Chief Development and Communications Officer
About the Fresh Air Fund
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 York's 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 programs. In 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.
Position 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 150th 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 Fund's brand, storytelling, media relations, and digital presence.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Revenue Growth
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
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 Fund's 150th anniversary, connecting a century and a half of mission to bold and ambitious fundraising growth
Qualifications
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