Director of Development

New York
Permanent
Hybrid
$100,000 - $130,000/year
Strategic PhilanthropyMajor Gift FundraisingDonor Database Management

The Director of Development will have the opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the expansion of Friends of + POOL’s operations. You will work closely with Friends of + POOL’s Managing Director and Board, spearheading annual fundraising and external relations. We’re looking for someone who can strategize collaboratively and spearhead projects independently. As a new role in a unique, innovative nonprofit, you will have the opportunity to build your own pathway, approach and strategy. We’re looking for an ambitious individual with an entrepreneurial spirit, but one who is passionate about the environment, public space, and all things New York City. The ideal candidate will be a curious city-lover with big ideas who has impeccable communication, organization and multitasking skills. You will be a key relationship builder and help lay the foundation for the next phase of our work, in close partnership with the City and State of New York.

Background

Friends of + POOL was born out of an idea for a water-filtering floating swimming pool proposed by four designers, Dong-Ping Wong, Archie Lee Coates IV, Jeffrey Franklin, and Oana Stanescu. The project’s design captured the public’s imagination and the designers launched a nonprofit organization in 2015 to support its realization with a mission to provide free and safe access to the waters for swimming. Since its founding, Friends of + POOL has developed free learn-to-swim programs, environmental education programs and workforce development programs to prepare New Yorkers for free and safe access to their rivers, while working to fully engineer + POOL’s filtration system, establish a public/private partnership with the New York government, advocate for regulatory change to support safe access to city waters and develop + POOL.

Note! There is nothing cookie cutter about our work! If you expect to do the same thing every day or follow an assigned list of tasks, this is not the role for you. All roles are constantly evolving at Friends of + POOL but the following tasks will help kick you off:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising Strategy and Leadership

  • Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals.
  • Lead and inspire the fundraising team to achieve ambitious revenue targets.
  • Build strong partnerships with the board, leadership, and external stakeholders.

Donor Development and Management

  • Identify, cultivate, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
  • Oversee donor relationship management processes and track donor engagement.
  • Expand the donor base through strategic outreach and cultivation.

Grant Acquisition and Management

  • Research and secure government and foundation grants to support organizational initiatives.
  • Manage grant compliance and reporting requirements.

Campaign Management and Execution

  • Develop and implement successful fundraising campaigns, including endowment drives and special events.
  • Oversee the creation of compelling fundraising materials and messaging.
  • Track campaign performance and adjust strategies as needed.

Team Leadership and Management

  • Hire and develop a high-performing fundraising team.
  • Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively.
  • Provide mentorship and coaching to team members.

SKILLS

Fundraising Expertise: Minimum of five years of fundraising experience with graduated responsibility, Experience securing 6-7 figure gifts.

Leadership and Management: Experience overseeing a small and nimble fundraising team. Strong organizational and time management skills with impeccable attention to detail.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Project Management and Campaign Execution: Experience spearheading fundraising events, auctions and/or other fundraising campaigns a must, High energy, creative thinking, and team-player attitude.

Technical Skills: Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Wordpress is helpful, Understanding of fundraising databases, Should be social media savvy.

This job requires some evening and weekend work.

This job is hybrid and staff are expected to be in the office Tues-Thurs, in addition to attending all in-person programs and events.

This is a paid full-time position with health benefits. Starting salary range for this position is $90K-$120K. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Friends of + POOL is an equal opportunity employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap, marital status, sexual orientation or citizenship status, or it is an equal employment opportunity employer.