Director of Development

Director of Development (DoD)

Community-Word Project | New York City

Be a Visionary. Build Partnerships. Drive Growth.

Community-Word Project seeks a visionary Director of Development (DoD) who shares our values for intentional collaboration, inclusion and accessibility, creative expression, power of voice, and radical love. We seek a Director of Development who will work closely with the Executive Director, key staff and the board to mobilize resources, strengthen engagement, and expand funding opportunities that sustain our mission. As we celebrate 25 years of amplifying creative voices, we envision a world where artists and learners collaborate to shape a more just and equitable society. This is your opportunity to lead transformational fundraising efforts and play a key role in shaping the future of a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering youth through the arts.

About this Role

• High Impact: Your work will directly support young artists and learners in NYC’s historically underserved communities.
• Collaborative Leadership: Work closely with leadership, staff, key stakeholders, and a dedicated board to drive innovative fundraising strategies.
• Diverse Funding Portfolio: Manage and grow institutional giving, corporate partnerships, individual donors, and a flagship annual event.

Key Responsibilities

The Director of Development (DoD) will allocate their time strategically across key fundraising and development functions to drive revenue growth and organizational sustainability. Approximately 40% of time will be dedicated to Grants and Corporate Engagement, leading institutional fundraising efforts, cultivating relationships with foundations and corporate partners, and managing grant applications and compliance. 25% will focus on Individual Giving, including growing the donor base, implementing major gifts strategies, and overseeing peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives. Another 20% will be devoted to Special Events, with an emphasis on producing the Annual Benefit, securing sponsorships, and coordinating donor engagement opportunities. The remaining 15% will be spent on Development Systems and Cross-Functional Team Projects.

Fundraising & Revenue Growth

• Lead and execute a multi-channel fundraising strategy, securing funds from foundations, corporations, and government sources.
• Conduct prospect research and cultivate relationships with high-potential donors and institutional partners.
• Write and oversee compelling grant proposals and funding applications, managing submission deadlines and reporting.
• Supervise and collaborate with a part-time grant writer and development operations consultant to maximize efficiency and impact.

Corporate & Community Partnerships

• Expand corporate sponsorships and develop meaningful engagement opportunities, such as employee volunteer initiatives and targeted fundraising events.
• Cultivate relationships with New York City Council Members, securing funding and increasing visibility for the organization’s work.

Donor Engagement & Major Gifts

• Grow and diversify the individual donor base through innovative campaigns, cultivation events, and major gifts programs.
• Develop engaging opportunities for donors to connect with the organization’s programs and mission.
• Work closely with the team and board to lead the production of the Annual Benefit, engaging corporate sponsors, host committees, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives like #RaiseMyVoice, building momentum for donor-driven campaigns.

Development Systems & Operational Leadership

• Oversee and optimize donor tracking, data management, and reporting using Salesforce and Classy.
• Ensure grant compliance by coordinating reporting and financial submissions with program and finance teams.
• Provide regular performance updates to the Executive Director and Board on fundraising progress and strategic priorities.

The ideal candidate is a bold, relationship-driven leader who:

• Has at least five years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with expertise in institutional giving, corporate partnerships, and donor relations.
• Has proven experience with the grants management process from cultivation to post-award communication, tracking, and compliance.
• Thrives in both strategic and hands-on roles, balancing high-level planning with day-to-day execution.
• Is a compelling grant writer and storyteller, with a talent for crafting persuasive funding proposals and donor communications.
• Is a natural relationship builder, comfortable engaging with donors, corporate partners, and community leaders.
• Has a collaborative spirit, working effectively with cross-functional teams and leadership to align fundraising goals with the organization’s mission.
• Is analytical and results-driven, tracking and measuring fundraising success to drive continuous improvement.
• Brings strong technology skills, particularly in Google Suite, Salesforce (or similar CRM platforms), and fundraising software.

Join Us & Make an Impact. This is more than a fundraising role—it’s a chance to lead and shape the future of an organization that empowers young voices through the arts. If you’re ready to bring your vision, expertise, and passion for social impact to a growing nonprofit, we encourage you to apply!