Senior Director of Development

About the JobJob Title: Senior Director of Development. Reports to: Vice President of Development. Location: Commonpoint Sam Field Center 58-20 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck, 11362, Central Queens, 67-09 108th Street, Forest Hills, Bronx Center, 1665 Hoe Avenue, or Manhattan. FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt. Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with some evenings and weekends required for events. About the Role: Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for storytelling, relationship-building, and driving meaningful impact through philanthropy? Are you excited by the opportunity to shape a growing development program and cultivate lasting relationships with key stakeholders? Commonpoint is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Director of Development to help lead our fundraising efforts, with a strong focus on grant writing, event planning, corporate partnerships, major gifts, and alumni engagement. As a key development team member, the Senior Director will help develop and implement strategies to grow philanthropic revenue from individuals, foundations, and corporations. This role is ideal for a self-motivated, entrepreneurial leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about creating opportunity for individuals and strengthening communities. Organizational Culture: Commonpoint is a diverse, mission-driven organization dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of the New York City community. Our staff reflects the people we serve - caring, collaborative, and committed to equity and impact. Position Summary: The Senior Director of Development will report directly to the Vice President of Development, playing a key leadership role in executing the agency's fundraising strategy. This position will help oversee major gift cultivation, foundation and government grants, corporate partnerships, special events, and donor communications. The Senior Director will help manage a growing development team and collaborate closely with senior leadership and program staff to identify funding opportunities and strengthen donor engagement. In partnership with the Vice President, the Senior Director will help drive strategic initiatives, strengthen systems for donor engagement and stewardship, and collaborate across departments to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities. Key Responsibilities:Fundraising Strategy and Leadership: Develop and execute an integrated fundraising plan that supports the agency's annual and long-term financial goals. Cultivate and solicit a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, ensuring thoughtful stewardship and donor retention. Lead grant strategy and oversee the preparation and submission of compelling proposals and reports to foundations and government agencies. Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including multi-year and capacity-building grants. Provide supportive leadership and supervision to staff, fostering a collaborative, mission-driven work environment. Mentor and develop team members through regular feedback, coaching, and professional growth opportunities. Promote accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning to strengthen team performance and advance organizational goals. Supervise and support Development team members, setting clear goals and professional development plans. Work cross-functionally with finance, programs, and marketing to align fundraising with organizational priorities. Help prepare fundraising reports to the executive team and board. GRANT WRITING: Oversee and execute a comprehensive grant strategy, leading the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of foundation, corporate, and government funding to advance organizational priorities. Direct the development of high-quality proposals and reports, ensuring alignment with mission, strategic goals, and funder requirements. Collaborate with executive leadership, program, and finance teams to integrate grant goals into overall fundraising and impact strategies. Evaluate grant outcomes and analyze shifts in the funding landscape to inform strategic planning and diversify the organization's revenue streams. Alumni and Stakeholder Engagement: Design and implement a comprehensive alumni network strategy to reconnect and engage former participants, volunteers, and donors. Create meaningful opportunities for alumni to give back, attend events, and act as ambassadors for the agency. Donor Relations and Communications: Collaborate with the Communications team to craft donor-centric messaging, impact stories, and case statements. Oversee donor acknowledgment, recognition, and reporting processes to ensure a consistent and high-quality experience. Guide the use of CRM/database (e.g., DonorPerfect) to track gifts, relationships, and engagement activity. Event Oversight: Provide strategic leadership and oversight for major fundraising events, including the annual gala, ensuring revenue and stewardship goals are met. Support cultivation and stewardship events for major donors and partners. Qualifications: 7-10 years of progressive fundraising experience, including direct experience with major gifts and grant writing. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals. Exceptional writing, presentation, and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, institutional funders, and community stakeholders. Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills. Ability to lead a team while also managing a personal portfolio of donors. Experience with donor databases (DonorPerfect or similar CRM systems). Commitment to the mission and values of Commonpoint. Work Environment: This full-time role is based in Queens with opportunity to work out of our Forest Hills, Bronx, or Manhattan offices, with local travel and occasional evening/weekend events. Must be able to lift/carry up to 25 pounds for event-related setup. Salary & Benefits: Salary range: $82,000-$102,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, generous PTO, professional development opportunities, and retirement plan options. TO APPLY: Resume and cover letter by email to rcatanzaro@commonpoint.org. Please put "Senior Director of Development Search" in the subject line. Attachments must be in .doc or .pdf format; do not include your resume in the body of your email. Commonpoint is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Commonpoint is a non-profit, multi-service agency with 90+ sites throughout New York City that provides a diverse array of programs and services to over 125,000 people. Our mission is to sustain and enhance the quality of family and individual life for all members of our community, regardless of religion, ethnic or cultural background, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual preference, age, or disability, within a pervasive and inclusive environment that facilitates individual growth, meets individual needs and builds community. We accomplish this mission through a broad range of social, educational, and recreational services that reach community members of all ages and backgrounds. AboutCommonpoint Commonpoint is a community centric nonprofit, serving diverse audiences through every chapter of life, across the five boroughs and beyond. We offer a rich range of services through our vast network of professionals, social workers, and volunteers, giving people the tools and resources to connect and grow.At every stage and every age, regardless of disability or ability, people can look to Commonpoint to find care during a crisis, access opportunities to grow, and deepen their sense of connection to those around them. From summer camps and job training to food pantries and private pool clubs, Commonpoint is by your side. We are proud of our clients, partners, and team members who lift each other up, building relationships for a lifetime. Because being a part of Commonpoint is investing in a community where everyone is invited and welcome.