Regional Food Bank has an exciting opportunity for a Director of Leadership Giving. This position will be responsible for refining and leading a strategy to raise five-figure and above donations to support our work in 23 counties across New York State. The Director of Leadership Giving will garner critical support across our service area with a priority for the Hudson Valley region, engage leadership in key requests, ensure quality donor communication and relationships, ensure timely and appropriate recognition and stewardship, and collaborate with the Advancement team to convert annual and mid-level donors into major donors.
We are seeking a candidate with extensive and proven experience in major gift fundraising, knowledge of planned giving, a passion for development, oversight experience and a deep interest in data-driven best practices and industry trends.
Responsibilities for this position include:
Major Gifts and Donor Relationships
In collaboration with the CAO and the VP of Philanthropy, lead strategies to increase major donation revenues through the Regional Food Bank’s Leadership Giving Program. Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of the Food Bank’s programs, rationale for support, and national, state, and local hunger and food insecurity statistics. Plan, implement, and continually evaluate major gift fundraising and engagement strategies, including creating and implementing leadership circles, donor-specific strategies, and prospect research, identification, nurturing, and management. Nurture and maintain positive relationships with current and potential major donors through proactive relationship building, planning and participating in donor events, conducting food bank leadership solicitations, preparing compelling proposals, and developing creative acknowledgement vehicles unique to the Regional Food Bank. Focus significant attention on new donor activation and existing donor engagement in the Hudson Valley while expanding strategies across the service area. Collaborate with colleagues to identify and convert annual donors to major donors. Partner with the CAO to identify and cultivate planned giving donors. Identify, research and communicate major giving and fundraising policy developments that may impact the food bank. Foster a deep understanding of the major giving landscape among leadership. Participate in and utilize Feeding America network resources. Maintain accountability for management systems and procedures related to major giving using iWave, Monday.com, RE NEXT, and other applications. Analyze major donor data to inform giving and engagement strategies. Any other duties as assigned.
Community Outreach
Participate in networking events on behalf of the food bank to expand your professional network, hone your relationship management skills, and strengthen your outreach and capacity.
Teamwork
Works independently and collaboratively with other departments and employees to support the Food Bank’s mission. Assists Advancement team colleagues with fundraising and administrative tasks as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.
other
Adhere to the Food Bank’s Employee Code of Conduct, keep sensitive information confidential, maintain a clean and safe work space, and follow all safety standards and procedures.
Our ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:
Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of experience in major gift solicitation. Proven track record in major gift fundraising. Fundraising CRMS, RE NEXT experience preferred. Positive, motivated work attitude with strong enthusiasm for development. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Ability to work with a diverse population. Excellent interpersonal, public speaking and writing skills, and strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize multiple tasks. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and sit for extended periods of time. Valid New York State driver’s license and willingness to travel within the Food Bank’s 23-county service area.
We offer an excellent benefits package, including 100% paid individual health and dental insurance, a robust PTO program and annual 401(k) contributions.
If you are very interested in this role but are not sure if you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. We welcome all applicants, including those with non-traditional or diverse backgrounds that are not typical for this role.
The Regional Food Bank is the only organization in Northeast New York State and has been operating since 1982. The Hudson Valley Food Bank was established in 1990 to expand and improve services to charitable and donor partners in Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Rockland, Sullivan and Putnam counties. The Food Bank partners with the food industry to collect and distribute large donations of non-marketable but nutritious foods to non-profit programs that feed neighbors in need across 23 counties. In urban, rural and suburban communities from the Canadian border to the New Jersey border, the Food Bank provided 50 million pounds of food and groceries to nearly 1,000 partner organizations in 2021. For more information about the Food Bank, visit www.regionalfoodbank.net.
The Northeast New York Regional Food Bank is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
