THE MISSION AND BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1969, The Hastings Center is the oldest independent, interdisciplinary research institute of its kind in the world. We are the world’s leading voice concerning fundamental ethical and social issues in health care, science, and technology. We work to ensure the wise use of emerging technologies and to secure just and compassionate care for people across the lifespan.

With a fundraising function in New York City, The Hastings Center itself is headquartered in a beautiful Hudson River campus in Garrison, New York.  We seek a world-class, experienced candidate prepared to work in New York City and the Hudson Valley. Relocation to Garrison is not a requirement.

The Hastings Center holds Charity Navigator’s highest rating. We have just completed a professional feasibility and planning study to guide our 50^th anniversary campaign.  At this important juncture in our history, we aim to expand our capacity to meet today’s urgent science and health policy needs.  In doing so, we seek a transformative development leader, who will expand our annual fund, launch a major giving campaign, and build a planned giving program.

The Hastings Center consists of onsite staff scholars, more than 200 Hastings fellows from around the world, guest researchers who participate in our many projects, and an extended community of those who write for, and read, our two journals. We bring leaders together to address highly contentious issues, purposefully inviting people with diverse, often opposing, views. Our skilled staff builds trust and promotes respectful dialogue among diverse scholars, policymakers and practitioners. Our work has earned The Hastings Center a global reputation as a nonpartisan, honest broker—a virtue especially needed in this time of great polarization.

DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION:

In partnership with the President, the Chief Development Officer will be responsible for all fundraising and development activities at The Hastings Center. With the help of our energetic Board of Directors and senior staff, the successful candidate will forge new relationships and expand our visibility, impact, and financial resources.  He or she will have responsibility for establishing and implementing the infrastructure needed to grow our annual budget through the solicitation of major gifts, acquisition of corporate and foundation support, and by planning special events.  We seek a dynamic, organized individual with presentation talent, marketing savvy, and broad-based development exposure. This individual must be committed to building a high-profile program that does not fit within the usual category of nonprofit organizations. S/he will understand our mission and the sweep of our vision, and will fit well within our culture of driven, organized, collegial, and dedicated professionals. This is an exciting, high-access, frontline opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser with excellent organization, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Actively work with the President and senior staff to create and implement a comprehensive development strategy and plan, to include foundation grants, annual campaigns, events to promote The Hastings Center to multiple audiences, etc.
• Develop a three-year plan for the growth of our development functions, including milestones that fit with our ambitions and resources.
• Lead and mentor the development team that executes and supports all aspects of fundraising.
• Work with our Board, volunteers, and our vibrant Advisory Council to identify, cultivate, qualify, and solicit major gift prospects and provide stewardship in recognition of their philanthropy.
• Create and effectively steward relationships with current and potential individual donors, corporations, and foundations; monitor individual giving through direct mail, planned giving, and cultivation of major gifts.
• Build and manage a portfolio of new and existing relationships with donors and other revenue-based partners.
• Identify new strategies and tools to further develop our relationships with donors.
• Support and partner with the Board of Directors on fundraising initiatives, and support Board members and advisers as they take on more active fundraising.
• Collaborate with Operations to develop and implement cost-effective fundraising strategies; oversee, analyze, and report on the development budget.
• Maintain proper systems for tracking and acknowledging donor information.
• Oversee research to help position The Hastings Center ahead of major funding changes or trends.
• Work to increase and enhance our communications efforts and increase online fundraising capacity.
• Continuously provide statistical analysis on giving trends.
• Inspire the respect and confidence of stakeholders, corporate executives, foundation executives, and our Board.

 SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A. or higher.
• Minimum of five (5) years of nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated success in bringing considerable growth to a midsize organization.
• Ability to be a creative and resourceful problem-solver who can deal with some level of ambiguity and strive to build consensus and execute on strategy.
• Strong knowledge of principles, ethics, and best practices of successful fundraising or marketing.
• Ability to think strategically and capitalize on opportunities.
• Knowledge of the nonprofit sector, specifically the role of boards and relevant committees.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Proven ability to solicit and close gifts.
• Demonstrated success in major giving, and in growing fundraising programs and exceeding goals.
• Effective writing skills, especially to varied audiences (external solicitations, personal correspondence, etc.).
• Ability to lead and manage day-to-day department operations.
• Strong computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and Raiser’s Edge (or similar donor software).
• Thorough understanding of all components of a diversified funding base.
• Extremely organized with superb attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including flexibility, sense of humor, and ability to communicate professionally and diplomatically with a wide variety of constituencies.

COMPENSATION:

Salary is commensurate with experience and skills. The Hastings Center is committed to a competitive salary and benefits plan that provides opportunities for professional development and supports work-life balance.

If you wish to be considered for the position, please send a resume and cover letter, including salary requirements, to jobs@thehastingscenter.org.

The Hastings Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.