Chief Development Officer Jobs in New York
Chief Development Officer jobs in New York are among the most actively sought senior leadership roles in the country, concentrated in nonprofit management, higher education, healthcare systems, and major cultural institutions, with demand at every level from associate vice president through executive vice president for development. Most hiring clusters in New York City, Albany, and Buffalo, where anchor institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York University, and the United Way of New York City maintain ongoing development leadership needs. The most in-demand specialties are major gifts strategy, capital campaign leadership, and foundation relations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
As the Fresh Air Fund approaches its 150th anniversary, it is seeking a visionary Chief Development and Communications Officer to lead and grow its fundraising program into the next chapter of its history.
ABOUT THE FRESH AIR FUND
The Fresh Air Fund is a youth development non-profit providing transformative outdoor experiences, at no cost, for New York City children from underserved communities. At six sleepaway camps in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley, children have new experiences, learn new skills, and gain new perspectives. Youth also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration, and educational programs. In its nearly 150-year history, the Fresh Air Fund has served more than 1.8 million children and unlocks the limitless potential of thousands of New York City children annually through its transformative summer experiences and programs.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Fresh Air Fund seeks a Chief Development & Communications Officer (CDCO) to lead the next phase of its fundraising and communications strategy. As the organization prepares for its 150th anniversary, the CDCO will be the primary architect of the fundraising strategy needed to fuel its next chapter of growth.
The CDCO will be charged with growing fundraising for a program that currently raises around $10M annually, with a sharpened focus on principal and major gifts. They will also lead an integrated communications department responsible for the Fresh Air Fund's brand, storytelling, media relations, and digital presence.
Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Directors, the CDCO will serve as a senior leader and trusted partner. They will be responsible for setting an organizational-wide development and communications strategy, directly managing a portfolio of top donors, and leading and guiding a team of talented and passionate staff. This leader will play a vital role in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding new funders whose interests intersect with the Fresh Air Fund’s core work.
The ideal candidate is an ambitious, relationship-oriented fundraiser who deeply believes in the power of philanthropy to change lives and is eager to partner with the Board and CEO to grow Fresh Air's impact for thousands of New York City children each year.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Revenue Growth:
- Partnering with the CEO and Board, develop and execute an ambitious and comprehensive, multi-year fundraising and communications strategy that integrates all philanthropic revenue streams to grow philanthropy across all channels for the organization, with a keen focus on increasing major and principal gifts
- Partner with the CEO to translate organizational priorities into compelling funding opportunities
- Collaborate with the Board to maximize their role in fundraising, supporting individual and collective goals, and leading the Development Committee in maximizing results
- Set clear revenue goals, performance benchmarks, and accountability structures across the department
- Play a key role in the development and communications strategy for the Fund's 150th anniversary, connecting a century and a half of mission to bold and ambitious fundraising growth
Team Leadership & Management:
- Lead, inspire, and mentor a talented development and communications team, which includes 5 direct reports and 13 total staff
- Foster alignment across the team by clearly communicating vision, priorities, and progress so that every member is working toward shared goals with clarity and confidence
- Set clear performance expectations, establish and maintain strong KPI practices, provide consistent feedback, and build professional development pathways that attract and retain top talent
- Build systems and processes that support a culture of accountability and results orientation
Fundraising & Relationship Management:
- Directly cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors, with a focus on raising six- and seven-figure gifts
- Identify and pursue new funding opportunities specifically focused on new major donors
- Partner with the CEO and Board on donor cultivation, solicitation strategy, and stewardship, helping them to prepare, position, and follow through on solicitations
- Build the systems, processes, and team infrastructure needed to sustain and scale fundraising growth
- Oversee development operations, including CRM management, data and analytics, gift processing, and reporting, to ensure accurate and actionable information
Communications Leadership:
- Provide strategic leadership to the communications team, ensuring that Fresh Air's story is told with clarity, consistency, and impact across all channels
- Ensure communications efforts are aligned with and actively support fundraising goals while building donor awareness, engagement, and loyalty
- Serve as a senior voice on organizational messaging, particularly as it relates to donors, stakeholders, and the public
Collaboration & Engagement:
- Serve as a visible and trusted leader across the organization, helping to build a culture of philanthropy where staff at all levels understand and support fundraising goals
- Work in close partnership with the CEO, C-suite, and board to align programmatic priorities with fundraising opportunities
- Build strong relationships with camp leadership and program staff to connect donors with the work in authentic, meaningful ways
QUALIFICATIONS
- 10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience overseeing a development program
- Demonstrated track record of directly soliciting and closing major gifts at the 6-figure level and above
- Proven success leading, coaching, and mentoring teams, including building culture and managing performance
- Experience in leading communications or a deep understanding of how communications can successfully work in concert with development
- Experience partnering with a CEO or Executive Director in preparing them for fundraising solicitations and follow-up
- Commitment to leading by example, including demonstrating and fostering a strong sense of urgency, accountability, and sound decision-making to achieve goals
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build genuine relationships with donors, board members, and colleagues
- A data-informed mindset with comfort using KPIs and performance data to drive accountability and decision-making
- Familiarity with the NYC philanthropic community and funders is a strong plus
- Deep belief in the power of equitable access to the outdoors and youth development, and a genuine connection to the mission of The Fresh Air Fund
LOCATION
This role is based in New York City with a hybrid in-office schedule. The CDCO will be expected in the office 3 days a week, including Tuesdays, one day with the Development and Communications team, and one additional day.
