About KIND:

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country.

KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care, and other comprehensive services.

To address the root causes of child migration from Central America, and strengthen the protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit.

KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs.

Position Summary:

The Senior Director, Individual Giving and Events is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the individual giving program and annual gala, which represents $6.5 million in annual revenue for KIND as part of an overall $60 million operating budget. In partnership with the Chief Development Officer (CDO), this person will implement long and short-term fundraising strategies to expand our base of major individual donors, determine and meet annual giving goals, and oversee and staff our annual fundraising gala. They work closely with all members of the 18-person Development department and will supervise a team of seven staff.  They will serve on the Development Senior Leadership team alongside the Senior Director, Institutional Development. 

This is an exciting opportunity to work for an organization whose individual giving program is poised for significantly increased revenue in the coming years as KIND has experienced unprecedented growth and recognition. This position requires an individual who enjoys and is particularly skilled in interfacing with a high volume of donors, with the ambition to maximize the untapped opportunities, as well as attract new supporters aligned to the organization's work and mission. The ideal candidate is passionate about children’s rights and fixing an immigration system that does not protect the wellbeing of unaccompanied children.

Essential Functions:

Strategy Development

• Partner with Chief Development Officer and the Director of Major Gifts on the creation and implementation of annual and multi-year major gifts plan including pipeline development, annual engagement strategy, frontline messaging strategy, and portfolio development.

• Create and lead the expansion of philanthropy from individuals, particularly high net worth individuals and ultra-high net worth individuals.
• Help create and follow processes to maintain best fundraising and operational practices, utilizing clearly defined goals, objectives, and transparent methods.

Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor a team of seven staff encompassing major gifts, direct marketing, and fundraising events. Support a burgeoning portfolio of work within this cohort and ensure clear expectations around messaging, donor engagement, solicitation strategies, and fundraising priorities are understood and adhered to.

• Supervise four staff (Director, Major Gifts; Director, Events; Digital Fundraising and Engagement Manger; Development Coordinator) to meet annual goals centering organizational priorities and goals, with an emphasis on donor retention and growth.
• Establish expectations for a robust discovery program and support the team in the continuous execution of discovery churn.

Cross-team Collaboration

• Collaborate with colleagues to formulate strategies to promote prospect engagement, to identify prospective donors, and to build collateral materials to support frontline outreach work.

• Provide KIND’s program and senior leadership team members with effective strategies for approaching donors and prospects.
• Generate talking points and outreach materials for program and senior leadership team members and guide them through donor contact and follow up.
• Contribute to an organizational environment where teamwork, collaboration, passion for the mission, and dedication are expected and valued.

Portfolio Management

• Develop and enact cultivation and solicitation strategies for a targeted portfolio of prospects and donors with an affinity for KIND’s and capacity to make six- and seven-figure gifts.

• Build and manage a network of relationships with prospective donors involving KIND volunteer leaders and staff. Facilitate and coordinate all communication with these prospects and the prospects’ KIND relationships.
• Staff the Board Development Taskforce and other taskforces in support of successful fundraising activities that attract new individual donors and reach new revenue milestones.

Event Fundraising

• Oversee efforts to plan and implement development events to meet fundraising, donor acquisition, cultivation, stewardship, and engagement goals as determined in coordination with KIND leadership.

• Ensure the successful execution of the annual gala, including setting fundraising strategy and ensuring revenue goals are met. 
• Brief president, board, and staff on key donors and prospects in advance of annual gala event.
• Organize and assist in leading Board related special events, such as dinners, receptions, fundraisers, and trips.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree with a minimum of nine years’ progressive responsibility in fundraising; and a track record of building donor relations and closing major gifts.

• Proven track record in development for a large nonprofit, including success in attracting six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Experience in planning, leading, and managing development projects, including coordinating with peers to achieve desired outcomes, and tracking and reporting on progress.
• Strong capacity for strategic thinking and ability to integrate a high-level vision with a tactical execution and resourcing plan.
• Effectiveness in managing and coaching teams, building positive, results-oriented culture; and creating structure to support high-level performance of a diverse and growing team guided by principles of fairness and equity.
• Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to represent KIND to key donor audiences.
• Demonstrated skill at navigating complex organizations and effectively managing change.
• A track record in building and growing an overall fundraising program during times of change and uncertainty.
• Knowledge of donors in the New York area and in the immigration field desired.
• A team-oriented person with excellent judgment, maturity, creativity, flexibility, and a good sense of humor.
• Strong commitment to the mission and goals of KIND.
• Available to travel, work outside daytime business hours to manage events, and represent KIND at external events as and when required.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $150,000 depending on experience

KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.

Application Instructions:

Please be advised that an employment application will need to be submitted along with your resume and cover letter, in order to be considered for the desired role. (Acceptable to request writing sample for certain roles).

KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website: https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/.

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