Development Director

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Locations: New York, NY in a hybrid work environment

The Development Director New York gives leadership, direction, and support to fundraising efforts designed to support Clarke New York’s mission of teaching children who are deaf or hard of hearing to listen and talk. Children served by Clarke use advanced technologies, including cochlear implants and hearing aids, to maximize their access to sound. Our teachers of the deaf, audiologists and speech-language pathologists have the background, training and experience to prepare children academically and socially for a world of limitless possibilities.

This position involves soliciting individual, foundation, and corporate gifts, planning and overseeing special events, and traditional annual campaigns. If you have experience in non-profit fundraising and development, including special event management, we encourage you to apply.

• With superior personal initiative, lead Clarke’s fundraising efforts in New York.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive traditional fundraising plan, including cultivating individual, corporate, and foundation donors, as well as exploring new avenues for fundraising opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong personal and institutional relationships with key stakeholders, including current and potential donors, community leaders, corporate partners, and parents.
• Collaborate with board and Leadership Council members to develop strategic fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and events.
• Manage and steward a portfolio of existing donors, ensuring timely donor recognition and engagement.
• Research and identify prospective donors, preparing compelling proposals and presentations to secure financial support.
• Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events, managing event logistics and volunteer engagement, including Clarke’s Cocktails with Clarke event.
• Prepare regular progress reports and analyze fundraising data to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and identify areas for improvement.
• Function as a key player in Clarke’s overall Development team.
• Work collaboratively with other Clarke departments, including finance, communications, and operations, to achieve fundraising goals.
• Stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in nonprofit fundraising, incorporating innovative approaches to enhance Clarke’s development efforts and ensure personal professional growth.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related role, preferably within a nonprofit organization. Related experience in the for-profit sector will be considered.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully meeting annual fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining sustainable relationships over time.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively and confidently engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders, especially in 1:1 and 1: group settings.
• Demonstrated experience organizing fundraising events, including volunteer management.
• Experience working with Boards or Advisory Committees.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in donor management software.
• History of community involvement and volunteerism.
• Flexibility to meet evolving and growing job-related needs and scheduling.

• Ability to work at a computer, sitting for extended periods.
• Ability to attend local events and represent Clarke to engage with donors and community leaders.
• Occasionally lift moderate weight.
• Ability to work outside of the usual business hours as necessary.

* Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

** Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential…