet deadlines and goals.
• A collegial team player with a proven ability to motivate, engage and work collaboratively at all levels with prospect donors, volunteers, staff, colleagues and similar constituencies.
• Ability to coach and mentor peers and executives on effective fundraising practice.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required; relevant advanced degree preferred.
• Must be able to attend evening events and work some weekends. 

COMPENSATION Competitive compensation commensurate with experience. 

TO APPLY Qualified individuals, please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter to: [email protected] 

The Child School/Legacy High School believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. The Child School/Legacy High School does not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, or ideology.