Director for Development and Communications
Chhaya is the nation’s first and only Community Development Corporation (CDC) dedicated to
serving South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. Founded in 2000, our mission is to build
equitable and thriving neighborhoods by fostering the self-determination, housing stability, and
economic well-being of South Asian and Indo- Caribbean communities across New York City.
For over two decades, Chhaya has successfully prevented hundreds of foreclosures and
eviction cases, assisted first-time homebuyers in obtaining thousands of dollars in
down-payment assistance, and spearheaded the groundbreaking basement legalization
campaign in New York City. We have helped immigrant small-business owners build their
long-term resilience, empowered families with financial management tools and immigration
services, 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 has
experienced remarkable growth through direct services, advocacy, and organizing, amplifying
our impact and continuing to champion the needs of our communities.
Chhaya CDC seeks a dynamic, driven, and accomplished fundraising professional to join its
senior management team, serving as the organization’s Director for Development and
Communications. Working closely with Chhaya’s Executive Director, Board of Directors, and
senior management team, the Director for Development and Communications will lead
Chhaya’s fundraising efforts to both sustain and strengthen existing programs and facilitate the
organization’s growth trajectory. The new Director for Development and Communications will
have the opportunity to join the organization at an exciting time in its history as it
prepares to build the first multi-service South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community center in
New York City.
A successful Director for Development and Communications will have the ability to think big, yet
execute with finesse, will be strategic, creative, and data-driven in their decisions while
maintaining keen attention to detail. The ideal person for this role will have a proven track record
in both institutional and individual donor cultivation and outstanding relationship-building skills.
They will spearhead Chhaya's efforts to expand the organization’s network of supporters,
deepen relationships with existing donors, and cultivate new avenues for funding
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director for Development and Communications is responsible for working with the
Executive Director and members of the Leadership and Development teams to design and
execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that sustains existing programs and supports the
growth of the organization. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director for Development
and Communications oversees all aspects of fundraising, including government grants,
corporate and foundation support, fundraising events, and individual donor cultivation. The
position will be hybrid, working from Chhaya’s Jackson Heights office.
Fundraising
- Lead the creation and execution of an annual fundraising plan that aligns with the
organization’s Strategic Plan and prioritizes a sustainable operating budget, in addition
to special projects such as the current development of a Chhaya community center.
- Support the Manager of Development and Communications to track all donors/funders
interactions, plan touchpoints, and grow the individual donor base.
- Lead the planning and execution of fundraising 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
obligations, including their annual give/get.
- Supervise and support the Manager of Development and Communications and
consulting grantwriter.
- Oversee the visioning, planning, and execution of fundraising and cultivation activities,
including the annual gala.
Communications
- Lead the development and execution of an organizational brand strategy and visibility
campaign, ensuring that Chhaya’s brand and narrative support programmatic goals.
- Oversee all organizational communications, including annual reports, newsletters, social
media posts, promotional materials, and the website.
- Supervise and support the Communications Associate, helping them develop and
execute a communications workplan and outreach strategy.
- Maintain substantive knowledge on community development and follow industry trends
in order to proactively meet Chhaya’s annual fundraising and communications goals.
Strategic Leadership
- Serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, participating in
organization-wide strategy, including budgeting, communications, and program
development.
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). Further, as a senior director within the organization, the Development
Director is expected to lead by example and help build a culture of ownership, accountability,
fairness, inclusiveness, and fun.
Core Competencies:
- To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage priorities independently
and drive tasks to completion.
- Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex
information into clear, accessible communication for diverse audiences.
- Experience developing budgets, identifying growth opportunities, and implementing
strategic financial planning initiatives.
- Proficient in using CRM and donor management platforms, such as Salesforce, to
manage data, track engagement, and support fundraising initiatives.
- Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while providing
timely, clear, and consistent updates to supervisors and stakeholders.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills, with a creative, open-minded, and adaptable
approach to challenges.
- Demonstrates sound judgment, strong ethical standards, and a high level of reliability,
integrity, and professionalism.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate respectfully in diverse and
inclusive environments.
- Familiarity with the New York City funding landscape, including government agencies,
private foundations, and corporate donors.
- Deep commitment to social justice, with a strong understanding of and connection to the
needs and challenges facing low-income New Yorkers.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising and leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, build trust, design and execute comprehensive fundraising processes and procedures.
- Demonstrated success developing individual donor programs (i.e. monthly sustainers, young professionals’ groups, major donors).
- Experience in event planning with precision.
Salary: $125,000 - $150,000
How to Apply:
Send a CV and cover letter, along with a writing sample and two references to
careers@chhayacdc.org with the email subject line: “Development Director Application - [FIRST
NAME] [LAST NAME]”
Chhaya CDC is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity. Chhaya does not
discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or
any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of
qualifications, merit, and organizational need.
