Vice President for Development

Location

57 Willoughby St.

Overview

Housing Works is the nation’s largest minority-controlled AIDS service organization and the largest provider of housing, health care and job training to homeless people with AIDS. The agency’s innovative approach to housing and service coupled with its successful advocacy on behalf of its constituency is the nation’s model for attacking the dual crises of AIDS and homelessness. Founded in 1990 as an outgrowth of the AIDS coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), Housing Works has a 2008 operating budget of $45 million and a staff of over 400 supplemented by 250 volunteers. Governed by a 21-person Board of Directors, which includes client, staff and volunteer representative, Housing Works is the agency of last resort for many, providing housing and supportive services to New Yorkers traditionally deemed “hardest to serve.” After a decade of successful growth, Housing Works remains committed to its activist origin as a passionate advocate for its clients. This philosophy and an ongoing commitment to assertive activism on behalf of its clients are principles which guide the organization and its dedicated professional staff.

Responsibilities

The Vice President for Development and Government Relations position reports to the President and CEO. Supervises the Director of Giving, Development Associate and volunteer staff. PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS Seek a seasoned development professional to direct all aspects of the agency's fundraising, strategic planning efforts, including foundation and corporate giving; government funding; individual and major giving; direct mail and special events such as the annual meeting and annual advocacy fundraiser. Primary duties include preparing proposals, reports, and renewal requests for private and public support; maintaining and cultivating relationships with private/public funders; researching prospective funding opportunities; soliciting major gifts; coordinating special events; promoting the agency’s programs and advocacy efforts through press and community/government relations, and supervising staff, volunteers and consultants. Provides support for all departmental functions, including: maintaining a Raiser's Edge donor and communications database; assisting with program and business-related special events and special projects; working with vendors and internal departments on materials production and dissemination; participating in the development of promotional materials, developing the annual report and other fundraising communication efforts; coordinating the donor acknowledgement process, researching funding sources; producing mailing lists, donor reports; creating and maintaining tracking systems; and overseeing development and implementation of the agency’s strategic plan. Experience working in the field of HIV and AIDS and underserved demographic groups such as the homeless or migrant population is strongly preferred. An understanding of the public health aspects of homelessness and poverty, including mental health issues and harm reduction is essential for success. Beyond professional credentials, the successful candidate must be fully supportive of and committed to the agency’s activist culture. The successful candidate must possess a Masters degree and a minimum of 5 years senior level planning and development experience that includes proven fundraising abilities in government, corporate and individual giving. In addition, candidate must possess demonstrated success in implementing effective strategic planning and fundraising; excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills and current knowledge of foundations, corporations, and government funding agencies (particularly state and federal) that support AIDS services, homeless service, advocacy, housing development and/or community economic development projects. Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge, MS Word and Excel and strong planning, organizational, research and budgeting skills also necessary.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will, be a dedicated professional with a passion for excellence and commitment to providing quality health care to the most underserved members of our society. This activist orientation is critical for success. A strong work ethic coupled with good organization development skills and a team-oriented approach to management is required. This individual must be highly competent and effective at promoting group harmony and mutual respect among individuals of every race, ethnic background, gender, age and sexual orientation. Good interpersonal skill, including a warm and caring persona style and a sense of humor are essential for success. COMPENSATION Highly competitive compensation package plus a comprehensive benefits plan. Opportunity to set the national standard of excellence of planning and development to attack the dual crises of AIDS and homelessness. Successful performance may lead to increases in compensation and responsibly. Moreover, the successful candidate will have the personal satisfaction of contributing to a public health effort of profound humanitarian importance.

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