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Director of Development

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About Mercy Center:

Located in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx, Mercy Center is a comprehensive community center annually serving 2,500+ participants from all over the Bronx. Our mission, rooted in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, is to empower women and their families in the South Bronx to liberate themselves from economic poverty. We promote their right to an improved quality of life by addressing the needs of the whole person, developing skills for healthy family living and economic advancement, and building a community of respect, hospitality, and non-violence. Most of our participants are immigrants who live on annual household incomes of under $20,000.  Our goal is to help our participants improve their lives and strengthen their families and their community. Consider joining our dedicated team committed to improving the lives of many.

 

Position Overview:

Reporting to the executive director and working with the senior leadership team, the ideal candidate will lead efforts to raise money from individuals and institutions. S/he will oversee and develop a comprehensive strategy to acquire and cultivate donors. S/he will help to engage, solicit, close, and steward gifts. S/he will also help lead the low donor/direct mail and online fundraising effort to help fill the pipeline with individual donors who may eventually become major donors. S/he will lead a development staff and coordinate with program staff as needed.  Office is easily accessible from the 2, 5, or 6 trains.

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Major Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a member of, and collaborate with, the executive management team to ensure the mission and vision drive all program and fundraising activity and remain aligned with the core values of Mercy Center 

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive long-term funding strategy to include corporate, foundation and government grants, major and planned gifts, annual fund, special events, and communications

  • Construct, articulate, and implement an annual development plan

  • Initiate, cultivate, and steward relationships with current and potential major donors, and institutional funders

  • Create and execute a strategy for expanding the individual donor base

  • Maximize the use of Donor Perfect software and oversee data entry,  gift processing and acknowledging

  • Oversee prospect research and analyze trends to position Mercy Center to successfully compete for available funds 

  • Assume ultimate responsibility for the development and execution of all grant proposals and reports

  • Oversee the planning and implementation of special events

  • Coordinate and implement communications and messaging strategies, including oversight of website and social media presence

  • Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development strategy; provide and present statistical analysis to the executive team and Board of Directors

  • Train, mentor and lead development staff and interns, currently responsible for grant writing, communications, and special events

  • Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

 

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Knowledge of fundraising policies principals and a demonstrated success in a securing major gifts, forging and sustaining relationships with multiple donor sources, and fundraising events

  • Bachelors’ degree in a related field required; advanced degree preferred

  • A minimum of five years of relevant experience in a non-profit environment

  • High energy and passion for the mission to empower underserved women and families to develop healthy family life skills, overcome poverty and low levels of education, and achieve economic independence

  • Willingness to participate meaningfully and creatively in goal setting, strategic planning, and problem-solving

  • Be willing to advocate on behalf of Mercy Center’s programs and participants

  • Evidence of collaborative teamwork, initiative, critical thinking, good judgment, consistency of output, timeliness of follow-through and strength of written and oral communication skills

  • An ability to set clear priorities with excellent organizational and time management skills

  • Ease and comfort in a wide range of diverse social settings

  • Ability to work independently and make sound judgments

  • An understanding of CRM systems and how to develop and maintain them (Mercy Center uses DonorPerfect)

  • Commitment to exercising discretion, keeping all Mercy Center donor and leadership information in strict confidence

  • Ability to communicate effectively with Mercy Center’s staff, participants, and representatives from the outside community

 

To Apply: Salary based on experience. Please email a resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: jobs@mercycenterbronx.org. Please note Director of Development in the subject line.  Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.  No phone calls or office visits please. Mercy Center is an EOE.

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