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Head of Giving & Major Gifts

New York, NY

About Understood

Understood is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of people who learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive. 

Having a shared commitment to our values is a key factor in any hire we make. We have five core values: 

  1. Continuously learn.
  2. Act with intention.
  3. Champion difference.
  4. Inspire change.
  5. Grow together. 

Come be part of an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s helping to shape the world for difference. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full potential. 

To learn more about Understood, please visit: www.understood.org.

Who you are

To advance Understood.org’s mission and further our impact, we are hiring a Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts, reporting to the VP, Advancement. This role will drive efforts focused on individual giving and collaborate across the organization to chart our path forward. The organization has ambitious goals and this role will work closely with internal functions and external partners to raise money to further our ability to deliver impact. 

We deeply believe that in addition to the knowledge, abilities, and experience you bring, it’s also about a shared commitment to our core values — Continuous Learning, Act with Intention, Champion Difference, Inspire Change, and Grow Together – which guide us in our work and will help us shape our world for difference so every individual can thrive. 

This is a hybrid role that requires a minimum of three (3) days a week in our NYC office, with a focus on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

What you’ll do

  • Develop and implement a strategic and comprehensive development plan with a focus on individual giving and major gifts
    • Lead major  donor acquisition, research, and stewardship and build direct  relationships with major individual donors and family offices/foundations 
  • Oversee Direct response programming (digital and traditional)
    • Supporting staff on Collaboration with marketing, email, creative, production,etc.
  • Co-lead Board cultivation and engagement efforts with VP of advancement 
  • Partner closely with Director, Institutional Giving to engage  high-level donors in  program-specific funding
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders on donor-type, messaging, case for support, events, and program development
  • Partner with others driving advancement efforts to optimize outcomes and drive impact 
  • Support building culture of philanthropy at Understood
  • Set and manage aggressive annual fundraising goals and track progress to understand how to adjust, adapt and enhance outreach efforts
  • Serve as point-of-contact for external vendors that support individual advancement efforts
  • Identify strategies to maximize return on fundraising investment.
  • Oversee the maintenance of accurate and timely records to measure progress and effectiveness
  • Lead fundraising appeal campaigns tied to relevant cultural moments including Back to School, ADHD Awareness Month, Giving Tuesday, etc.
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of current donor trends and opportunities 
  • Manage budget and reporting of progress and requirements 
  • Stay current on regulatory and compliance requirements

Must-haves 

  • Minimum of 10 years experience across  major gift, mid-tier, and lower tier fundraising efforts
  • Experience overseeing digital fundraising efforts
  • A proven successful record of identifying, building, and cultivating relationships 
  • Experience raising six figure gifts from   individual donors via private foundations or donor advised funds 
  • Demonstrated knowledge in donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship skills
  • Strong understanding of a donor database (DRM) systems 
  • Expertise in capital campaigns and strategic funding initiatives that require multi-year donor commitments
  • Experience leveraging events for major gift conversion 
  • Committed to embodying and being a steward of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Nice-to-haves

  • Ability to communicate and partner well across, up and down the organization
  • Thrives in a collaborative environment and is motivated in promoting and extending a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and knowledge sharing
  • Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines
  • Knowledge of core fundraising skills, platforms, and tools

The base salary range for this role is minimum $175,000-$210,000 maximum, depending on years of experience and qualifications. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports wellness for our team members and their families. You can learn more about our benefits and offerings.

Understood.org does not sponsor applicants for work visas or legal permanent residence, including providing assistance with STEM OPT extensions.

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Understood encourages individuals of all learning styles and ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those whose life experiences may include the challenge of access due to a disability, to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to supporting this work.

Understood is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability (where the applicant or employee is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation), any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, stalking, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law or that of persons with whom that individual associates, or any other legally protected characteristics.

For additional information on learning and thinking differences, including ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, executive function challenges, nonverbal learning disabilities, processing issues, and more, please visit www.understood.org.

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