Regional Director, Development & Philanthropy (Rochester Region

Job title: Regional Director, Development & Philanthropy (Rochester Region)

Reports to: Chief Development Office (CDO)

Supervisory Responsibilities: Assistant Manager, Development, Rochester

Salary Range: $88,000 - $94,000

Type of position: Full time, non-exempt

The Regional Director, Development & Philanthropy (RD) is a member of a high-performing, dynamic development team at the Make-A-Wish Metro New York & Western New York Chapter. The RD is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for a regional fundraising office in the Rochester area while working collaboratively with colleagues in the Buffalo and New York City markets. The RD will report to a Chief Development Officer based in New York City.

The RD will drive major and individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation, special events and community engagement efforts. This position serves as a key ambassador for Make-A-Wish, cultivating philanthropic support, strengthening donor and partner relationships, and inspiring investment in the life-changing impact of wishes for children and families. The RD will have a strong focus on donor cultivation, stewardship, mission-centered fundraising, and sustainable revenue growth.

• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of regional fundraising and engagement strategies that support organizational growth and fund mission delivery.
• Translate organizational priorities into actionable plans, goals, and performance measures.
• Foster strong relationships with executive leadership, advisory board members, volunteers, donors, community stakeholders, and staff.
• Provide leadership, coaching, mentorship, and professional development to at least one direct report (Development Manager).
• Serve as a senior member of the Chapter’s Development team; high degree of collaboration with peer colleagues based in Buffalo and New York City.
• Oversee regional office operations, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and financial controls.

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that include major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and foundation grants.
• Manage a portfolio of major, mid-level, and foundation prospects through identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention activities.
• Establish and implement donor-centered relationship-building strategies that connect supporters to the power of a wish and increase philanthropic investment.
• Identify and engage new donors and funding sources to diversify and expand revenue streams.
• Conduct major gift solicitations and planned giving conversations with donors and prospects.
• Oversee grant prospecting and support proposal development efforts.
• Ensure fundraising activities adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Provide strategic leadership for signature fundraising events including a high-performing annual gala.
• Position Make-A-Wish as a charity of choice for area corporations and employers; drive relationship-based fundraising, employee engagement, cause marketing and sponsorship.
• Drive strategic growth in key community-based fundraising channels including school/youth programming, third party, DIY and peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Identify opportunities for public awareness, community outreach, sponsorship development, and donor engagement.

• Serve as a strategic advisor and partner to the Make-A-Wish Rochester Advisory Board (RAB).
• Recruit, engage, train, and support volunteer leaders to maximize their effectiveness and contribution.
• Leverage volunteer and RAB networks to expand philanthropic opportunities and engage new prospects.

• Oversee and develop additional volunteer leadership groups, including a young professionals’ council and event committees.
• Strengthen relationships with community leaders, civic organizations, and professional partners to advance Make-A-Wish visibility, credibility, and impact.
• Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for Make-A-Wish at…