During the summer, regular visits to Fresh Air's camps in New York's Mid-Hudson Valley (approximately 1.5 hours from the city) are expected for donor engagement, corporate events, and organizational activities. Some additional travel is required, including an annual fundraising trip.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $240,000 - $255,000 annually. The Fresh Air Fund offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and retirement contribution plans with employer contributions.
The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.
INTRODUCTION
As the Fresh Air Fund approaches its 150th anniversary, it is seeking a visionary Chief Development and Communications Officer to lead and grow its fundraising program into the next chapter of its history.
ABOUT THE FRESH AIR FUND
The Fresh Air Fund is a youth development non-profit providing transformative outdoor experiences, at no cost, for New York City children from underserved communities. At six sleepaway camps in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley, children have new experiences, learn new skills, and gain new perspectives. Youth also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration, and educational programs. In its nearly 150-year history, the Fresh Air Fund has served more than 1.8 million children and unlocks the limitless potential of thousands of New York City children annually through its transformative summer experiences and programs.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Fresh Air Fund seeks a Chief Development & Communications Officer (CDCO) to lead the next phase of its fundraising and communications strategy. As the organization prepares for its 150th anniversary, the CDCO will be the primary architect of the fundraising strategy needed to fuel its next chapter of growth.
The CDCO will be charged with growing fundraising for a program that currently raises around $10M annually, with a sharpened focus on principal and major gifts. They will also lead an integrated communications department responsible for the Fresh Air Fund's brand, storytelling, media relations, and digital presence.
Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Directors, the CDCO will serve as a senior leader and trusted partner. They will be responsible for setting an organizational-wide development and communications strategy, directly managing a portfolio of top donors, and leading and guiding a team of talented and passionate staff. This leader will play a vital role in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding new funders whose interests intersect with the Fresh Air Fund’s core work.
The ideal candidate is an ambitious, relationship-oriented fundraiser who deeply believes in the power of philanthropy to change lives and is eager to partner with the Board and CEO to grow Fresh Air's impact for thousands of New York City children each year.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Revenue Growth:
- Partnering with the CEO and Board, develop and execute an ambitious and comprehensive, multi-year fundraising and communications strategy that integrates all philanthropic revenue streams to grow philanthropy across all channels for the organization, with a keen focus on increasing major and principal gifts
- Partner with the CEO to translate organizational priorities into compelling funding opportunities
- Collaborate with the Board to maximize their role in fundraising, supporting individual and collective goals, and leading the Development Committee in maximizing results
- Set clear revenue goals, performance benchmarks, and accountability structures across the department
- Play a key role in the development and communications strategy for the Fund's 150th anniversary, connecting a century and a half of mission to bold and ambitious fundraising growth
Team Leadership & Management:
- Lead, inspire, and mentor a talented development and communications team, which includes 5 direct reports and 13 total staff
- Foster alignment across the team by clearly communicating vision, priorities, and progress so that every member is working toward shared goals with clarity and confidence
- Set clear performance expectations, establish and maintain strong KPI practices, provide consistent feedback, and build professional development pathways that attract and retain top talent
- Build systems and processes that support a culture of accountability and results orientation
Fundraising & Relationship Management:
- Directly cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors, with a focus on raising six- and seven-figure gifts
- Identify and pursue new funding opportunities specifically focused on new major donors
- Partner with the CEO and Board on donor cultivation, solicitation strategy, and stewardship, helping them to prepare, position, and follow through on solicitations
- Build the systems, processes, and team infrastructure needed to sustain and scale fundraising growth
- Oversee development operations, including CRM management, data and analytics, gift processing, and reporting, to ensure accurate and actionable information
Communications Leadership:
- Provide strategic leadership to the communications team, ensuring that Fresh Air's story is told with clarity, consistency, and impact across all channels
- Ensure communications efforts are aligned with and actively support fundraising goals while building donor awareness, engagement, and loyalty
- Serve as a senior voice on organizational messaging, particularly as it relates to donors, stakeholders, and the public
Collaboration & Engagement:
- Serve as a visible and trusted leader across the organization, helping to build a culture of philanthropy where staff at all levels understand and support fundraising goals
- Work in close partnership with the CEO, C-suite, and board to align programmatic priorities with fundraising opportunities
- Build strong relationships with camp leadership and program staff to connect donors with the work in authentic, meaningful ways
QUALIFICATIONS
- 10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience overseeing a development program
- Demonstrated track record of directly soliciting and closing major gifts at the 6-figure level and above
