Chief Development Officer, Development

Fundraising Strategy and Vision

• Design and execute an ambitious fundraising strategy to grow the fundraising program (current average: $25M)
• Develop and implement annual and multi-year development strategies and goals with a focus on continual growth
• Establish clear goals benchmarks and metrics to measure progress and ensure accountability creating and solidifying a results oriented culture of philanthropy
• Serve as a strategist for ongoing development of the principal and major gifts program
• Identify cultivate and elevate high net worth donors to secure principal and major gifts of six-and-seven figures
• Manage and grow a personal portfolio of about 30 prospects
• Anticipate shifts in the philanthropic landscape and seize opportunities that align with Veras mission and strategic priorities

External Leadership and Board Management

• Lead the donor cultivation strategy elevating other team members as needed to implement a consistent and effective approach that keeps funders engaged and team members accountable
• Narrate Veras mission and vision in compelling fashion tailoring the message and pitch according to the particular stakeholder
• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to maximize their role in fundraising supporting individual and collective goals and leading the Development Committee in advancing results
• In partnership with each board member set expectations for developing and meeting individual give-and-get goals
• Manage Veras Board of Trustees Development Committee

Team Development and Organizational Impact

• Develop mentor and lead a high-performing development team with the infrastructure and practices to achieve ambitious growth
• Champion and embed a culture of philanthropy across the organization ensuring fundraising is embraced as a shared responsibility
• Foster alignment across the team by clearly communicating vision priorities and progress so that every member is working toward shared goals with clarity and confidence
• Manage with rigor and empathy balancing clear accountability for results with support for staff
• Build systems and processes that support a culture of accountability and results orientation instilling trust through shared goals transparent communication and ongoing thought partnership

Who Youll Work With

• You will report toPresident & Director Nicholas Turner
• You will supervisea team of 11 made of four teams.

What qualifications are we looking for

• At least 15 years of development experience including:
  • 5 years leading a development team to meet or exceed their fundraising and cash-in goals
  • Demonstrated success securing six and seven-figure gifts from principal major gift prospects
  • Track record of growing a development program creatively and strategically while also growing the culture of philanthropy across an organizations programs and board
• Experience with fundraising for an organization with c3 and c4 activity
• Experience creating narratives and communicating complex program work to a donor audience
• Professional commitment to social justice; previous experience in a social justice environment highly preferred
• Ability to embrace and communicate Veras vision and goals reflecting a dedication to social justice equity and inclusion
• Commitment to leading by example including demonstrating and fostering a sense of urgency strong commitment/accountability and sound decision-making to achieve goals
• Demonstrated team management and the ability to encourage and inspire colleagues and team to stretch beyond what they think they can accomplish
• Ability to work in an evolving landscape and in an organization with growing infrastructure

Location:

Please note this role will report to our New York NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month. Senior leaders within the organization such as this role are encouraged to be present to support their teams on a more frequent basis.

Compensation and Benefits: