Assistant Director for Development & Communications (Full-Time)

Overview of the
Organization: 

Chhaya is the only South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Community
Development Corporation (CDC) in the nation. We are dedicated to
building strong, equitable and thriving South Asian and
Indo-Caribbean neighborhoods in New York City guided by a
commitment to community empowerment and self-determination. We
achieve our vision by advancing housing, small business, and
economic stability and justice for our communities. Since our
founding in 2000, Chhaya has helped prevent hundreds of
foreclosures; assisted first-time homebuyers in 

obtaining thousands of dollars in down-payment assistance, led
the basement legalization campaign in New York City, provided
individuals with key immigration services, empowered families with
financial management tools and skills, and fostered the civic
engagement of thousands of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean New
Yorkers. As a leader in New York City’s housing and economic
justice sector, Chhaya is poised for significant organizational
growth and development. Our main office is in Jackson Heights and
we have a second location in Richmond Hill – two neighborhoods in
Queens with vibrant South Asian and Indo-Caribbean
communities. 

Summary of the
Position: 

Chhaya seeks a passionate, bold and ambitious fundraising
professional to help grow the organization’s portfolio of funders
and supporters, while sustaining and strengthening existing funding
relationships. The Assistant Director for Development &
Communications works closely with the development and leadership
teams to manage and support comprehensive fundraising projects,
events and other aspects of development operations. A competitive
candidate is a highly organized, energetic, and creative individual
who is passionate about furthering Chhaya’s mission and thrives in
a fast-paced and collaborative team. This position will report to
the Executive Director. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Institutional Fundraising & Grants
Management 

Manage all institutional fundraising from governmental entities,
foundations and corporations. Lead the creation and implementation
of annual fundraising plans that align with the 2023-9 Strategic
Plan and work alongside the Executive Director to raise a $4 MM
budget. 

• Building on fundraising history and existing relationships,
  develop detailed high probability prospect lists that would ensure
  Chhaya reaches its annual fundraising goal.
• Conduct prospect research, identifying and generating new
  funding opportunities, including compiling profiles, financial and
  organizational data on prospective funders
• Working closely with the finance team, support budgeting and
  financial management by providing real time and accurate
  fundraising status.
• Ensure Chhaya maximizes funding opportunities by tracking
  deadlines, supporting program ideation and shepherding grant
  writing process to completion.
• Shepherd grant reporting by managing deadlines and making these
  transparent to program staff.
• Cultivate and manage Chhaya’s relationship with Program
  Officers and other key funding staff, engaging Chhaya’s leadership
  and other key staff.
• Organize and maintain up-to-date records on pledges, grant
  notifications and agreements in shared folders, and coordinate with
  finance team to track incoming funds

Individual Donor
Fundraising 

In collaboration with the team, develop and lead the
implementation of an individual donor fundraising plan that aligns
with organizational strategic goals. 

• Develop a cultivation strategy that capitalizes on networks and
  relationships tied to Chhaya, staff and organizational
  leadership.
• Lead prospect research and develop a pipeline, highlighting new
  opportunities for leadership and board.
• Develop and execute donor appeals, campaigns, and other special
  fundraising initiatives, working collaboratively with colleagues
  and organizational leadership.
• Lead planning and execution of fundraising and cultivation
  events
• Work with the Board of Directors to harness their support,
  ensuring they are equipped with the necessary materials and
  information to meet their fundraising obligation. 
• Manage individual donor lists, donor inquiries, stewardship and
  general correspondence, tracking gift receipts and processing
  acknowledgements,
• Maintain updated donor database and provide regular reports and
  updates on individual fundraising progress

Communications 

• Work with the team to develop an annual communications plan
  that promotes programmatic, fundraising and branding
  goals. 
• Oversee the implementation of the communications plan,
  including ideation for policy reports, blogs, and
  op-eds. 
• Follow trends in the industry and relevant social issues to
  ensure fundraising and communications are strategic and
  opportunistic. 

Supervision 

This position will oversee three individuals: Development &
Communications Associate, part-time grant writer and a
fundraising/communications consultant. 

Other
Responsibilities 

• Coordinate project planning and communication with other
  departments
• Participate in and administer various meetings, including Board
  fundraising committee coordination
• Support preparation of materials for board reports on a
  quarterly basis, and provide/present updates to Chhaya’s Board of
  Directors, as needed
• Other responsibilities, as needed

As a member of the Chhaya staff, additional responsibilities may
be added related to special events, critical initiatives, and other
special cases that require full staff participation (some evenings
and weekends). Additionally, as a Chhaya team-member, every
employee is expected to help further the organization’s mission by
building a work-culture centered around accountability, team-work,
inclusion, and fun. 

Qualifications: 

• A minimum of five years of fundraising experience in successful
  fundraising, ideally working within a fundraising role or in a
  non-profit setting with an understanding of development/fundraising
  strategies.
• Exceptional writing and organizational skills
• Strong track record in relationships management– outstanding
  people skills with the ability to connect with individuals from
  diverse backgrounds (socio-economic and cultural). 
• Demonstrated experience using MS Excel, Google Workspaces, and
  Salesforce
• Ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-driven
  environment
• A self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and willingness
  to wear “multiple hats” if and when needed
• Familiarity with South Asian & Indo-Caribbean communities
  in New York is desirable
• Strong personal commitment and passion for Housing, Economic,
  and Social Justice
• Sense of humor – a plus

Salary: $80,000–$100,000, depending on
experience. 

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume,
two references, and a brief writing sample to [email protected]
with the subject line “Assistant Director for Development and
Communications – Application”. 

Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2024. Only
applicants under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls
please. 

Chhaya CDC is an equal opportunity organization that
celebrates and embraces diversity. Chhaya does not
discriminate on the basis of caste, race, religion, color, sex,
gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or any other
identities covered by appropriate law. All employment is
decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and
organizational need. 

Chhaya CDC is an equal opportunity organization that
celebrates and embraces diversity. Chhaya does not
discriminate on the basis of caste, race, religion, color, sex,
gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or any other
identities covered by appropriate law. All employment is
decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and
organizational need.