- Proven success leading, coaching, and mentoring teams, including building culture and managing performance
- Experience in leading communications or a deep understanding of how communications can successfully work in concert with development
- Experience partnering with a CEO or Executive Director in preparing them for fundraising solicitations and follow-up
- Commitment to leading by example, including demonstrating and fostering a strong sense of urgency, accountability, and sound decision-making to achieve goals
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build genuine relationships with donors, board members, and colleagues
- A data-informed mindset with comfort using KPIs and performance data to drive accountability and decision-making
- Familiarity with the NYC philanthropic community and funders is a strong plus
- Deep belief in the power of equitable access to the outdoors and youth development, and a genuine connection to the mission of The Fresh Air Fund
LOCATION
This role is based in New York City with a hybrid in-office schedule. The CDCO will be expected in the office 3 days a week, including Tuesdays, one day with the Development and Communications team, and one additional day.
During the summer, regular visits to Fresh Air's camps in New York's Mid-Hudson Valley (approximately 1.5 hours from the city) are expected for donor engagement, corporate events, and organizational activities. Some additional travel is required, including an annual fundraising trip.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $240,000 - $255,000 annually. The Fresh Air Fund offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and retirement contribution plans with employer contributions.
The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.
See All 13 Chief Development Officer Jobs in New York
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Find JobsChief Development Officer Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chief Development Officer Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Aon1
- Centivo1
- Citi1
- City of New York1
- F.A.F.1
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance4
- Technology & Software3
- Investment & Asset Management2
- Banking & Financial Services1
- Construction & Real Estate1
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chief development officer jobs across New York.
- Proven record of leading major gifts, capital campaigns, or annual fund programs at scale
- Bachelor's degree required, with a master's degree strongly preferred by most New York employers
- Minimum of ten years of progressive fundraising or development leadership experience expected
- Experience managing and mentoring development teams across multiple New York program areas
- Demonstrated ability to cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth donors and foundations
- Familiarity with New York's philanthropic landscape, including local foundations and giving networks
Chief Development Officer Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chief development officer in New York?
Most chief development officers in New York reach the role through progressive advancement within nonprofit or institutional fundraising, starting as development associates or major gifts officers and building toward director and vice president roles. New York does not require a state-issued license for this position. Many employers value the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential, awarded by CFRE International, and experience working with New York-based foundations and philanthropic networks meaningfully strengthens a candidate's profile.
How much do chief development officers make in New York?
Chief development officers in New York earn a median of about $169,510 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $102,040 for the lowest 10% to over $304,970 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire chief development officers in New York?
Employers hiring chief development officers in New York right now include Aon, Centivo, and Citi, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. New York's density of hospitals, universities, cultural institutions, and human services organizations makes it one of the deepest markets in the country for senior development leadership.
Which New York cities have the most chief development officer jobs?
New York, Brooklyn, and Buffalo have the most chief development officer openings in New York. New York City dominates due to its unmatched concentration of national nonprofits, Ivy League and research universities, and major hospital systems, while Albany draws from state government-adjacent organizations and advocacy groups, and Buffalo's growing healthcare and higher education sectors generate consistent openings outside the metro.
Are there remote chief development officer jobs in New York?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since relationship cultivation and donor stewardship often benefit from in-person presence. About 31% of chief development officer openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with the remote roles concentrated in organizations where donor portfolios are managed nationally rather than locally.
How can I get hired as a chief development officer in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a development coordinator or annual fund associate role at a New York nonprofit or university, where you build fundraising fundamentals before advancing. Large New York institutions such as Columbia University, Mount Sinai Health System, and the YMCA of Greater New York run structured development training programs for early-career professionals. Earning the CFRE credential and gaining experience with donor database platforms common in New York shops accelerates advancement toward the senior leadership level.
Where can I find and apply to chief development officer jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to chief development officer jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current New York openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and goals, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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