Development Officer, Individual Giving

Development Officer, Individual Giving

About New York Cares

New York Cares exists to turn passion into action, leverage resources through partnership, and create long-lasting change across New York City. We've become the City's leading volunteer management organization by adapting and responding to our most pressing community needs – from everyday challenges like food insecurity and educational inequity to relief efforts in response to 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. As we grow our team, we are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued, finds a place of belonging, and brings their authentic self to work.

About the Individual Giving & Special Events Team

New York Cares’ Development Team raises $9mm annually from a portfolio of generous donors and institutional funders. The Development Officer, Individual Giving will join a team of five fundraising professionals focused on individual giving and special events, ultimately raising $4mm via an Annual Gala, a Soiree, and myriad fundraising campaigns and initiatives. We are a collaborative group that is always looking for new ways to tell New York Cares’ story and improve our fundraising strategy. We also manage a Young Professionals Committee (“Rising Leaders Council”), a Family Council, and a major donor society (“Leadership Circle”).

About The Development Officer, Individual Giving 

We are seeking an experienced fundraiser who excels at developing creative fundraising campaigns and pitches. The Development Officer, Individual Giving will manage New York Cares’ fundraising cycles for donors who give <$1,000 annually, with a goal of raising at least $1mm and increasing donations from and retention of that donor-base. The successful candidate will be organized, creative, and tackle projects with a commitment to exceptional performance. If you are looking to join a motivated team that prioritizes donor engagement and data-informed stewardship, this role is for you. 

We are seeking an experienced fundraiser who excels at developing creative fundraising campaigns and pitches. The Development Officer, Individual Giving will manage New York Cares’ fundraising cycles for donors who give <$1,000 annually, with a goal of raising at least $1mm and increasing donations from and retention of that donor-base. The successful candidate will be organized, creative, and tackle projects with a commitment to exceptional performance. If you are looking to join a motivated team that prioritizes donor engagement and data-informed stewardship, this role is for you. 

Key Stakeholders 

The Development Officer, Individual Giving is New York Cares’ lead communicator and strategist for donors who give <$1,000, and will raise at least $1mm annually from that base. The Development Officer will work closely with donors, volunteers, and New York Cares Program staff to develop creative and compelling cases for funding support. The Development Officer will report to the Director of Development, Individual Giving & Special Events. The Development Officer may supervise one direct report, depending on the incoming candidate’s experience and skillset. 

Scope of Responsibilities 

• Develop and manage comprehensive campaigns to raise funds for New York Cares’ general operations and programs. Integrate and coordinate different solicitation strategies including email, phone, direct mail, and social media. Write campaign copy and strategy briefings to keep other staff (Communications, Programs, Senior Leadership) up to date. 
• Works collaboratively with the Institutional Relations and Communications Teams to execute fundraising and brand awareness campaigns centered on events and more; including: Stand With Students, New York Cares Coat Drive, Winter Wishes, and End of Year appeal. 
• Work with the Director of Development, Individual Giving & Special Events to build and maintain donor segments based on individuals’ behavior, engagement, and affiliations. Test segments regularly using Mailchimp’s and apollo’s A/B testing and survey features and use results to inform campaign development and fundraising strategy. 
• Become a New York Cares “expert” and excel in telling our story. Act as a spokesperson for the organization as needed to bring in funding and engage with donors and prospective supporters. 
• Support New York Cares’ Major Gift program by identifying donors from the <$1,000 portfolio who have potential for growth, completing research on databases and platforms (e.g. iWave, apollo), and presenting prospect profiles to the Partnerships & Major Gifts Officer and Director of Development. 
• Build the Cares Champions program 

This list is not an exhaustive job description. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. 

Qualifications 

Successful candidates will be highly-motivated self-starters who have an aptitude for communication and story-telling, possess a collaborative spirit, have interest in the nonprofit space, and: 

• A Bachelor’s Degree and 3 years of experience (or high school equivalency and 5 years’ experience) in a fundraising or fundraising-related department (e.g. marketing and communication, sales, etc.) with demonstrated experience working on individual giving, email campaigns, annual fund, and/or related tasks. 
• Superb communication skills, with experience tailoring messages to suit intended audiences and compelling readers to act. Can use outstanding grammar and copywriting to create a variety of written materials that support fundraising efforts. 
• Excellent project management skills. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and plans work activities, use time efficiently, follow instructions, and responds to management direction. 
• Ability to analyze and use data and metrics to shape goals, strategies, and tactics. 
• Understand social nuances, practices, and world views of people of various backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Leverages that understanding to effectively interact with people of diverse communities. 
• Possesses a strong future-orientation and entrepreneurial mindset. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel. 
• Experience using Salesforce.org, Mailchimp, apollo, and/or similar technical systems preferred. 
• People management experience a plus. 

The Development Officer, Individual Giving is New York Cares’ lead communicator and strategist for donors who give <$1,000, and will raise at least $1mm annually from that base. The Development Officer will work closely with donors, volunteers, and New York Cares Program staff to develop creative and compelling cases for funding support. The Development Officer will report to the Director of Development, Individual Giving & Special Events. The Development Officer may supervise one direct report, depending on the incoming candidate’s experience and skillset. 

Compensation

The salary range is $70,000 - $75,000 and is commensurate with experience. 

Salary is just one component of New York Cares’ total compensation package. We offer generous paid leave, including a winter holiday break, self-care days, and summer Fridays; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; access to a suite of e-learning courses; tax advantage accounts including a 403b Thrift Plan, FSA, and much more.

New York Cares is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are deeply committed to building a workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion are valued and prioritized. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other non-merit-based or legally protected grounds.