Posted on October 23, 2012

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Director of Institutional Advancement

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy has worked for over 25 years to bring Brooklyn Bridge Park to life. We started out as grassroots advocates, bringing together residents, government, and local supporters to transform an abandoned waterfront into the park you see today.

Now, as the park’s lead steward, we work in close partnership with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation to ensure that Brooklyn Bridge Park reaches its full potential as a dynamic and vibrant public space for Brooklyn, New York City, and beyond. Providing over 300 free recreational, educational, and cultural programs annually, the Conservancy is in the midst of a 5-year plan to expand its reach by building capacity and growing contribution revenues.

Board development, individual giving expansion (major gifts), and corporate sponsorship pursuits are key aspects of the plan as the Conservancy aims to significantly increase fundraising revenues.

Director of Institutional Advancement

Reports to: Executive Director

Level: Senior Staff

FT/PT Status: F/T, 5 days/week

Major Job Duties Include but are not limited to:

Developing, overseeing, and executing an action plan to launch a major gifts and corporate support program for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. The Director of Institutional Advancement will build and oversee relationships with donors, volunteers, corporate representatives, trustees, current and prospective donors to engage and involve those with capacity and affinity by seeking major support. The Director will also play a lead role in pursuing, securing, and servicing corporate contributions for the Conservancy, including philanthropic funds, marketing/promotional sponsorships, and in-kind support. The Director will work closely with the Director of Development and will report to the Executive Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and coordinate the implementation of a major gifts and corporate contributions program, including:
• Set goals and strategies for major giving
• Identify and cultivate corporate funding prospects
• Conduct prospect identification and expand the current donor database
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, the Director of Development, Board Chair, other board members, and other key stakeholders to develop and maintain relationships with new donors, current donors, prospects, and high-net-worth individuals
• Develop and execute pitches and strategies to reach funder segments, including supporting materials such as funding proposals, letters of inquiry, marketing and promotional plans, in-kind support and other innovative corporate partnership models
• Research, write, and support the development of speaking agendas for special events by working with Executive Director, Development Director, other colleagues, Board members, event leaders, and others
  
• Track prospect and donor contact, status, and next steps in CRM database.
• Assess the effectiveness of giving strategies through monthly analytical and statistical contribution reports and adjust accordingly
• Create and administer select individual giving cultivation events and stewardship opportunities
• Effectively link learned donor interests with programmatic priorities
• Embrace a mission-driven, cohesive, and supportive attitude within the organization
• Maintain professionalism in all departmental activities and outreach, promoting confidentiality of privileged information

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide support as necessary to other members of the Conservancy staff team, particularly during organization-wide events involving individual and corporate donors and prospects
• Attend Conservancy presentations and special events

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Excellent verbal, written, general communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to clearly articulate organization’s mission and goals with energy and passion
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Customer service orientation
• Five or more years knowledge and experience in fundraising, involving actively making high-level solicitations and requiring individual giving experience
• Computer literacy required, including database management experience
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge and prospect research tools a plus
• Financial management skills
• Must be able to work irregular hours, including some evenings
• Ability to foster, facilitate, and develop important relationships
• Enthusiasm for Brooklyn Bridge Park and Conservancy programs

SUCCESS FACTORS & BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Professionalism and enthusiasm
• A natural people-person
• Must be a team player with leadership qualities
• Calm and effective problem-solver
• Ability to manage multiple deadline-oriented projects simultaneously
• Detail-oriented
• Self-motivated
• Ability to recognize opportunities and pro-actively pursue them
• Ability to practice a high level of confidentiality

Application Instructions

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to conservancysearch@brooklynbridgepark.org. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is seeking a diverse slate of qualified candidates for formal consideration.