Director of Development and Communications

Director for Development and Communications

Chhaya is the nation’s first and only Community Development Corporation (CDC) dedicated to serving South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. Founded in 2000, 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.

For over two decades, Chhaya has successfully prevented hundreds of foreclosures and eviction cases, assisted first-time home buyers in obtaining thousands of dollars in down-payment assistance, and spearheaded the groundbreaking basement legalization campaign in New York City. We have helped immigrant small-business owners build their long-term resilience, empowered families with financial management tools and immigration services, 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 has experienced remarkable growth through direct services, advocacy, and organizing, amplifying our impact and continuing to champion the needs of our communities.

Chhaya CDC seeks a dynamic, driven, and accomplished fundraising professional to join its senior management team, serving as the organization’s Director for Development and Communications. Working closely with Chhaya’s Executive Director, Board of Directors, and senior management team, the Director for Development and Communications will lead Chhaya’s fundraising efforts to both sustain and strengthen existing programs and facilitate the organization’s growth trajectory.

The new Director for Development and Communications will have the opportunity to join the organization at an exciting time in its history as it prepares to build the first multi-service South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community center in New York City.

A successful Director for Development and Communications will have the ability to think big, yet execute with finesse, will be strategic, creative, and data-driven in their decisions while maintaining keen attention to detail. The ideal person for this role will have a proven track record in both institutional and individual donor cultivation and outstanding relationship-building skills. They will spearhead Chhaya's efforts to expand the organization’s network of supporters, deepen relationships with existing donors, and cultivate new avenues for funding.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Director for Development and Communications is responsible for working with the Executive Director and members of the Leadership and Development teams to design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that sustains existing programs and supports the growth of the organization. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director for Development and Communications oversees all aspects of fundraising, including government grants, corporate and foundation support, fundraising events, and individual donor cultivation.

The position will be hybrid, working from Chhaya’s Jackson Heights office.

• Lead the creation and execution of an annual fundraising plan that aligns with the organization’s Strategic Plan and prioritizes a sustainable operating budget, in addition to special projects such as the current development of a Chhaya community center.
• Support the Manager of Development and Communications to track all donors/funders interactions, plan touchpoints, and grow the individual donor base.
• Lead the planning and execution of fundraising events.
• Work with the Board of Directors to harness their support, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary materials and information to meet their fundraising obligations, including their annual give/get.
• Supervise and support the Manager of Development and Communications and consulting grant writer.
• Oversee the visioning, planning, and execution of fundraising and cultivation activities, including the annual gala.

• Lead the development and execution of an organizational brand strategy and visibility campaign, ensuring that Chhaya’s brand and narrative support programmatic…