Chief Development and Communications Officer

As the Fresh Air Fund approaches its 150^th anniversary it is seeking a visionary Chief Development and Communications Officer to lead and grow its fundraising program into the next chapter of its history

The Fresh Air Fund is a youth development non-profit providing transformative outdoor experiences at no cost for New York City children from underserved communities. At six sleepaway camps in New Yorks Mid-Hudson Valley children have new experiences learn new skills and gain new perspectives. Youth also participate in year-round leadership career exploration and educational its nearly 150-year history the Fresh Air Fund has served more than 1.8 million children and unlocks the limitless potential of thousands of New York City children annually through its transformative summer experiences and programs.

You can find more information about the organization at Overview

The Fresh Air Fund seeks a Chief Development & Communications Officer (CDCO) to lead the next phase of its fundraising and communications strategy. As the organization prepares for its 150^th anniversary the CDCO will be the primary architect of the fundraising strategy needed to fuel its next chapter of growth.

The CDCO will be charged with growing fundraising for a program that currently raises around $10M annually with a sharpened focus on principal and major gifts. They will also lead an integrated communications department responsible for the Fresh Air Funds brand storytelling media relations and digital presence.

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Directors the CDCO will serve as a senior leader and trusted partner. They will be responsible for setting an organizational-wide development and communications strategy directly managing a portfolio of top donors and leading and guiding a team of talented and passionate staff. This leader will play a vital role in identifying cultivating and stewarding new funders whose interests intersect with the Fresh Air Funds core work.

The ideal candidate is an ambitious relationship-oriented fundraiser who deeply believes in the power of philanthropy to change lives and is eager to partner with the Board and CEO to grow Fresh Airs impact for thousands of New York City children each year.

• Partnering with the CEO and Board develop and execute an ambitious and comprehensive multi-year fundraising and communications strategy that integrates all philanthropic revenue streams to grow philanthropy across all channels for the organization with a keen focus on increasing major and principal gifts
• Partner with the CEO to translate organizational priorities into compelling funding opportunities
• Collaborate with the Board to maximize their role in fundraising supporting individual and collective goals and leading the Development Committee in maximizing results
• Set clear revenue goals performance benchmarks and accountability structures across the department
• Play a key role in the development and communications strategy for the Funds 150th anniversary connecting a century and a half of mission to bold and ambitious fundraising growth

• Lead inspire and mentor a talented development and communications team which includes 5 direct reports and 13 total staff
• 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
• Set clear performance expectations establish and maintain strong KPI practices provide consistent feedback and build professional development pathways that attract and retain top talent
• Build systems and processes that support a culture of accountability and results orientation

• Directly cultivate solicit and steward a portfolio of major donors with a focus on raising six- and seven-figure gifts
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities specifically focused on new major donors
• Partner with the CEO and Board on donor cultivation solicitation strategy and stewardship helping them to prepare position and follow through on solicitations
• Build the systems processes and team infrastructure needed to sustain and scale fundraising growth
• Oversee development operations including CRM management data and analytics gift processing and reporting to ensure accurate and actionable information

• Provide strategic leadership to the communications team ensuring that Fresh Airs story is told with clarity consistency and impact across all channels
• Ensure communications efforts are aligned with and actively support fundraising goals while building donor awareness engagement and loyalty
• Serve as a senior voice on organizational messaging particularly as it relates to donors stakeholders and the public

• Serve as a visible and trusted leader across the organization helping to build a culture of philanthropy where staff at all levels understand and support fundraising goals
• Work in close partnership with the CEO C-suite and board to align programmatic priorities with fundraising opportunities
• Build strong relationships with camp leadership and program staff to connect donors with the work in authentic meaningful ways

• 10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising with a minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience overseeing a development program
• Demonstrated track record of directly soliciting and closing major gifts at the 6-figure level and above
• Proven success leading coaching and mentoring teams including building culture and managing performance
• Experience in leading communications or a deep understanding of how communications can successfully work in concert with development
• Experience partnering with a CEO or Executive Director in preparing them for fundraising solicitations and follow-up
• Commitment to leading by example including demonstrating and fostering a strong sense of urgency accountability and sound decision-making to achieve goals
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build genuine relationships with donors board members and colleagues
• A data-informed mindset with comfort using KPIs and performance data to drive accountability and decision-making
• Familiarity with the NYC philanthropic community and funders is a strong plus
• Deep belief in the power of equitable access to the outdoors and youth development and a genuine connection to the mission of The Fresh Air Fund

This role is based in New York City with a hybrid in-office schedule. The CDCO will be expected in the office 3 days a week including Tuesdays one day with the Development and Communications team and one additional day.

During the summer regular visits to Fresh Airs camps in New Yorks Mid-Hudson Valley (approximately 1.5 hours from the city) are expected for donor engagement corporate events and organizational activities. Some additional travel is required including an annual fundraising trip.

The salary range for this position is $240000 - $255000 annually. The Fresh Air Fund offers a generous benefits package including medical dental and vision insurance flexible spending accounts commuter benefits and retirement contribution plans with employer contributions.

The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities experiences orientations and communities to apply.

The Fresh Air Fund has retained theOrr Groupto conduct this search. Please direct all inquiries interest and nominations to the Orr Group search team.

Jesse Bryan

Vice President

Orr Group

About the Orr Group

Orr Group is a strategic partner to nonprofit organizations offering comprehensive fundraising and executive recruitment support that advances mission maximizes philanthropic potential and builds long-term sustainability. We specialize in the business of philanthropy helping our partners drive results through data-informed strategies embedded team members and hands-on implementation.