Managing Director, Development & Communications

Jul 18

Anticipated Start Date: September 22, 2025

Description

The Managing Director, Development & Communications is a key senior leader who drives fundraising and visibility strategies to fuel LEAP’s mission. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving on the Management Team, this role will lead a talented team of fundraising professionals and consultants, design multi-year campaigns, expand donor engagement, and build the infrastructure and culture necessary to significantly grow LEAP’s philanthropic revenue.

This is a hands-on and high-impact role for a collaborative leader who thrives in a creative, youth-centered environment and is ready to scale development and communications strategies that honor the voices and experiences of the communities we serve.

As we approach our 50th anniversary, LEAP is entering a bold phase of growth. We are building a development and communications strategy that matches our mission's impact and vision. We invite a strategic, joyful, and equity-driven fundraising leader to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

Implement the vision, strategy, and execution of a diversified fundraising plan (individuals, foundations, corporations, events, government). Partner with the Executive Director and Board to set and exceed annual revenue goals.
Infuse a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
Build compelling case statements and fundraising messaging that reflect LEAP’s values and impact.

Individual Giving & Campaigns

Launch and lead a multi-year major gifts campaign in celebration of LEAP’s 50th Anniversary in 2027. Design and implement year-round donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
Oversee annual campaigns, direct mail, peer-to-peer, and digital fundraising efforts. Plan and execute two vibrant fundraising events annually that showcase youth voices and LEAP’s mission.

Grants & Institutional Giving

Oversee development and submission of public and private grant proposals, including multi-million, multi-year grants. Lead strategy and storytelling for proposals that reflect LEAP’s innovative, youth-centered programs.
Cultivate strong relationships with program officers and institutional partners.

Communications & External Affairs

Elevate LEAP’s brand through storytelling, strategic messaging, and digital engagement.
Build a comprehensive communications plan including social media, website, publications, and media relations.
Serve as a public-facing leader, representing LEAP at events, funder meetings, and community engagements.

Board & Team Leadership

Engage the Board Development Committee and build the fundraising capacity of all Board members.
Supervise and support a small team of development and communications staff and consultants.
Collaborate across departments to align development and program goals.

Data & Systems

Manage donor database (Salesforce or equivalent) and ensure accurate tracking, segmentation, and reporting.
Create dashboards and performance metrics to inform strategy and decision-making.

Requirements

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for an entrepreneurial fundraising leader who is excited to build upon what currently exists and scale a dynamic development and communications program. You balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution and bring a passion for youth, arts, and justice.

Core Competencies

Fundraising Expertise: 8+ years of nonprofit fundraising leadership with a proven track record in individual giving, campaigns, and grants.
Leadership & Vision: Experience building or scaling a fundraising function, ideally from the ground up. A natural collaborator and motivator.
Communications Savvy: Strong storyteller who knows how to inspire action and shape messaging across audiences and platforms.
Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to engage and excite donors, Board members, and partners.
Project Management: Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Tech Fluency: Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and G-Suite; comfortable with data, segmentation, and digital campaigns. Mission Alignment: Deep commitment to racial equity, youth empowerment, and arts education.

Qualifications

Minimum of 6–8 years of progressive experience in fundraising within the nonprofit, education, or arts sector. Bachelor’s degree required; relevant certifications or training in fundraising, communications, or nonprofit management a plus.
Demonstrated success managing individual giving programs, annual campaigns, and fundraising events, with some exposure to major gifts strategy and donor stewardship.
Experience contributing to institutional fundraising efforts, including grant writing, reporting, and relationship management with public and private funders.
Proven ability to build relationships with donors, Board members, and community partners, with a warm, engaging, and authentic communication style. Track record of developing new fundraising initiatives or improving existing systems in collaboration with a team.
Strong writing and storytelling skills with the ability to translate program impact into compelling cases for support. Skilled in using CRM and donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce) and data to inform strategy.
Team-oriented leader who brings a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Interest and readiness to grow into a more senior leadership role over time, with mentorship and support.

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

$120,000 (non-negotiable)

Benefits: Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Coverage; 403(b) Retirement Plan; Paid Holidays; Paid Vacation; NYC Paid Safe and Sick Time Leave; Parental Paid Leave; Short and Long Term Disability Plans; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); Commuter Benefit

How to Apply for this Job

Apply Now

About the Organization

At LEAP we believe in the transformational power of the arts. Wed as a grassroots movement with just four schools. Today, our teaching artists serve 25,000 youth across the city in over 140 New York City public schools. Every day, our educational arts programs inspire diverse school communities to be more engaged in learning and build critical skills. Our quality educational arts programs promote access and equity for New York City students underserved in the arts.

Culture Statement: LEAP is a group of diverse and passionate individuals working together to prioritize youth and pursue our mission.

Our Goals

We collaborate to accomplish goals and are accountable to ourselves and others.
We strive for excellence, reflect on results, and celebrate success.

Our Peers

We foster relationships through intentional communication and attentive listening.
We welcome feedback with a growth mindset and offer feedback with empathy.

Our Space