Founded in 1996, New Yorkers For Children (NYFC) (www.newyorkersforchildren.org) protects, ensures, and promotes the safety and well-being of NYC’s children and families, with an emphasis on youth in foster care. New Yorkers For Children funds, incubates, pilots, and implements much needed programs to improve outcomes for New York City youth in, and transitioning out of, the NYC child welfare system. NYFC’s work falls into two areas: direct scholarship programs for older youth in foster care and innovative programs that test promising practices in the NYC Child Welfare arena. In addition, to direct scholarship programs, NYFC operates a youth-led, youth-elected Youth Advisory Board (YAB) comprised of youth currently in foster care or alumni of foster care. NYFC partners with the New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and its network of nonprofit foster care agencies on all programmatic work as well as over 32 community partners. In addition, NYFC manages over 30+ unique grants annually on behalf of ACS as well as oversees several large-scale multi-year pilot programs delivered through community partners.

POSITION SUMMARY

NYFC seeks an energetic, creative, and results-oriented individual to serve as Senior Director of Development and Communications, reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with a team to ensure that NYFC executes on an ambitious and focused fundraising and communications plan. The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer, familiar with public and private sector requests for funding. They will have a clear and demonstrated passion for communicating the mission and a personal commitment to integrity. They are adept at working collaboratively across the organization, particularly with the programs and finance teams.
The position reports directly to the Executive Director to carry out the duties identified below. Key tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Grant Prospecting, Writing, Reporting, and Management (about 25%)
• Actively identify 10-12 new grant opportunities a year
• Proactively and independently write proposals and related reporting to funders when awarded
• Remain engaged and versed on NYFC programs to support areas of need and funding gaps
• As needed, conduct literature reviews on key areas of importance in child welfare
• Understand data, impact, and how to articulate program objectives and goals
• Manage the grants calendar to ensure submission and receipt of all grant proposals and reports
• Collaborate with program and administrative staff as part of the grants reporting process
Fundraising (about 20%)
• Help plan and launch an endowment campaign
• Coordinate planning of Fall Gala with help from event planning consultant
• Manage corporate partnerships and related engagement events
• Interface and build relationships with NYFC Board of Directors, foundation program officers, individual donors, and corporate philanthropy teams

Marketing and Communication (about 20%)
• Collaborate with Executive Director to develop thought leadership pieces on current and relevant topics
• Drive digital content and strategy for the organization
• Spearhead annual report content, annual appeal campaign, and collateral for major donor cultivation with support from an external consultants
• Oversee and execute the donor acknowledgement process
• Develop quarterly reports for the Board of Directors Development Committee
• Update and maintain NYFC website on a regular basis
• Work collaboratively with external consultants for PR and government relations
• Collaborate with programs team and others to ensure regular, timely, and relevant social media and digital marketing posts are activated
• Oversee material preparation for Mailchimp newsletters
Partnership and Grants Management (about 25%)
• Manage the grant making and fundraising process for our grantees including the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and non-profit service providers
• Serve as Liaison between NYFC and ACS’s Public Private Partnerships Office (PPPO)
• Manage grant cycle systems and tools including Requests for Proposals and grant applications, reporting and evaluations
• Monitor and track the work of sub-grantees, through interim and final reporting processes to ensure that reports are timely and complete
• Collaborate with the Finance Team on the grant payment process and invoicing, when necessary, with the goal of providing quality services to sub-grantees
• Prepare all sub-grant and service contracts and letters of agreements
• Meet once a month with the ACS PPPO team to review status on contracts, update reports and drive agenda for these meetings
• Manage grant reporting to funders on behalf of ACS for all grants
• Manage day-to-day activities and programs on all ACS Grants
• Submit grant applications for ACS grants under NYFC management
• Compiling funders reports and tracking all deadlines

Data and Evaluation (about 10%)
• Collaborate with Programs to establish and track key performance indicators of accountability and progress
• Help coordinate data collection and evaluation plans to meet programmatic goals and targets
• Assess programmatic progress and impact and use data to inform decision-making
• Participate in CRM buildout to develop integrated program metrics reports and dashboard
• Collaborate the with ACS, City University of New York and other partners on data collection efforts to track progress of youth in Key Performance Indicators

QUALIFICATIONS

Successful candidates will be self-motivated with the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Specific requirements include:
• Bachelor’s degree required; MSW, MPA or other relevant graduate degree is preferred with 8-10 years of experience in grant, program and/or project management or related area or equivalent combination of graduate education and experience
• Track record of successfully raising funds through grant applications and proposals
• Excellent organization and project management skills with meticulous attention to detail and deadlines
• Experience in writing and reporting on behalf of nonprofit organizations
• Natural storyteller with a keen understanding of how nonprofit programs operate
• Strong work ethic and passion for the mission-driven work
• Experience with fiscal analysis, grant budgeting, and financial reporting
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office, Raisers Edge, Salesforce, Word Press, Mailchimp, Canva, and Adobe Illustrator
• Flexibility to work occasional weekends and evenings hours
• Excellent interpersonal skills and team management/supervisory skills
• Motivated, self-starter who can follow directions but also create and lead new initiatives
• Personal qualities of integrity and commitment to NYFC’s mission
• Previous experience in child welfare a plus

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise one full-time Development Associate
• Supervise two AmeriCorps VISTA members (data and development areas)
• Direct policy-focused internship program and supervise summer policy intern
• Manage event planning consultant for Fall Gala fundraising event
• Assist in managing public relations and government relations consultants

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$110,000-$130,000 (salary commensurate with experience). Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and ancillary benefits; vacations and holidays; life insurance; flexible spending pre-tax plans and commuter pre-tax benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please email a complete application package including:
1. Resume
2. Two to three writing samples
3. Cover letter outlining your qualifications and skills for the role
Please email application package to [email protected].