NRDC is currently seeking a skilled Director of Development to lead NRDC’s Major Gifts team for the Eastern Region, which comprises the New York metro area and the entire east coast region. The Major Gifts regional team is comprised of six seasoned fundraisers – three associate directors and three major gifts officers – in addition to one assistant in NRDC’s most important market representing over $20M annually. This full-time position, located at NRDC’s New York City headquarters, will play an important role as we implement our new comprehensive climate strategy. Working closely with the National Director, Principal and Major Gifts, the Director is expected to plan, direct, and execute a Major Gifts strategy for the region in partnership with Donor Relations, Special Events, Membership, and all other development colleagues. This includes the effective deployment of the fundraising team, leveraging senior leadership to accelerate giving in the region, and personally managing a high-value portfolio of donors with capacity to give at the six- and seven-figure levels. The Director will join a senior team of regional directors of development, working closely with colleagues in other regional offices to maximize NRDC’s national brand and reach.

• Establish annual regional fundraising goals and a clear strategy for achieving them.
• Manage and mentor a team comprised of six fundraisers and one assistant.
• Manage a high-value portfolio of at least 100 donors with the capacity to give at the six- and seven-figure levels.
• Set strategies and timetables for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-level gifts from current major donors and prospects.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for new fundraising efforts that will expand and diversify the funding base.
• Contribute to the creation of fundraising materials that will resonate with major donors in this region and beyond.
• Partner with and support NRDC’s leadership with respect to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts, using their time and talents appropriately; ensure their effectiveness as representatives of NRDC.
• Work with the Special Events and Membership teams to plan events in the region that maximize major donor and prospect cultivation opportunities.
• Develop and maintain expert familiarity with programmatic needs, budgets, and priorities.