STaffing and Volunteer Needs

The Executive Director of Philanthropy (EDP) will lead in developing the strategy and structure of fundraising and investor relations for Nicky's Gardens of Hope. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and entrepreneurial leader with a passion for mission-driven fundraising to join our executive team as we enter our next growth phase.

Reporting to the CEO, the EDP will work closely with the CEO to develop and implement our fundraising and donor stewardship strategy. The Executive Director of Philanthropy will be the CEO’s right hand for all fundraising. The Executive Director of Philanthropy will hire their staff, build the infrastructure and support systems for a growing team of philanthropy officers, deepen relationships with existing donors, onboard new donors, and develop our pipeline of prospective donors. In collaboration with our executive management, the EDP will develop a sustainable long-term fundraising and investor relations strategy at Nicky's Gardens of Hope. The ideal candidate has a strong background in major gifts, a desire to own and execute a major gifts program, and familiarity with broader fundraising trends.

Candidates will bring a passion for fundraising and a genuine, collaborative spirit to coaching and managing alongside a team of high performers. They will be intensely practiced in personalized relationship management and well-versed in the tools, systems, and processes that support vital significant gifts programs. Attention to detail, strong "EQ," high levels of discretion, and a sense of humor are highly valued for this position.

Responsibilities

• Build and direct the strategy, tactics, and metrics for success of the major gifts program.
• Partner with the CEO to set our budget and goals for Philanthropy; develop strategy; adapt and pivot when needed.
• Create and grow a portfolio of major gifts to support organizational sustainability.
• Hire, mentor, and coach Philanthropy staff in line with our values.
• Develop performance management standards and key performance indicators.
• Ensure quality-tailored stewardship of major donors of all levels, establishing goals and timelines with staff.
• Continuously evaluate and innovate fundraising strategies and tactics; support fundraising literacy across the organization.
• Develop a strong prospecting strategy, ensure growth of our major gift portfolio, oversee prospect research, lead outreach, and manage donor meetings.
• Segment and communicate with donors across their giving journey to amplify our work and drive revenue.
• Leverages programs and special events as individual cultivation and engagement tools. (?)
• Implement and manage donor database, communications, and outreach
• Ability to travel up to 10–15% of the time, including overnight travel and occasional weekends.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• 7+ years of professional fundraising experience identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts, with a clear record of achievement in a complex, mission-driven organization.
• Minimum 5 years experience in not for profit organization
• Demonstrated success in personally supporting senior leaders in cultivating, soliciting, and closing philanthropic gifts in the range of 5- to 7-figures.
• The intellectual depth, entrepreneurial drive, maturity, self-confidence, interpersonal skills, and warmth to build and maintain relationships at all levels of the organization across a diverse range of educational and social backgrounds.
• Experience with start-up not-for-profit with a low ego and can-do-attitude
• Strong contributor within team environments and a driver of organizational culture; leverages input of stakeholders in order to move work forward.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to inspire others to support Nicky’s Gardens of Hope and become fundraising agents.
• Proven analytical and strategic skills, with experience creating strategic fundraising plans and objectives and detailed orientation and follow-through to implement those plans.
• Proven ability to build cohesive, high-performing staff and work teams, develop skills, and nurture the professional growth of staff members.
• Deep commitment to the environment and social justice for disadvantaged populations, specifically disabled adults and veterans. You are about changing and saving lives. You want to come to work (physically and virtually) and feel inspired every day and you want to inspire others.
• You like to have fun. Our work is very serious and highly impactful, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have fun. We know how to have a good time and you should too.
• An appreciation for the mission and growth aspirations of Nicky’s Gardens of Hope.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, Raisers Edge/NXT, Box, Microsoft Power BI, and Fundraise Up

This position could be remote, with in-person meetings in NY or MA if required. To apply, please submit your resume and letter of interest to: adrianap@ngohllc.com, CEO, with Executive Director of Philanthropy as the subject. Even if you do not meet all the qualifications, you are encouraged to apply. We would love to hear from you. You will be interviewed by the management team and a Board of Directors. The start day is as soon as possible.

Compensation is up to $120K, and the position is eligible for bonuses. The compensation will start once certain milestones are met, together with benefits and other perks. Nicky's Gardens of Hope is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, citizenship status, disability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression of an otherwise qualified individual, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law.