About this opportunity
Madison Approach Staffing Inc lists this Director of Development opportunity in village of port chester, New York. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Westchester, Putnam, Fairfield & The Bronx
Salary: $120,000–$135,000 + performance bonus + retirement plan
About Organization
Our client is a mission-driven nonprofit fighting hunger and food insecurity through food rescue, meal preparation and distribution, community partnerships, volunteer engagement, and innovative programming. The organization serves individuals and families across Westchester, Putnam, Fairfield, and The Bronx.
The Opportunity
This is a newly created position and a rare chance to build a development function from the ground up. As the first member of the Executive Director's leadership team, the Director of Development will have real autonomy to shape strategy, build systems, and grow the organization's philanthropic reach - all backed by a highly engaged, committee-driven board that treats development as a true partnership.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role will lead the board's Fundraising Committee and play a central part in the organization's next chapter, including its strategic expansion into Mount Kisco and northern Westchester.
What You'll Do
Major & Individual Donor Cultivation
Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and corporate partners, using a warm, consultative approach rather than high-pressure sales tactics
Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners with consistent, trust-building follow-through
Identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities, including expanding donor relationships into the Mount Kisco region
Events & Community Fundraising
Grow and evolve the organization's signature events, including its annual Gala and 5K
Design and launch new, intimate cultivation events - think small gatherings, tastings, or receptions at board members' homes - to open doors with new donor pockets in northern Westchester and Fairfield County
Prepare board members with the right information and context to engage effectively with guests at events
Board & Organizational Partnership
Lead the Fundraising Committee in close partnership with the Executive Director
Engage the board and funders as true partners — with transparency, openness, and shared ownership of the mission
Help build out the development department over time as the organization grows
Systems & Donor Communications
Build the processes and cadence that keep donor communication consistent: timely acknowledgments, impact reporting, newsletters, and stewardship touchpoints
Maintain and help evolve the donor database, and play a key role in selecting and implementing a new CRM as the organization scales
Balance big-picture strategy with the ability to independently manage day-to-day details
Grant Support (light-touch)
Support the Executive Director with occasional grant research and proposal input as needed - this is not a primary grant-writing role
Who Thrives in This Role
We're looking for someone who leads with warmth and genuine curiosity about people - the kind of person donors trust after one good conversation, not because of polish, but because of authentic engagement and reliable follow-up. You listen well, ask great questions, and know how to let people arrive at "yes" on their own terms.
You're comfortable holding both the big picture and the small details - able to plan strategically, then execute independently without needing to be managed closely. You bring order and process to fundraising (nobody falls through the cracks, every acknowledgment goes out on time) without getting lost in the weeds.
You treat board members and funders as partners, not check-writers, and you're excited by the idea of building something - not just running an existing playbook, but shaping a department from its earliest days.
Qualifications
3–5+ years of nonprofit development or fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in major/individual donor cultivation and event fundraising
Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
Experience managing donor databases and fundraising software (Little Green Light, Bloomerang, or similar)
Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities independently
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Experience in food insecurity, human services, or community-based nonprofits a plus
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Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.