Development and Communications Manager (Full-Time)

Overview of the Organization:

Chhaya is the only South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Community Development Corporation (CDC) in the nation. Our mission is to build equitable and thriving neighborhoods by fostering the self-determination, housing stability, and economic well-being of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities across New York City. Since our founding in 2000, Chhaya has helped prevent hundreds of foreclosures; assisted first-time homebuyers in obtaining thousands of dollars in down-payment assistance; led the basement legalization campaign in New York City; provided individuals with key immigration services; empowered families with financial management tools and skills, and fostered the civic engagement of thousands of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean New Yorkers. As a leader in New York City’s housing and economic justice sector, Chhaya is poised for significant organizational growth and development. Our main office is in Jackson Heights and we have a second location in Richmond Hill - two neighborhoods in Queens with vibrant South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities.

Summary of the Position:

Chhaya seeks a driven, forward-thinking, and creative individual to fulfill a key role with operational responsibility for Chhaya’s fundraising and communications functions. This person will help shape and execute the messaging and branding of Chhaya’s work as well as assist on comprehensive projects that include gift processing, data management, donor communications, and other aspects of development operations. A competitive candidate is an organized and energetic individual with exceptional writing and storytelling skills, an attention to detail, and a passion for Chhaya’s mission.

This position will report to the Director of Development and Communications.

Key Responsibilities:

Development

• Conduct prospect research, identifying and generating new funding opportunities, including compiling financial and organizational data on prospective funders
• Support the coordination and preparation of grant proposals and reports for funders, including researching and preparing materials for team collaboration and engaging with relevant Chhaya staff to obtain input
• Help manage Chhaya’s fundraising activities and initiatives, tracking deadlines and supporting the overall management and coordination of fundraising projects and donor solicitation
• Ensure accurate data and record input into databases
• Support event planning and management
• Coordinate project planning and communication with other departments; support process to collect client stories from all departments
• Participate in and administer various meetings, including fundraising committee coordination
• Other responsibilities, as needed

Communications

• Support the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy and plan to build and promote Chhaya’s brand
• Increase Chhaya’s visibility as a leader on key strategic programmatic issues and initiatives
• Help draft and publish regular organizational newsletter providing updates to supporters on Chhaya’s work
• Support the creation of collateral for program and fundraising needs
• Help ideate, draft, and edit press releases, media statements, website blog updates, op-eds, etc.
• Collaborate with communications associate and program leads on communications strategy and goals

As a member of the Chhaya staff, additional responsibilities may be added related to special events, critical initiatives, and other special cases that require full staff participation (some evenings and weekends). Further, as a Chhaya team-member, it is every employee’s responsibility to help further the organization’s mission by building a work-culture centered around ownership, accountability, fairness, inclusiveness, and fun.

Qualifications:

• Strong communicator with excellent writing, speaking, copy-editing, project management, and interpersonal skills
• At least three years of professional experience, ideally working within a fundraising role or in a non-profit setting with an understanding of development/fundraising roles
• Experience in Microsoft Office Suite, GSuite, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Salesforce (preferred) and other CRM/development/communications tools
• Must be a creative and strategic thinker with good judgment, problem-solving skills and ability to make independent decisions in a quickly changing environment
• Skillful relationship manager with the ability to navigate sensitive and politicized spaces, relationships, and decision-making
• Ability to work independently, while collaborating cross-functionally across the organization
• Ability to work in an organized, efficient manner with a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and follow-through
• A self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to wear “multiple hats” if and when needed
• Strong personal commitment and passion for Housing, Economic, and Social Justice
• Sense of humor – a plus