Vice President, Development

Job Description  
Waterfront Alliance is helping shape the future of climate resilience in the nation's largest metropolitan region. From flood protection and waterfront access to climate education and policy advocacy, our work influences how millions of people experience and benefit from our waterfronts every day. 

What makes Waterfront Alliance unique is not just the scope of our work, but how we do it: ensuring waterfronts are prioritized in government decision-making, inspiring residents to help shape the future of their shoreline, engaging young people in education and workforce development opportunities for future blue and green careers, and convening public, private, and civic leaders to design solutions together. No other organization operates across the harbor—and across scales—in this way. 

As Waterfront Alliance approaches its 20th anniversary, the organization is entering an exciting new chapter of growth and impact. The VP of Development will play a central role in helping define the organization's next phase.  

About the Position  
The Vice President, Development is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive $3.5M+ fundraising program that includes individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation and government grants, events, and special initiatives. The role is responsible for meeting annual revenue goals of the organization while mapping strategies and identifying opportunities for growth. Additionally, the role collaborates with program, communications, adn events team members to ensure seamless integration of fundraising priorities across organizational goals and objectives. This is an opportunity for an entrepreneurial fundraising leader to build the next generation of philanthropy and partnerships for one of the region's leading climate resilience organizations. 

The VP, Development is a senior leader of the organization and close partner to the new President and CEO and Board of Directors. In addition to setting fundraising strategy, the VP will help execute the vision for the organization moving forward.  

Reports to: President and CEO 

Classification: Full-time, Exempt 

Salary and Benefits: The annual salary range for this role is $120,000 to $150,000, commensurate with experience.  Waterfront Alliance offers a comprehensive benefits package, including employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurances; life insurance; 401K retirement plan with employer match; commuter and FSA benefits, paid time off, paid sabbatical after five years, professional development opportunities, and more. 

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid).  Waterfront Alliance has a hybrid work environment, currently requiring two days in the downtown Manhattan office.  
Supervises: Development and Communications Associate, Part-time Grant Consultant, Development Consultant 

Responsibilities

Strategic Development Leadership 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising plan to meet Waterfront Alliance’s current annual revenue goals and growth aspirations. 

• Establish clear goals and manage projections for fundraising revenue sources. 

• Create revenue forecasts and development reports that support strategic decision-making and Board reporting. 

• Serve as a key thought partner to the President and CEO, helping shape organizational priorities, partnerships, and long-term growth strategies. 

• Serve as the staff liaison for the development committee of the Board of Directors 

• Represent Waterfront Alliance at external events and meetings with the Board of Directors and current and prospective donors, conveying the organization’s mission and programs enthusiastically and persuasively. 

Donor Strategy, Cultivation & Stewardship

• Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects 

• Partner closely with the President and CEO on top relationships, donor strategy, meeting preparation, solicitation planning, and stewardship.  

• Develop and oversee a donor stewardship program, working with the Director of Communications and Development and Communications Associate to execute up to four strategic donor touchpoints over the year. 

• Develop compelling cases for support and pitches for general operating support and specific initiatives. 

• Manage strategy and execution of end of year and spring individual fundraising appeals, ensuring annual growth in fundraising totals. 

• Coordinate with the Director of Events on all aspects of event-related fundraising, including corporate sponsorship prospecting, outreach, and solicitation for the annual Waterfront Conference and Heroes of the Harbor gala. 

• Lead donor cultivation events (online and in person). 

Grants Management 

• Manage the portfolio of foundation funders ranging from small family foundations to large institutional funders. Grants range from $5,000 to $1M multi-year awards.  

• Oversight of government grants, which will be implemented and managed by the development, program, and finance teams.  

• Work with the development team to maintain grants calendar of application and report due dates. 

• Oversee grant prospecting, application, and award management, with support from the development, program, and finance teams. Some direct proposal writing and budget preparation will be required.   

• Ensure accurate tracking of restricted grants. 

Prospecting

• Build and cultivate a pipeline of new prospects (major gifts, foundation, corporate) 

• Identify major donor prospects and create a cultivation strategy to secure continued support and increased giving. 

Development Team Leadership & Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the development department, which will be implemented by the Development & Communications Associate. 

• Communicate development priorities and information needed for effective fundraising with staff, including methods related to staff meetings, program team meetings, surveys and other internal communications processes. 

• Collaborate effectively with program, policy, communications, and events directors to ensure a strong partnership and effectiveness across streams 

• Partner closely with the Senior Operations Manager to ensure effective revenue forecasting, restricted grants management, proposal budget development, and financial reporting 

• Manage the current development team, including the Development & Communications Associate, development consultant, and part-time grantwriter. Lead recruitment and supervision as the team grows in the future.  

• Ensure all team members and collaborators are aware of their deadlines and deliverables; manage weekly development meeting agenda. 

• Identify, communicate, troubleshoot, and lead improvements to the organization’s fundraising processes and practices. 

Qualifications 

• Commitment to Waterfront Alliance’s mission 

• Familiarity with NYC public space, environmental organizations, and philanthropy strongly preferred 

• 8+ years of progressive nonprofit development experience, including experience as a frontline fundraiser 

• Development generalist with experience in individual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate partnership, and events 

• Experience working directly with donors, board members, and executive leadership 

• Ability to pair strategic planning with hands-on implementation 

• Strong project management and ability to collaborate across functions 

• Excellent communicator and ability to share programmatic and financial information through compelling donor messaging 

• Strong operational and systems thinker, with the ability to create and implement fundraising infrastructure 

• Salesforce experience is a plus 

How to Apply 
Submit your resume and the answers to the prompted questions. Applicants must be legally authorized to work fulltime in the U.S. and should not require employment sponsorship now or in the future. Only complete applications will be considered. Position open until filled. No phone calls please.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Waterfront Alliance encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical ability or any other legally protected basis.