Managing Director of Development
Harlem Children's Zone · New York City · $230,000–$240,000 (stated in the posting)
Managing Director, Development
About the Organization
Harlem Children's Zone is a nationally recognized, mission-driven organization committed to expanding opportunity and delivering lasting impact for the communities we serve. Guided by a deep belief in equity, excellence, and innovation, we partner with donors, leaders, and communities to drive meaningful and measurable change. Our culture values collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, creating an environment where talented professionals can do their best work while advancing an ambitious mission.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Managing Director, Development is a key member of the senior leadership team responsible for advancing the organization's long-term fundraising strategy and philanthropic growth. This leader will serve as a strategic thought partner to the Chief Development Officer, helping translate organizational priorities into a cohesive development strategy while strengthening execution across a sophisticated and high-performing fundraising operation.
The Managing Director provides strategic leadership to three Directors responsible for the organization's core fundraising functions, ensuring alignment across teams, fostering collaboration, and driving operational excellence in support of ambitious revenue goals. Working closely with executive leadership and key internal stakeholders, this role will help identify opportunities to strengthen fundraising performance, enhance organizational effectiveness, and position the development function for continued growth and long-term sustainability.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned fundraising professional with a demonstrated record of securing philanthropic investments, cultivating meaningful donor and board relationships, and leading high-performing teams. They bring both strategic perspective and operational discipline, with the ability to navigate complexity, influence across functions, and develop leaders through coaching, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
In addition to providing leadership across the development organization, the Managing Director will manage a carefully curated portfolio of major donors and prospects, ensuring exceptional stewardship and engagement while advancing institutional fundraising priorities. This is an exceptional opportunity for a collaborative and mission-driven leader to join an organization with a strong foundation, significant momentum, and a clear vision for the future. The successful candidate will play an integral role in shaping the next phase of philanthropic growth and expanding the organization's long-term impact.
Requirements
Leadership Responsibilities
The Managing Director, Development role offers the rare opportunity to help shape the future of a respected organization with a strong philanthropic foundation, an engaged leadership team, and significant potential for continued growth. The Managing Director will inherit a talented team, collaborate closely with an experienced Chief Development Officer, and play a meaningful role in advancing the organization's long-term strategic vision.
Key responsibilities include:
- Provide strategic leadership, coaching, and performance management to three Directors responsible for Major Gifts, Institutional Giving, and Development Operations, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture grounded in accountability, continuous learning, and results.
- Partner closely with the Chief Development Officer to develop and execute an integrated fundraising strategy, establish ambitious revenue goals, monitor performance, and identify opportunities to strengthen fundraising effectiveness and long-term growth.
- Lead the cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and strategic management of a curated portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects, building enduring philanthropic partnerships that advance organizational priorities.
- Partner with the Chief Development Officer to strengthen board engagement in fundraising by supporting trustee cultivation, preparing compelling meeting materials, and helping develop thoughtful fundraising strategies and donor communications.
- Drive alignment and collaboration across the development function by strengthening cross-vertical planning, reinforcing effective systems and processes, and ensuring disciplined execution of annual and multi-year fundraising priorities.
- Collaborate closely with senior leadership and program teams to ensure fundraising strategies are informed by organizational priorities, emerging opportunities, and the evolving needs of the organization.
- Develop compelling presentations, proposals, donor communications, and other strategic materials that inspire philanthropic investment and effectively support donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Development Officer and an active member of the senior leadership team, contributing strategic insight, sound judgment, and cross-functional leadership to advance organizational priorities and strengthen enterprise-wide decision-making.
- Champion a culture of collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement by developing leaders, strengthening organizational capabilities, and fostering shared accountability for fundraising success.
Candidate Profile
- A demonstrated record of success leading sophisticated fundraising programs, with deep experience in major gifts, donor strategy, and cultivating transformational philanthropic partnerships that drive sustained revenue growth.
- Proven experience leading, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams, with a leadership style rooted in coaching, collaboration, accountability, and talent development.
- Experience partnering with executive leaders and boards, including supporting trustee engagement, preparing board materials, and contributing to fundraising strategy and governance discussions.
- Strong strategic, analytical, and business acumen, with the ability to translate organizational priorities into actionable fundraising strategies, measurable goals, and operational plans.
- Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage, influence, and inspire a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, trustees, senior leaders, and external partners.
- Sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and executive presence, with the ability to navigate complexity, build trust, and lead with integrity, professionalism, and humility.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing initiatives, make sound decisions in a dynamic environment, and consistently deliver high-quality results through others.
- Intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and innovation, with the ability to identify opportunities for improvement and respond effectively to evolving organizational needs.
- Demonstrated ability to lead through change, influence across functions, and build alignment among diverse stakeholders while maintaining momentum toward organizational priorities.
- Experience leveraging donor databases and fundraising analytics (such as Raiser’s Edge or comparable CRM platforms) to inform strategy, measure performance, and strengthen fundraising effectiveness.
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- A minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including at least 3–5 years of experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
Schedule
- We prefer applicants in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or the surrounding Metropolitan area (3 days in office, 2 days remote with schedule flexibility as needed).
- This position may require occasional evening and weekend work for community events, meetings, and overnight travel to various communities nationwide.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $230,000 - $240,000. Final compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and market considerations
Benefits
As a member of our team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families – and our staff – thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.
Benefits
Our exceptional benefits include:
- Highly competitive base salaries
- No cost health insurance
- Annual performance bonuses
- Deferred bonus programs
- Paid time off
- Employee referral bonus
- Life Insurance
- Short-and long-term disability
- Additional voluntary benefits
- Wellness discounts
- Commuter benefits
- Financial wellness perks
- Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)
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