Director of Foundation and Government Relations

Scope of Responsibilities

A significant focus of this position is proactive prospect identification and pipeline development. The Director is expected to conduct ongoing prospect research, generate new funding opportunities, build relationships with prospective funders, and expand New York Cares' institutional support base through strategic outreach and cultivation.

The Director also supports government relations efforts in collaboration with senior leadership, serving as a key liaison to New York City agencies, New York City Council, Borough Presidents' offices, state agencies, and other public-sector stakeholders. Working cross-functionally with program and executive leadership, the Director translates organizational priorities and programmatic impact into compelling funding opportunities that drive sustainable growth and community impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Increase Government Funding

• Identify, pursue, and cultivate legislative allies, state officials, agencies and public- and private-sector partners who can support New York Cares

• Maintain appropriate records of government contacts, priorities, meetings, plans, and decisions

• Write, prospect, and evaluate grants

• Develop, implement and continuously refine a comprehensive government relations strategy

This list is not an exhaustive job description. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will be highly-motivated self-starters who have an aptitude for communication and story-telling, possess a collaborative spirit, and take a data-driven approach to decision-making, and:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required.

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including senior leadership responsibility.

• Proven experience working with NYC Government and contracts.

• Demonstrated success overseeing development functions in small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations.

• Superb communication skills, with experience tailoring messages to suit intended audiences and compelling readers to act. Can use outstanding grammar and copywriting to create a variety of written materials that support fundraising efforts.

• Excellent project management skills. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and plans work activities, use time efficiently, follow instructions, and responds to management direction.

• Ability to analyze and use data and metrics to shape goals, strategies, and tactics.

• Understand social nuances, practices, and world views of people of various backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Leverages that understanding to effectively interact with people of diverse communities.

• Possesses a strong future-orientation and entrepreneurial mindset.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.

• Experience using Salesforce.org, Mailchimp, Apollo, and/or similar technical systems preferred.

• People management experience a plus.

BENEFITS

• Hybrid schedule: In office Mon/Tue/Thu. Remote Wed/Fri

• 11 paid holidays + 3 floating holidays

• Paid time off: 12 days in year 1 + paid last week of Dec. 18 days in year 2

• Paid sick leave

• Health & wellness coverage: medical, dental, vision (80% employer-paid), plus life & disability insurance

• Retirement & tax-advantaged accounts: 403(b) plan, flexible spending accounts, transit reimbursement

WORK ENVIORNMENT

• Hybrid schedule with three days in the office weekly.

• Conduct external partner site visits.

• Observe and attend volunteer projects to inform program design.

• Support occasional program events in the evenings and weekends.