Director of Development

Who We Are

ACC is one of the nation’s largest open-admission animal shelters whose mission is to End Animal Homelessness in NYC. We touch the lives of nearly 30,000 animals each year. We are more than an animal shelter; we are a resource to the community, always seeking ways to keep the human-animal bond intact. Our progressive life-saving initiatives continue to sustain a 90% placement rate. 

We strive to find loving homes for homeless and abandoned cats, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits, both by adopting animals directly to the public and by partnering with more than 200 dedicated animal placement organizations (our New Hope partners). Equally significant are our programs and services that value and respect the human animal bond and are designed to keep families and their pets together. Our doors are open 24/7 for people and animals in need making ACC the most unique and full service animal welfare organization in all of New York City. 

Position Summary

ACC is seeking an experienced fundraising professional to join our team as Director of Development. Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Development will work collaboratively with senior leadership, the ACC Board and various donors and stakeholders to raise the profile and capacity of ACC’s non-profit work. The Director will be responsible for a staff of two -- an instutional giving manager and a donor database manager – and based on the success for the development efforts, will grow the department in the future.. The position will focus mostly on individual giving, including major gifts; completing an on-going special fundraising campaign that capitalizes on the city’s new construction of care centers for ACC to operate; and reimaging and implementing a special events strategy. The Director of Development will manage a portfolio of 100+ major donor prospects, and is expected to develop those prospects and grow the list further.This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned development professional to play a lead role in increasing support for ACC and having a transformational impact on animal welfare in NYC, as the city of New York constructs state-of-the-art care centers in each borough over the next several years.

Responsibilities

• Work with President & CEO and leadership to create strategic plans and budgets, and to implement best practices for undertaking a higher level of fundraising activity.
• Lead efforts to identify new funding sources, match prospects with appropriate solicitor(s), assess gift potential, and recommend and implement methods for engagement. Major priorities initially are on individual giving of current donor list and cultivating new individual donors.
• Create and implement annual cultivation and solicitation plans primarily for individuals, corporations and foundations, and revitalize the planned giving program. 
• Serve as staff liaison for Board development committees, orient members to their roles, and ensure they receive the support needed to be successful fundraisers.
• Motivate and leverage Board committee and senior staff members to develop and nurture relationships with donors.
• Integrate communications, events, and all development functions to ensure a consistent case for support and core messaging for all donor communications, including appeals.
• Supervise event planning, both fundraising and donor cultivation events, including selection and recognition of honorees, securing sponsors for annual Spring Fling and annual Gala; and cultivate and manage pipeline for third-party events.
• Lead and grow development department with specific strategic goals, and long and short term strategies.
• Present development budget and actual year to date financial data at a minimum of two annual board meetings.
• Carry out additional assignments required to fulfill the mission of ACC, including attending and speaking at offsite adoption events and other programs funded by or important to existing and potential funders.

Qualifications

Ability to think strategically, recognize opportunities, take initiative, identify high-return activities and prioritize to establish and attain goals. Management and administrative skills to build a team atmosphere and to motivate, direct and evaluate staff. Exceptional communication skills, capable of writing and speaking persuasively, listening and asking thoughtful questions, and interacting with a diverse population. Familiarity with social media as a fundraising tool and expertise with office systems including MS Office, Excel and Raiser’s Edge fundraising database. Genuine interest in animal welfare and a strong desire to promote and capitalize on ACC’s role as the only not-for-profit, open admissions animal sheltering organization in NYC.

Education and Work Experience

Bachelor’s degree plus at least 5 years of experience cultivating and securing major, six-figure gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations. Experience directing a comprehensive fundraising operation including prospect research, donor data management, acknowledgment and stewardship; planned giving and bequests, and event planning. Capital campaign experience a plus.

Work Environment

The position is hybrid, with work from home 2 or 3 days based on the needs of the department and the organization. Primary location of position will be at ACC’s NYC Headquarters, our administrative office at 11 Park Place in Tribeca. Position will also involve work throughout the five boroughs, travelling to offsite venues including the five Animal Care Centers; fundraising and media events; and in the evenings or on weekends. 

Salary & Benefits

Salary range is $90,000 to $100,000, depending on experience and track record.

ACC values work/life balance and offers a generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that includes vacation time, your birthday off, personal days and sick pay. We also value physical and mental health and offer Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium to our employees. Other benefits and financial incentives include a 401K and Pension Plan, and Life Insurance, transit and flexible spending accounts. 

To Apply

Please apply using our ADP platform and attach your resume and a cover letter in your application.