Director of Institutional Giving

Sep 14

NYC Outward Bound Schools
New York, NY

Anticipated Start Date: 12/01/2026

Description

Reporting to and working closely with the VP of Advancement, the Director of Institutional Giving develops, drives and implements the strategy to significantly expand the organization's institutional funding base. The Director manages the institutional giving portfolio — identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation and corporate partners — with a focus on attracting new prospects and deepening current support. The ideal candidate combines exceptional writing and storytelling with strong internal and external relationship-building.

They will develop a deep understanding of NYCOBS’s programs, impact, and priorities; translate that understanding into relevant and compelling funding narratives; and communicate those narratives effectively to institutional funders. As a key member of the Advancement team, the Director will work toward an institutional fundraising goal of $1 million in FY2027 and grow institutional support to $2 million annually within three years, while expanding public funding opportunities and increasing the organization’s visibility. We are driven by our vision of a future where all NYC students are engaged in equitable, immersive, and joyful learning, and are looking for someone who shares that passion.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Portfolio Management

Manage a portfolio of foundations, corporations, and public funders, as relevant, in the 5- to 7-figure range
Co-create the institutional funding strategy with the VP of Advancement and other leadership team members to meet annual and multi-year revenue goals
Build and maintain a robust funder pipeline supporting operational and capital needs — identifying and cultivating new funders, pursuing aligned opportunities, and monitoring the funding landscape

Prospecting, Cultivation, & Stewardship

Research and identify prospective foundation, corporate, and public funders; uncover relevant connections and pathways for engagement; and conduct both warm and cold outreach to cultivate new funding relationships
Cultivate and steward current funders through meetings, site visits, program experiences, regular updates, and other meaningful opportunities for connection
Develop a deep understanding of NYCOBS’s programs, impact, and funding priorities, and translate that knowledge into clear, persuasive, and funder-specific narratives.
Write compelling letters of inquiry, grant proposals, concept papers, and other solicitation materials that effectively communicate NYCOBS’s work, impact, and case for support.
Continually refine the organization’s institutional funding pitch to reflect evolving priorities, evidence of impact, and key organizational messages.
Develop and implement corporate funding and engagement opportunities (sponsorships, grants, employee engagement/volunteering, and other forms of partnership) to bolster corporate support and engagement

Proposal & Grants Management, Systems & Collaboration

Collaborate with program, finance, evaluation, and organizational leaders to gather accurate information and develop strong funding requests and reports for new and existing programs.
Own and actively manage the institutional funding calendar, ensuring that proposal deadlines, grant reports, stewardship activities, funder communications, and other commitments are completed on time—either directly by the Director or through clear coordination with organizational leadership and other contributors.
Maintain accurate and effective systems for prospect research, funder qualification, relationship management, submissions, grant requirements, and reporting.
Establish clear internal collaboration processes and timelines that keep proposals, reporting, stewardship, and funder communications on track.

Requirements

Behavioral Competencies

Demonstrated dedication to our core values of community, courage, equity, integrity, and learning
Exceptional communication and influencing skills — a persuasive, credible, and polished communicator, both written and verbal
Creative, independent, and strategic thinker
Self-starter with a proven ability to manage and complete multiple tasks against firm deadlines
Strong attention to detail

Skills & Experience

Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in private-sector fundraising, preferably for an educational or youth-development institution
Proven track record prospecting, cultivating, closing, and stewarding 5-figure+ institutional gifts
Strong familiarity with the philanthropic community in NYC, with an emphasis on corporate and foundation partners
Demonstrated success developing and executing effective fundraising strategies
Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, and familiarity with fundraising tools such as Salesforce, DonorSearch and Candid Successful completion of a NYC Department of Education background check

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

$100,000-$129,000

How to Apply for this Job

Apply Now

About the Organization

Why can’t school be more like an Outward Bound course? NYC Outward Bound Schools believes that students benefit greatly from tapping into the world beyond their classroom and their immediate community to partake in joyful learning experiences that can prepare them to thrive in community, college, and career. In partnership with the NYC public school system, NYC Outward Bound Schools is a non-profit organization that serves over 28,000 students in almost 80 schools across the five boroughs of New York City. NYC Outward Bound Schools provides opportunities for unique, liberatory, experiential learning for students in their social, emotional, and academic development.

The organization supports NYC young people both by leading students in outdoor adventure programming that pushes beyond their traditional school experiences and also by coaching and supporting educators on how to incorporate lessons from these catalytic experiences within the classroom. Ultimately, our diverse and committed staff support NYC young people in unique ways to develop the knowledge and skills to lead with confidence and curiosity, persist in the face of challenges, and live fulfilling lives.

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