Chief Development Officer - Services for the Underserved : Job Details

The Organization

ABOUT SERVICES FOR THE UNDERSERVED

Established in 1978, Services for the Underserved (S:US) works with communities and individuals in every corner of New York City and on Long Island to make sure every New Yorker has the chance to find home. Because home is more than a roof. Home is stability, safety, community, and a sense of belonging. And the opportunity to find a home is the right of every New Yorker.

OUR MISSION

We transform the lives of people with disabilities, people in poverty and people facing homelessness.

OUR GOAL

We have eradicated homelessness and are keeping New Yorkers healthy.

OUR IMPACT

With $315 million in services delivered annually by 1,800 dedicated staff, S:US serves tens of thousands of New Yorkers each year facing poverty, homelessness, and life with disabilities. We create pathways to rich and productive lives through high-quality housing, employment, skills-building, treatment, recovery, food security, and eviction prevention services.

OUR UNIQUENESS

Our uniqueness lies in our ability to take what we learn on the ground and use it to change systems and impact policy. By delivering high quality services that address the complex circumstances of each person, we help transform lives, improve neighborhoods and boost future generations.

OUR VALUES

Continuous Quality Improvement

• S:US engages in an ongoing effort to improve its services and internal practices.

Respect

• S:US acts on its belief in the essential dignity and value of each individual by treating everyone with compassion, care and courtesy.

Maximize Individual Potential

• S:US works with people to help them reach their individual potential.

Supportive Culture

• S:US believes that people need each other to achieve their goals, and creates a supportive environment where people can share ideas and information freely, to foster creativity, communication and collaboration.

Integrity

• S:US is committed to acting with integrity, as demonstrated by treating people consistently, honestly and fairly to help them achieve their own goals and the goals of the agency.

Purpose of the Position

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Development Officer (CDO), plays a pivotal role in leading the development team to advance S:US's commitment to fostering a culture of philanthropy. As a key member of the CEO's executive leadership team, the CDO is responsible for planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive fundraising strategies, while actively supporting the Board of Directors and CEO in securing, sustaining, and expanding S:US's revenue-generating initiatives. This role involves shaping the development vision and strategy, enhancing the organization's unrestricted individual giving program, and increasing support from foundations, corporations, and planned giving sources.

The CDO will collaborate closely with the executive leadership team and Board of Directors, and work cross-functionally with communications, programs, and finance teams to strategically position S:US for long-term contributed revenue growth. Additionally, the CDO will oversee and mentor the development and communications team, ensuring the creation of meaningful donor engagement opportunities, the development of compelling proposals and grant requests, the advancement of donor stewardship priorities, and the preservation of excellence in institutional communications.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

• Partner with the CEO, Board of Directors, and members of the executive leadership team to maximize fundraising opportunities by enhancing existing efforts and expanding the organization's capacity to raise revenue from private sources.
• Serve as an external representative of S:US, its affiliates, programs, and initiatives, personally stewarding donors and building awareness among New York's corporate community, philanthropists, and leaders.
• Establish and maintain close working relationships with members of the Board of Directors to increase their engagement and effectiveness in fundraising activities.
• Provide strategic vision and guidance to the communications team, partnering with the Vice President of Communications to implement best-in-class strategies that amplify the dissemination of S:US's messaging.

Revenue Generation and Strategic Planning

• Design, develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive strategic funding plan encompassing annual and major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Identify new major gift prospects and develop outreach strategies, including site visits, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of current donors.
• Collect and analyze data on the annual budget and fundraising metrics for the Development Office, integrating insights into institutional fundraising strategies.
• Oversee existing foundation and corporate grant initiatives and lead staff in developing strategies for ongoing renewal and potential expansion.
• Expand the annual spring benefit, Dinner for a Better New York, to attract new prospects and increase support from New York's philanthropic and corporate communities.
• Collaborate with leadership to engage and cultivate the existing donor base, securing increased financial commitments.

Communications

• In partnership with the Vice President of Communications, develop and implement an integrated communications strategy that amplifies fundraising goals and reinforces S:US's brand voice across all channels.
• Collaborate closely with the Vice President of Communications to align messaging, optimize campaign timing, and leverage storytelling best practices for maximum engagement.
• Oversee the development and dissemination of donor-facing materials—including proposals, stewardship reports, newsletters, and digital content—to ensure they are clear, consistent, and compelling.
• Monitor communications performance through metrics and stakeholder feedback, using insights to refine outreach tactics and improve donor engagement.

Staff and Operational Management

• Serve as a team-builder for the development team by recruiting, appointing, and retaining top-tier fundraising talent, and fostering mentorship and career growth opportunities.
• Oversee daily operations of the Development Office using a fundraising platform (currently Raiser's Edge), including prospect tracking, gift acknowledgment and processing, and timely reporting to institutional donors.
• Assess staff capabilities and resources, and lead efforts to develop more efficient structures, processes, and staffing to enhance output and impact.
• Manage the development budget to ensure financial viability, sustainability, and alignment with annual growth targets; promote fundraising skills across all organizational levels.
• Ensure exceptional donor service and stewardship across the team, prioritizing responsiveness and engagement.
• Edit fundraising proposals, solicitations, reports, and communications to guarantee clarity, conciseness, and compelling messaging.
• Retain and coordinate the services of special events and fundraising consultants as needed to support development initiatives.

The Candidate

Experience and Professional Qualifications

• Minimum of fifteen years of leadership experience in development, with at least five years of demonstrated success leading a team.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the CEO and senior team members.
• Strong interpersonal skills, essential for building meaningful relationships with high-capacity donors, government representatives, corporate executives, and foundation leaders at both local and national levels.
• Proven track record across all fundraising disciplines, including individual giving, corporate and foundation support, event-based fundraising, and planned giving—combined with the ability to integrate these approaches effectively.
• Deep commitment to and appreciation for the mission and work of S:US, with the capability to serve as a compelling institutional ambassador.
• Preferred experience managing or collaborating closely with communications teams.
• Exceptional oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal skills—confident demeanor, strong instincts, and sound judgment.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Metropolitan New York, across the state, and nationally as required.

Key Relationships

Services for the Underserved Executive Leadership Team

• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Chief Human Resources Officer
• Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development
• Chief Compliance Officer

Direct Reports

• Vice President of Communications and Marketing (to be hired)
• Associate Vice President of Special Events
• Director of Development
• Director of Volunteer Relations

Personal Attributes and Skills

• An entrepreneurial spirit with a demonstrated ability to plan and lead a development program successfully; should be resourceful and not afraid of rolling up his or her sleeves.
• Charismatic leadership with a desire to build a high functioning, innovative, and growth-focused development team.
• Management experience in a social service, higher education, cultural or medical setting is a plus.
• Knowledge of the New York philanthropic community is a plus.

Education

A bachelor's degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution is preferred. Significant experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.

Compensation

Services for the Underserved offers a base compensation of approximately $275,000 - $300,000. Additional benefits will be provided to the successful candidate.

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