Director of Development
Sustainable Westchester is a municipally-led shared service provider that delivers climate solutions to the governments, businesses, organizations, and people of Westchester County. Through its innovative programming, extensive relationships, and effective advocacy, Sustainable Westchester has been at the forefront of regional and statewide efforts to achieve a clean energy transition, conserve natural resources, promote environmental justice, and help member communities become more prosperous, healthy, resilient, and equitable. For more about the organization and its activities, please visit www.sustainablewestchester.org
Description:
In close collaboration with internal stakeholders, the Director of Development will spearhead the strategic direction and execution of our comprehensive fundraising efforts. This pivotal part-time position is focused on identifying, cultivating, and securing financial support from foundations, philanthropic individuals, and corporate entities aligned with our mission. The role is crucial for diversifying Sustainable Westchester’s revenue streams and securing the necessary funds to broaden our impactful programs and initiate new projects.
The ideal candidate will bring a deep commitment to environmental and sustainability causes, a proven track record in nonprofit fundraising, and a natural aptitude for building and nurturing meaningful relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Devise and implement an annual fundraising strategy.
- Conduct in-depth research to identify potential donors and develop tailored engagement and cultivation plans.
- Work in concert with the Sustainable Westchester Development Committee to align efforts and maximize fundraising outcomes.
- Compile and deliver reports detailing progress against fundraising targets.
- Organize and oversee fundraising events.
- Lead grant discovery and application processes, targeting foundations, corporate entities, and governmental agencies.
- Craft compelling donor communications.
- Engage in networking and maintain ongoing dialogue with current and prospective donors.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of five years of experience in fundraising, with a focus on securing major gifts and meeting or exceeding financial targets.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing fundraising strategies for nonprofit organizations.
- Proficient in identifying, evaluating, and engaging potential donors.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on crafting persuasive narratives and reports.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds.
- Competency in managing donor databases/CRM.
- Experience in online fundraising and proficiency in using digital tools for donor research and engagement.
Compensation:
This is a 1099 contract position, offering approximately 20 hours per week at an annual rate of $50,000.
At Sustainable Westchester, we don’t just accept differences of background, identity, or point of view – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our work, and our community. Sustainable Westchester is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, ideology, sex, sexual orientation, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need.
