DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Position Summary

As an essential member of the CIS team the Development Manager will report to the CEO, working collaboratively to create and implement fundraising strategies, and closely with the Board and Program Directors to achieve annual fundraising goals. The role requires an independent and highly organized individual who will be expected to manage CIS’s grant application and government funding processes. In addition, this person will sustain and develop relationships and community through special events, content curation, and corporate programs. This role requires a passionate and proactive individual who desires to make a difference in the lives of NYC children and youth.

Responsibilities

1. Fundraising strategy
   1. Develop and enact Chess in the Schools’ fundraising strategy with the CEO, the Development Committee of the Board and Development Associate.
   2. Oversee and manage multiple streams of fundraising including government funding, individuals, corporate sponsorships, grants, and events.
   3. Establish and strive to exceed fundraising goals, maintain budget of revenue (and Development spending) and create interim budget reports with the Office Manager to monitor progress throughout the year.
2. Board/Donor cultivation and stewardship (individual, corporate, foundation)
   1. Research and prospecting of new relationships
   2. Sustaining and nurture relationships through communications, donor recognition opportunities along with the Development Associate.
   3. Work with Development Associate to maintain a donor management system.
3. Event Management
   1. Plan and execute cultivation and stewardship events throughout the year including a large annual fundraising event.
   2. Collaborate with the CEO, Development Associate, Board Members, volunteers, and staff to ensure professional and smoothly run events.
4. Grant management
   1. Research, write, and submit grant applications to foundations, corporations, and government entities.
   2. Work with CEO and Lobbyist to promote Chess in the Schools to government officials and submit requests for discretionary and Citywide funding from City Council as well as other City and State funds.
   3. Oversee vendor contracts with Grant Writers, as needed.
5. Reporting
   1. Use data from Program Directors and annual audit to create content for Annual Report.
   2. Design and write curated reports for grants, individual donors, etc. based on interest or project.
6. Communications/PR
   1. Collaborate with Development Associate to design and write newsletters, innovate social media posts, and distribute press kits and releases.
   2. Manage Chess in the Schools branding, public image, logo, etc.
   3. Work with press at events or upon request.
   4. Oversee vendor contracts with graphic designers, as needed.
7. Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

• Belief in the mission of Chess in the Schools and ability to articulate it to donors and stakeholders
• Familiarity with donor management systems
• Enthusiastic personality and ability to build and sustain relationships
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Can navigate working independently or as part of a team and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Bachelor’s Degree in nonprofit management, communication, business, fundraising or a related field. (Masters a plus)
• A minimum of three years’ experience in fundraising, grant-writing, development, government affairs, donor relations, or event management.
• Experience working in a youth-serving or education-related environment is highly desired.