Director, Development & Communications

The kids of Westchester need someone loud and proud on their behalf. Is that you?

Since 1914, Westchester Children's Association (WCA) has been the county's independent, non-partisan voice for kids, the ones facing poverty, housing instability, and gaps in the systems meant to protect them. We turn data into policy change, and policy change into better lives. We don't do this quietly, and we can't do it alone.

We're looking for a proven fundraiser to lead our development and communications work: someone who can build real donor relationships, run a fundraising strategy that hits its numbers, and make sure Westchester and beyond hears about our work along the way. Communications and advocacy matter deeply here, but fundraising is the priority this role is built around. If you know exactly what YOU did to help hit a fundraising goal, not just that your team hit it, keep reading.

The basics: Full-time, exempt. Reports to the Executive Director and supervises the Development & Operations associate. Currently hybrid between our White Plains office and remote, with business-hours core time, occasional evenings and weekends for events, and limited local travel.

What success looks like as the Director, Development & Communications

This role is measured by outcomes, not activity. Here is what we need you to deliver.

You own the fundraising strategy, you don't just execute it

• WCA has a clear fundraising strategy with identified targets, built alongside the Executive Director and Board, and you hold the accountability for hitting it.
• New funding opportunities, individual and institutional, are identified and pursued, and they actually move the needle.
• Fundraising campaigns and events run on plan and on budget, including our biennial Gala and signature Annual Advocacy Breakfast.

The relationships that fund the mission grow deeper

• Donors are cultivated and stewarded across the full arc, from first gift to major gifts, not just asked.
• Donor recognition and acknowledgment feel personal enough that people want to give again.
• The donor pipeline stays honest and the numbers stay real, in partnership with your Development & Operations associate and using our CRM (EveryAction).

You manage and develop our Development & Operations associate

• Your Development & Operations associate has clear priorities, regular feedback, and room to grow, with you as their direct manager.
• The day-to-day of development and operations gets done well, from donor pipeline hygiene and CRM upkeep to event logistics, because you set direction and hold the standard.
• You delegate with intent, so the associate owns meaningful work and you stay focused on strategy and the relationships only you can carry.

Our story gets told on our own channels and we lead the fight where it counts

• WCA's blog, newsletter and social channels share our data and advocacy in a voice people actually want to read.
• Our data bulletins and reports become stories and thought leadership that the community shares and acts on.
• Online advocacy campaigns land at the right moments, with action alerts, digital mobilization, and supporter calls-to-action tied to real legislative moments (think Child Tax Credit expansion, budget seasons). This runs parallel to media relations, not through it: our PR firm handles press placement, but rallying our own community to act is squarely this role's to own.
• Branding and messaging stay consistent across every channel we touch. Our PR firm helps synthesize and draft content for press, our website, email, and social media, but this role owns the strategy, the final word, and making sure messages land and our supporters take action.

 You show up for the mission, everywhere it matters

• WCA is well represented at community events, coalitions, and civic functions across the county.
• The Board stays engaged in resource development. You lead our monthly development committee meetings and bring the Board in to identify, cultivate, and secure giving opportunities alongside you, not just hear about it after the fact.
• The Executive Director and Board get regular, detailed reporting on fundraising progress and communications metrics.

What you bring

The must-haves are the bar, not a wish list. If you clear them, we want to hear from you.

Required

• 5+ years of experience in fundraising.
• A proven track record of building and executing fundraising strategies and campaigns that hit or surpass their targets.
• Experience managing and developing at least one direct report, with the instinct to delegate, coach, and hold a standard.
• Experience with EveryAction or a comparable CRM, plus the ability to use donor data to drive strategy, not just report results.
• Comfort managing owned communications channels: newsletters, blogs, social content, and consistent branding.
• Strong organizational skills.
• A genuine investment in Westchester County and its kids. We are committed and you need to be too.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, Asana, and a human-centered embrace of AI.
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience.

 Compensation & benefits

• Salary range: $80,000 to $90,000
• Health insurance with WCA covering 75% of individual premium costs
• 401(k) with employer contributions after one year of service
• Generous time off plus personal and sick leave
• Flexible and remote-friendly work arrangements
• A tight, mission-obsessed team where your work visibly moves the needle for our most vulnerable kids

To apply

Send a resume, a cover letter, and one writing sample that shows us you can make people care about something they didn't know they should. In your cover letter, tell us specifically what YOU did to drive a fundraising result you're proud of, not just what your team or organization achieved. Note if and where AI was used in crafting your writing sample. Email to [email protected] and include “Director, Development & Communications” in your subject line.

Westchester Children's Association is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.