Chief Development Officer

Compensation : $160,000-$190,000 / per year

The Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. (RIPA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and local communities to create a vibrant, dynamic destination.

With an annual operating budget of $10M, RIPA offers a diverse array of sports venues, cultural events and opportunities for environmental exploration, making Randall’s Island Park a unique urban oasis.

You can get further details about the nature of this opening, and what is expected from applicants, by reading the below.

As the dedicated steward of Randall’s Island Park, the Alliance is committed to sustaining, maintaining, and developing the park’s facilities and programs to enhance the well-being of all.

With a focus on accessibility and community, RIPA provides inclusive programming that connects New Yorkers of all ages and background to nature, sports, and culture.

RIPA is dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for its employees, partners, and the communities it serves, working to fulfill its mission of enriching urban life through park stewardship and innovative programing.

RIPA is looking for a strategic Chief Development Officer (CDO) who is passionate about the mission and can develop and implement creative avenues to connect with patrons, donors, community partners, current and potential Trustees, sports leagues, etc.

RIPA is seeking a CDO who can merge a traditional Development approach with unique, modern and out-of-the-box ideas with the goal of maximizing fundraising efforts.

Reporting to the President, the CDO will be a key member of the leadership team and will be responsible for helping the organization meet its short-and long-term fundraising goals.

This role will help to implement and expand upon RIPA’s strategic fundraising plan, as RIPA is at a pivotal point of growth and visibility.

The CDO will be responsible for driving RIPA’s fundraising efforts to achieve an annual operating target of $6M through a combination of individual donors, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and a signature gala, while also leading a $6M capital campaign.

This position will supervise a full-time Director of Major Gifts and a part-time Grant Writer and will work with other departments to maximize fundraising efforts.

Key responsibilities include :

Responsibilities / Duties

• Implement and expand upon RIPA’s comprehensive fundraising plan that pairs key programs and assets with targeted strategies for raising revenue from corporations, foundations, special events, major donors, and other individuals.
• Create and drive major individual donor acquisition, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Engage, collaborate with, and guide members of the Development Committee of the Board as partners in direct fundraising and stewardship of potential Board members and major donors.
• Oversee the execution of the annual Gala, which has raised between $1.1M-$1.5M annually for the past decade, as well as other events.
• Plan and execute end-of-year gifts with the Administrative Coordinator.
• Drive the institutional fundraising efforts including overseeing the grant writing process, which includes proposals for operations, public programs. and capital projects.

Board Engagement & External Relations :

• Manage the Development Committee of the Board to advance Board fundraising efforts.
• Support Board development by identifying, researching, and guiding cultivation of potential Board candidates, and manage the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board.
• Maintain a strong physical presence in the park, connecting with patrons, corporate groups, sports leagues, etc.
• Serve as an ambassador for RIPA, promoting the strategy, case statements for fundraising, and vision of the organization, with an emphasis on the transformative power of major gifts.

Internal Leadership & Management :

• Liaison with the Finance department for tracking acknowledgements, donations, and the development budget.
• Work with the Programming department to increase opportunities for corporate engagement, expanding upon an established corporate Volunteer Program.
• Collaborate with the Communications department regarding fundraising strategies, campaigns, end-of-year appeals, etc.
• Guide database functions and tracking mechanisms, ensuring system integrity.
• Fulfill administrative tasks such as reporting, preparing presentations for Board and Committee meetings, administering surveys, timekeeping, and overseeing the Development budget.
• Prepare regular progress reports and forecasts on fundraising.

Qualifications / Requirements

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced development leader to build and transform the philanthropic impact of a nonprofit organization that unites thousands of New Yorkers in their love for nature, sports, education, and recreation.

The successful candidate will bring at least seven (7) years of fundraising experience, as well as :

• A passion for Randall’s Island Park, its mission, and a personal interest in green spaces, sports, parks, and the environment.
• Track record of success as a frontline fundraiser and experience with varied fundraising models including corporations, foundations, and individuals.
• A results-oriented, outgoing, and personable approach and ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including staff across all levels, Board members, key external partners, and volunteers.
• Excellent project management and multitasking skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with an ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships both verbally and in writing.
• Strong formal, professional writing skills.
• Motivated and punctual, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Raisers Edge and Salesforce preferred.
• Knowledge of communications and marketing is preferred.

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