Director of Development

Description

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for Astor’s comprehensive fundraising program, with primary responsibility for individual giving, major gifts, donor cultivation, and long-term retention growth. This role designs and drives revenue strategy that deepens donor relationships, strengthens loyalty, and increases philanthropic investment in support of Astor’s mission.

As a senior leader, the Director ensures fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, planned giving, special events and community engagement, are aligned with Astor’s mission, financial and strategic goals. The Director ensures that fundraising efforts are relationship-driven, data-informed, and aligned with organizational priorities.

Job Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Chief of Strategic Initiatives & Development, lead the growth of annual, major, planned, and endowment giving programs through the development of a Fundraising Plan and event budgets.
• Plan, organize, and execute major fundraising events, including (signature golf event and NYC based event) as well as several campaigns and special projects throughout the year, including the Holiday appeal, Little Wishes, Mental Health Month appeal and others as needed.
• Develop and manage events and/or special project budgets, ensuring financial goals are met or exceeded.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to measure success, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement for all fundraising events and campaigns.
• Work with Board members and External Relations Committee of the Board when necessary and appropriate to ensure successful events and management.
• Ensure timely, thoughtful acknowledgments and impact reporting that reinforce donor confidence and loyalty.
• Design and implement a comprehensive donor stewardship framework that ensures consistent, meaningful engagement.
• Build personalized cultivation strategies aligned with donor interests and organizational priorities.
• Build and manage a strong major donor pipeline.
• Partner with program leadership to translate outcomes into compelling donor narratives.
• Establish measurable benchmarks for donor acquisition, retention, upgrades, and lifetime value.
• Analyze donor data and engagement trends to inform strategy and forecasting.
• Ensure strong systems for donor tracking, reporting, and stewardship management.
• Communicate with Board members about their give, or others they know could contribute to the work of Astor.
• Provide strategic oversight of Astor’s Ambassador Program to expand community reach and philanthropic advocacy.
• Foster ongoing engagement through communication, recognition and strengthening ambassador’s competency in program knowledge.
• Partner with the marketing team to ensure fundraising messaging centers on impact, outcomes, and donor connection.
• Oversee development communications including appeals, donor reports, and campaign materials.

What we provide:

• 4 weeks paid vacation annually.
• 13 paid holidays.
• 4 personal days.
• 1 sick day per month, accruable to 150 days.
• Fully paid individual LTD and life insurance.
• Eligible for participation in agency medical and dental plan both individual and family, with small employee contribution.
• New longevity incentives.
• Opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children and families in need.
• Collaboration with a team of dedicated professionals in a supportive and dynamic environment.
• Room for growth and advancement within the organization.

Join Astor Services – Apply Now!

Do you meet the qualifications above? Are you ready to take the next step in your career and join a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families? We want to hear from you! Your credentials and compassion can bring about positive change for a child in need. Apply now to become a part of the Astor Services team.

Astor Services, a leading provider of behavioral and mental health services in the Hudson Valley and The Bronx, is dedicated to nurturing the emotional and mental well-being of children, adolescents, and families. With a history spanning over seven decades, we are committed to providing comprehensive care and support to help our clients thrive.

Want to know why our team loves working at Astor? Check out our website for our employee testimonials and discover their stories!

Requirements

You must have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• 7-10+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated success in major gift cultivation and revenue growth.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership and Boards of Directors.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into strategy.
• Exceptional relationship building and communication skills.
• Commitment to advancing mental health and well-being services.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends for certain types of events in both the Hudson Valley and the Bronx.