Jobs NYC

Director of Major Gifts and Campaigns

%LABELPOSITIONTYPEFULLTIME% %IN% New York, NY

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is a nationally recognized, independent center for ecological and ecosystem research. We study complex socio-ecological systems to provide society with solutions to vexing problems. Join us in the newly-created position of Director of Major Gifts and Campaigns, to help us build and amplify strong, long-term relationships with our existing donors, and accelerate the momentum of our fundraising program to find new supporters nationwide for our critical work.

The Director will grow, diversify, and scale our major gifts program, overseeing major donor acquisition, cultivation, solicitation, and management. This person will work directly with the President and the Director of Development. They will also work in partnership with a five-person Development team and a four-person Communications team. Working with these staff, the 14 core scientists, and an engaged and active Board of Trustees, they will help achieve the Institution’s ambitious fundraising goals.

The Director will ideally be based remotely (preferably on the East Coast with a strong preference for New York City). Initially, the ability to spend time at the Institute to meet and form partnerships with staff is essential. Thereafter, periodic visits to HQ in Millbrook, NY (90 miles north of New York City) will be expected.

The Director’s responsibilities will include:

● PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT: Identify, research, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors capable of making major ($25,000+) to principal gifts ($1,000,000+) and beyond. The position will manage a growing portfolio of 50-75 prospects and donors annually.

● RESEARCH AND ACQUISITION: Research and recruit new major donors to Cary Institute, and manage acquisition strategies for potential donors at the $25,000 level and up. Such strategies will include, but are not limited to, hosting cultivation events, discussion with Trustees (past and present) and colleagues, and outreach to existing donors with capacity who have not yet made major gifts. This position will also work with the Development team to create and improve upon department-wide acquisition strategies and goals.

● STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT: Develop a plan to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors at a national level, initially building from New York City, the East Coast, northern California, and Florida. Travel will be an important part of the job, starting out at 20% of the time but increasing as the portfolio grows.

● CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT: Structure and implement a future capital campaign, in partnership with the President and Development team. We expect to conduct a new campaign focused on science innovation and the impact of our science in the next 2 – 3 years. This position joins our team three years after we concluded a capital campaign that exceeded our goals, raising $7.2M to support the $14M reinvention of our headquarters, the Tozer Ecosystem Science Building.

● Incorporate planned giving opportunities into solicitation plans, when appropriate.

● Use effective donor management systems in coordination with the Development team, including: gift acknowledgment, donor recognition, and tracking in the CRM database with an eye for improving data quality.

● Craft compelling gift opportunities and stories around complex scientific issues, and provide input into current and future marketing and branding strategies.

● Stay informed on current and proposed research by Cary Institute scientists to guide cultivation efforts.

● Monitor and track progress toward fundraising goals and provide required internal reports as requested.

● Assist with event planning and execution as needed and appropriate.

Job requirements:

We seek a senior leader who can help us build and amplify strong, long-term relationships with our donors and find new supporters nationwide. Requirements include:

● Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of development experience, including at least 7 years of major gift fundraising, capital campaigns, and planned giving.

● A track record of working with high-net-worth donors and demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure gifts.

● Significant experience in donor acquisition strategies and prospect research.

● Exceptional communication skills, with ability to express complex asks in simple, clear language, both in person and in writing. Ability to translate and align strategic goals and scientific research with the interests of individual donors.

● Ability to work independently (remotely) and as part of a team.

● Proficiency with programs such as: Microsoft Office and Google Suite, donor research tools iWave); and constituent record management databases (NEON).

● Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, a professional demeanor, an eye for detail, and the ability to oversee and track multiple tasks simultaneously.

● Experience in science philanthropy preferred. A passion for science and the environment is required.

Cary Institute values kindness, and collaborative approaches, that lead to greater success and a better working environment. Candidates must possess a collegial attitude and a sense of humor.

The Director of Major Gifts and Campaigns will report to both the President and Director of Development and have dedicated part-time support from a Development Assistant who works at Cary Institute’s headquarters.

This is a salaried, exempt, benefitted, full-time position. Salary range is $100,000-135,000. The Institute is based in Millbrook but the position will ideally be based in a metropolitan market: an ability to travel to Millbrook and spend time at the Institute is important, particularly in the first year of the position. Flexibility to work some evenings or weekends required. Following our HR hiring protocols, a final offer will be contingent on a satisfactory background check.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. This position is open until filled.

Please include a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references in one document.

The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Institute to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information or any other protected class.