Chief Development Officer (New York)

ABOUT NYPR

New York Public Radio is the iconic center of excellence for audio and multiplatform journalism, music, arts and culture, and civic dialogue. NYPR’s mission-driven team produces innovative, critically acclaimed public service and programming for local and national broadcast, streaming and live audiences. The WNYC/Gothamist newsroom produces award-winning local journalism for New York City, New Jersey, and the surrounding region. WQXR , the city’s only all classical radio station, broadcasts new and archival classical recordings and makes live performances from New York City’s esteemed performance venues available to all. WNYC Studios is a premier producer of on-demand and national broadcast audio, and home to some of the industry’s most impactful award‑winning podcasts and national radio shows, including Radiolab, On the Media, and The New Yorker Radio Hour. The Jerome L. Greene Space is NYPR’s broadcast studio and live event space.

Further information about programs, podcasts, and stations may be found at nypublicradio.org.

NYPR KEY VALUES

• Listen deeply and embrace all voices.
• Push the boundaries of what is possible.
• Explain the why.
• Embrace equity.
• Build trust through positive collaboration.
• Be accountable, expect excellence, and celebrate.

THE OPPORTUNITY

NYPR is seeking an exceptional, results-oriented Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead and expand NYPR’s fundraising activities into support of the organization’s mission-driven, award‑winning programming, digital priorities and long-term strategic objectives. This is a unique opportunity to work in partnership with the CEO and other key stakeholders to explore untapped potential building upon existing development and membership programs to elevate the culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

The CDO’s primary aspiration is to create and execute an ambitious and innovative plan to increase philanthropic support from all sources, with a particular focus on building a sustainable, robust major, principal and transformative gifts program from individual and institutional donors. The CDO will also provide leadership to drive growth of the membership revenue program, tapping into new approaches and maximizing digital resources and opportunities.

The successful individual in this role will be the leader of a broad set of integrated functions that will require strong alignment and collaboration to achieve results. As a result, the CDO will be responsible for providing vision and leading teams that develop, implement, and measure strategies across revenue generation, in alignment with content, marketing, media and public relations, digital product, and audience intelligence and development.

The CDO will be a dynamic and accomplished individual with excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across the organization and with the Board of Trustees to produce superior results. They will be a proven leader with strategic thinking abilities, strong management skills, demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, a collaborative approach, and the personal energy, enthusiasm, courage, agility, and drive to motivate others and to mentor and rally a team to achieve exceptional results. In addition, this executive is a key leader in helping to build a people-centered culture that is diverse and inclusive.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The CDO is a contributing member of the senior leadership team who will report to the President & CEO, and work closely with the Board of Trustees. Reporting to the CDO is a development team of 30+ through four direct reports.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Develop innovative strategies to significantly increase philanthropic giving.
• Lead the team to increase annual operating revenue from all philanthropic sources.
• Serve as a frontline cultivator and solicitor, managing a significant portfolio of major and principal level prospects.
• Cultivate and steward donors; make significant requests for support from major donors, board members, foundations, and corporations.
• Effectively manage and organize the department’s day‑to‑day operations and budgets.
• Streamline processes and procedures.
• Leverage technology and data analytics to assess progress against plans, monitor expenses and cost‑per‑dollar raised, and ensure the security of all donor records.

Trustee Relations

• Foster higher level of board engagement to support the organization’s fundraising.
• Build a strong partnership with trustees and leverage and support the board to help advance NYPR’s fundraising activities.

Team Leadership

• Lead, inspire, and support the development team to drive excellence and ensure the function is well‑prepared to meet the ongoing challenges of a public, mission‑driven institution.
• Nurture and mentor team members and provide opportunities for meaningful work, skills enhancement, and career development.
• Foster an environment of cohesiveness, caring, and collaboration with colleagues across all NYPR departments.
• Serve as a collegial and participatory member of the organization’s senior leadership team.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• A significant history of progressively responsible professional experience in advancement/development with sound experience and proven results securing major and principal gift level philanthropy in New York and beyond.
• Experience in a media organization or cultural institution is a plus.
• Experience leading the entire range of development strategies and tactics, including capital, endowment and other campaigns, major and planned giving, foundation and corporate fundraising, event planning, prospect research, and stewardship.
• A change agent and builder committed to best practices in the field.
• A demonstrated track record of working effectively with trustees, building strong relationships, inspiring them to action on behalf of the organization, and engaging them as fundraisers and donors on behalf of the organization.
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model.
• Proven ability to build cohesive, high‑performing staff and work teams and to develop the skills and nurture the growth of staff members.
• Ability to partner effectively with the President & CEO, senior team, trustees, staff, and donors and provide motivation at all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of the Greater New York and national philanthropic communities.
• Understanding of applicable regulations and laws related to fundraising.
• Experience managing the life cycle of complex development budgets and grants.

Personal Abilities

• A deep appreciation and passion for the mission and aspirations of NYPR.
• An adept influencer who uses the power of collaboration to make sound decisions and achieve positive results.
• Technologically savvy and comfortable in the digital space.
• An impeccable reputation for integrity and ethics.
• Polished written communication and public speaking skills.
• An effective and strategic communicator who is open, visible, and approachable.
• High energy, entrepreneurial drive, creativity, flexibility, and mission‑orientation.
• An agile learner—able to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and to respond effectively to new and changing circumstances.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required, graduate degree preferred.

COMPENSATION

The compensation range for the Chief Development Officer is $300,000-$350,000 commensurate with experience and accomplishments plus an attractive benefits package. This role operates in a hybrid capacity, and the CDO will be expected to work from the NYC office four days a week.

CONTACT

New York Public Radio has engaged the executive search firm of Howe‑Lewis International to assist with the process. Nominations and expressions of interest will be held in confidence and may be emailed to Kirk McDonald at View email address on apply.placed-app.com‑lewis.com.

To apply, please click here or visit howe‑lewis.com and click on the “Assignments” tab on the top menu. All expressions of interest will be held in confidence.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

New York Public Radio is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We continuously strive to place our employees at the center of our thinking and elevate inclusive practices to develop and support a more engaged and productive workforce. Our journalism and operations in the service of that journalism benefit from a broad range of perspectives, from all backgrounds, at all levels of the organization. Diversity is essential to honest, authentic, accurate storytelling and reportage; creating an institution in which all voices are encouraged, valued, and heard.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

New York Public Radio is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving the goal of equal employment opportunity for all. Applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for positions without regard to mental or physical disability, race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship status, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, employment status or any protected federal, state, or local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.