Vice President, Development

Job Description

Waterfront Alliance is helping shape the future of climate resilience in the nation's largest metropolitan region. From flood protection and waterfront access to climate education and policy advocacy, our work influences how millions of people experience and benefit from our waterfronts every day.

What makes Waterfront Alliance unique is not just the scope of our work, but how we do it: ensuring waterfronts are prioritized in government decision‑making, inspiring residents to help shape the future of their shoreline, engaging young people in education and workforce development opportunities for future blue and green careers, and convening public, private, and civic leaders to design solutions together.

No other organization operates across the harbor—and across scales—in this way.

As Waterfront Alliance approaches its 20th anniversary, the organization is entering an exciting new chapter of growth and impact. The VP of Development will play a central role in helping define the organization’s next phase.

The Vice President, Development is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive $3.5M+ fundraising program that includes individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsor ships, foundation and government grants, events, and special initiatives. The role is responsible for meeting annual revenue goals of the organization while mapping strategies and identifying opportunities for growth. Additionally, the role collaborates with program, communications, and events team members to ensure seamless integration of fundraising priorities across organizational goals and objectives.

This is an opportunity for an entrepreneurial fundraising leader to build the next generation of philanthropy and partnerships for one of the region’s leading climate resilience organizations.

The VP, Development is a senior leader of the organization and a close partner to the new President and CEO and Board of Directors. In addition to setting fundraising strategy, the VP will help execute the vision for the organization moving forward.

President and CEO

Full‑time, Exempt

The annual salary range for this role is $120,000 to $150,000, commensurate with experience. Waterfront Alliance offers a comprehensive benefits package, including employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurances; life insurance; 401K retirement plan with employer match; commuter and FSA benefits, paid time off, paid sabbatical after five years, professional development opportunities, and more.

New York, NY (Hybrid). Waterfront Alliance has a hybrid work environment, currently requiring two days in the downtown Manhattan office.

Development and Communications Associate, Part‑time Grant Consultant, Development Consultant

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and multi‑year fundraising plan to meet Waterfront Alliance’s current annual revenue goals and growth aspirations.
• Establish clear goals and manage projections for fundraising revenue sources.
• Create revenue forecasts and development reports that support strategic decision‑making and Board reporting.
• Serve as a key thought partner to the President and CEO, helping shape organizational priorities, partnerships, and long‑term growth strategies.
• Serve as the staff liaison for the development committee of the Board of Directors.
• Represent Waterfront Alliance at external events and meetings with the Board of Directors and current and prospective donors, conveying the organization’s mission and programs enthusiastically and persuasively.

• Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and high‑capacity prospects.
• Partner closely with the President and CEO on top relationships, donor strategy, meeting preparation, solicitation planning, and stewardship.
• Develop and oversee a donor stewardship program, working with the Director of Communications and Development and Communications Associate to execute up to four strategic donor touchpoints over the year.
• Develop compelling cases for support and pitches for general operating…