Posted on September 11, 2012

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Director of Development

WE ACT for Environmental Justice (aka West Harlem Environmental Action, Inc.) is a Northern Manhattan community-based organization whose mission is to build healthy communities by assuring that people of color and/or low-income participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. WE ACT is working to achieve this mission by securing our eight indicators of a healthy community: Clean Air; Affordable, Equitable Transit; Waste Reduction, Pests & Pesticides Reduction; Toxic Free Products; Good Food in Schools; Sustainable Land Use; Open & Green Space; and Healthy Indoor Environments. Since our inception in 1988, WE ACT has grown from a small, community-led volunteer group focused on West Harlem’s most prominent environmental issue – air pollution – into a nationally recognized and respected environmental justice advocate and leader. WE ACT maintains an annual budget of $1.6 million and currently employs 13 staff members. For more information, please visit www.weact.org.

Purpose of Position

WE ACT is seeking a dynamic Director of Development to provide leadership in all areas of development/fundraising within the organization, and to promote the mission of WE ACT to current and potential donors, funders and the larger community. Reporting to and in partnership with the Executive Director, the Director of Development will spearhead fundraising efforts as WE ACT continues to grow. The Director will have the opportunity to expand the development functions and build the department while simultaneously raising support for, and promoting the visibility of, the organization.

Accountability

The Director of Development supervises one Development Associate as well as relevant interns, and reports to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities:

1. Create and lead a strategic, well-thought-out fundraising plan for the department to optimize organizational resources targeting fund development in accordance with the organization’s business plan
2. Write and submit grant proposals with the aim of securing financial support from foundations, corporations and government entities
3. Develop and track proposals and reports for all foundation, corporate and government fundraising
4. Create and execute a strategy for building a large sustained base of annual individual donors
5. Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with existing individual donors
6. Serve as the organizational liaison to EarthShare New York
7. Manage the planning and implementation of fund development initiatives, including Direct Mailing and Major Gift and Donor recognition
8. Supervise the co-ordination of all special events and fundraising initiatives
9. Work with the Executive Director and organizational staff to determine and pursue specific sponsorship of programs
10. Incorporate web-based programming and e-philanthropy concepts into organizational fundraising activities
11. Work with department staff and the Director of Administration to ensure that all funds raised are accounted for and deposited in a timely manner and that donor information is accurately recorded in the donor database
12. Manage the implementation of Raiser’s Edge and oversee staff responsible for data entry and gift processing
13. Supervise, support and provide performance feedback to all Development staff
14. Work with executive leadership team to develop, monitor and administer organizational budget, cash flow, workplans and reports
15. Ensure effective management, review and analysis of donor statistics and information
16. Participate in overall management of the organization as part of the Executive Team
17. Create and provide quarterly reports and scorecards on development activities to the Board of Directors
18. Serve as staff support for the Board’s Development Committee or special events committee as needed
19. Participating in the Board’s Finance Committee deliberations

Required Skills & Qualifications:

1. BA (required), MA (a plus)
2. Minimum 5 years experience in development, with a track record of success and growing responsibility within the field
3. Minimum 3 years experience in management, with demonstrated expertise in strategic thinking, program planning and fundraising
4. Familiarity with environmental/environmental justice concepts and/or social justice concepts
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills
6. Track record of raising funds from foundations, corporations and government funders through the writing of solid grant proposals
7. Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge, Constant Contact email management software, and Microsoft Office
8. Exceptional track record developing and cultivating donors and relationships with multiple community stakeholders
9. Demonstrated expertise in effective web-based activities, including social media and e-philanthropy

Salary commensurate with experience

Application Instructions

To apply please submit resume and cover letter to the Director of Administration and HR, Evelyn Joseph, evelyn@weact.org