Director of Development

Help us build + POOL

BACKGROUND

Friends of + POOL was born out of an idea for a water-filtering floating swimming pool proposed by four designers, Dong-Ping Wong, Archie Lee Coates IV, Jeffrey Franklin, and Oana Stanescu. The project's design captured the public's imagination and the designers launched a nonprofit organization in 2015 to support its realization with a mission to provide free and safe access to the waters for swimming. Since its founding, Friends of + POOL has developed free learn-to-swim programs, environmental education programs and workforce development programs to prepare New Yorkers for free and safe access to their rivers, while working to fully engineer + POOL's filtration system, establish a public/private partnership with the New York government, advocate for regulatory change to support safe access to city waters and develop + POOL.

The Director of Development will play an important role in shaping the expansion of Friends of + POOL's operations. The role will work closely with our Managing Director and Board, spearheading annual fundraising and external relations. We're looking for someone who can strategize collaboratively and spearhead projects independently. As a new role in a unique, innovative nonprofit, the new team member will have the opportunity to forge their own pathway, approach and strategy. We're looking for an ambitious individual with an entrepreneurial spirit, but one who is driven by a passion for the environment, public space, and all things New York City. The ideal candidate will be a curious city-lover with big ideas who is not afraid to execute with impeccable communication, organization and multitasking skills. The role will be a key relationship builder for the organization and help lay the foundation for the next phase of the organization's work in partnership with the City and State of New York.

Note
 There is nothing cookie cutter about our work If you are expecting to do the same thing every day or follow an assigned list of tasks, this is not the role for you. All roles are constantly evolving at Friends of + POOL but the following tasks will help kick you off:

RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead and inspire the fundraising team to achieve ambitious revenue targets.
• Build strong partnerships with the board, leadership, and external stakeholders.

Donor Development and Management

• Identify, cultivate, and steward high-value individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Oversee donor relationship management processes and track donor engagement.
• Expand the donor base through strategic outreach and cultivation.

Grant Acquisition and Management

• Research and secure government and foundation grants to support organizational initiatives.
• Manage grant compliance and reporting requirements.

Campaign Management and Execution

• Develop and implement successful fundraising campaigns, including endowment drives and special events.
• Oversee the creation of compelling fundraising materials and messaging.
• Track campaign performance and adjust strategies as needed.

Team Leadership and Management

• Recruit, hire, and develop a high-performing fundraising team.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to team members.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

Fundraising Expertise

• Minimum of five years of fundraising experience with graduated responsibility
• Experience securing 6-7 figure gifts
• Experience overseeing a small and nimble fundraising team
• Strong organizational and time management skills; impeccable attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Project Management and Campaign Execution
• High energy, creative thinking, and team-player attitude

Technical Skills

• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Wordpress required
• Understanding of fundraising databases/CRMs
• Should be social media savvy

Salary Range: $90-120K, competitive benefits

To Apply

Please email a single PDF document including a cover letter, resume, writing samples and salary requirements to with the subject line "Director of Development Submission". Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.