Vice President for Major Giving and Philanthropic Initiatives

Reports to: Senior Vice President for Philanthropy

Department: Philanthropy

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

About the Central Park Conservancy

Central Park is one of the world's most famous and beloved urban public spaces. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1858, the 843-acre Park was the country's first purpose-built public park and is a National Historic Landmark and a New York Scenic Landmark. The Central Park Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1980 to rescue the Park which had fallen into serious disrepair. Since then, the Conservancy has overseen the investment of close to $2 billion in the restoration and management of the Park which now hosts over 40 million visitors a year.

The Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary from urban life. The City of New York has formally entrusted the care of the Park to the Conservancy which is responsible for every aspect of its care, including landscape maintenance, capital improvements, and the visitor experience. The Conservancy employs roughly 400 people and has an annual operating budget of $120 million.

Position Summary

The Vice President for Major Giving & Philanthropic Initiatives is a leadership role and key frontline fundraising position in one of the most consequential departments in the organization. This role will focus on driving revenue growth for the Conservancy's annual giving programs as well as its longer-term capital and endowment campaigns. The role will be responsible for continuously growing and diversifying the organization’s supporter base and developing and implementing new donor-centered strategies. The Vice President will also be a key leader on several strategic initiatives, driving growth through the Perimeter Initiative, an effort to galvanize increased participation from residents who reside in buildings on the Park’s perimeter, representing both a pressing need and a huge opportunity. The role will also help expand planned giving efforts across all major giving levels. This position requires a strategic leader with a proven track record of securing major gifts and cultivating high level donor relationships; they will also oversee the individual and major giving team.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance regarding the vision and growth strategy for the Conservancy’s Major Giving Program, advancing the Park’s strategic plan and supporting ongoing financial security.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 120 major donors and prospects, with a focus on securing leadership gifts at the 6-, 7- and 8-figure levels and conducting one-on-one meetings with donor prospects.
• Work closely and productively with the CEO and the SVP for Philanthropy on high-level long and short term donor strategies.

• In partnership with the SVP for Philanthropy, the Senior Director for Institutional Relations and the Senior Director of Philanthropy Operations, strategize and manage the fundraising approach for a new perimeter initiative.
• Play a key, strategic role in securing endowments as we embark on new and upcoming fundraising campaigns.
• Help galvanize and expand the Conservancy’s planned giving efforts and ambitions among the base of leadership supporters.
• Leverage a strong network of contacts and donor relationships within the New York City philanthropic sector to advance fundraising goals.
• Play a key role in expanding the successful FOR ALL Campaign by securing major gifts and helping lead the public phase of the campaign.
• Represent the Conservancy at events, meetings, and conferences to engage with donors and promote fundraising initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the Conservancy's Senior Leadership Team and the Philanthropy Team's senior team, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.
• Provide oversight and strategic direction to a team of 5.

Qualifications

• Proven fundraising success at the 6-, 7- and 8-figure levels, with experience securing major gifts from high net‑worth individuals.
• Strong understanding of the New York philanthropic sector, including knowledge of key donors, foundations and influencers.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex fundraising initiatives and meet ambitious revenue goals.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, written and leadership skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 + years of experience in fundraising or a related field, with a focus on individual and major giving and strategic partnerships and initiatives.
• Track record of successfully managing donor relationships and closing major gifts.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive and engaged leader with the ability to guide, motivate and inspire a team of fundraising professionals.
• Affinity for Central Park Conservancy and urban parks, with a passion for preserving and enhancing green spaces in urban environments.

Salary range

$250K‑$275K (based on level of experience)

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

The Central Park Conservancy’s work is guided by the belief that Central Park, and all public parks, must be managed and actively protected as an inclusive and democratic space for all.

Working closely with our New York City partners, we will always strive towards creating and sustaining a sense of belonging for all visitors and advocating for equitable and accessible public use of the Park.

In service of this belief, we are committed to fostering a workforce and organizational culture that is as diverse as Central Park itself and the dynamic city it serves.