Director of Development (Fundraising)

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 72,000 individuals annually. We do this through 101 programs across 138 sites, throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity is shown not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in New York City. About the Role The Development Director shapes and drives Rising Ground’s fundraising strategy and function. This position calls for a engaging, hands-on leader who is ready to roll up their sleeves, leveraging tools and resources to drive change as we significantly expand and manage a comprehensive fundraising program. The Development Director will supervise a small, dynamic team, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to achieve fundraising goals while cultivating meaningful relationships with Board members, donors, partners, program and other staff, and community stakeholders. What You’ll Do •Strategic Planning & Fundraising: Develop and implement a comprehensive, sustainable fundraising program that aligns with the organization’s mission and financial goals. Lead the creation and execution of annual fundraising efforts resulting in increased revenue and number of donors. •Donor Cultivation & Stewardship: Build and maintain relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors. Oversee the identification, solicitation, and stewardship of donors at all levels. Support Board members in their resource development work. •Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor a small team of fundraising professionals. Provide guidance, training, and support to team members while fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture, including the research, writing and submission of corporate and foundation proposals and the planning and execution of fundraising events, including donor receptions, annual galas, and other special initiatives to engage the community and raise funds. •Database & Reporting: Oversee the management of donor data and ensure the accurate tracking of donations, pledges, and donor communications. Prepare reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors on fundraising progress and outcomes. •Hands-On Fundraising: Engage directly with donors through phone calls, meetings, and personalized communications to build and strengthen relationships. Actively solicit major gifts, annual donations, and other forms of support. •Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and marketing and communications, as well as program staff, to ensure alignment with organizational goals and effective communication of fundraising needs. •Other duties as assigned Experience:Bachelor's degree preferred. Minimum of 7 years of experience in fundraising, with a track record of success in securing donations, including significant sized gifts, from individuals, foundations, and corporations. At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory role. Ability to successfully manage department budget. Individuals with applicable skills and competencies in fields such as sales and marketing who have an understanding of fundraising are also welcome. Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, work collaboratively, and meet deadlines. Fundraising Expertise: Experience with major gifts, annual giving, events, and grants. Familiarity with fundraising databases and a solid understanding of the best practices in nonprofit fundraising. Self-Starter: Ability to work independently, take initiative, and execute strategies effectively. Comfort in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Passion for the Mission: Deep commitment to the mission and values of Rising Ground. A true “cheerleader” with an ability to convey passion and enthusiasm for the organization’s work to as well as inspire and motivate potential donors and partners. Desired Attributes: Ability to engage and inspire donors, court and foster relationships, and execute on plans. Highly organized, with strong attention to detail. Collaborative and team-oriented, yet confident in taking initiative. Comfortable working in a "roll-up-your-sleeves" environment. Ability to think creatively and solve problems as they arise. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work Environment: Corporate Office Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday in our Headquarters at 1333 Broadway office in Midtown Manhattan. Work hours options are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, 10 am - 6 pm. May require evenings and/or weekends based on events. Additional Requirements: •Authorized to work in the U.S. •Ability to work in-person in New York City (NY) for at least 3 days or more per week. •Ability to travel to other Rising Ground sites (if required) Hybrid position. Salary: $150,000-$180,000 and competitive benefits package. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is the policy of Rising Ground that the Agency wholly complies with equal treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to an individual’s perceived or actual race, creed, color, national origin, alienate, citizenship status, gender, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or veteran status in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, layoff and termination and all other terms and conditions of employment. Email resume. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $150,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year Benefits: • 401(k) • Dental insurance • Health insurance Schedule: • Monday to Friday • Weekends as needed Work Location: Hybrid remote in NY, NY 10018