ANSWER THE CALL OVERVIEW

The N.Y. Police and Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund, also known as Answer the Call, was founded in 1985 by legendary NY Met, Daniel "Rusty" Staub. Answer the Call is the only nonprofit organization that provides both immediate and ongoing financial assistance to the families of NYPD, FDNY, and PAPD heroes killed in the line of duty. Since its inception, Answer the Call has provided over $175 million directly to the families of NYC fallen heroes and has hosted countless events to give these families an opportunity to come together to cope and connect. In 2024 alone, Answer the Call will help more than 500 families and distribute over $5.2 million through immediate and ongoing financial assistance.

Answer the Call is led by a small staff of five dynamic professionals who are committed to the organization's mission. The staff is supported by an actively engaged Board, whose members are leading professionals in their fields, and an energetic Associate Committee. In addition, the staff is aided by a large group of dedicated volunteers - both individual and corporate. Answer the Call is proud to have the support of the NYC business, philanthropic, and first responder communities.

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW

Answer the Call currently raises close to $5 million annually primarily through special events and is looking to greatly expand upon its fundraising as every dollar raised increases the impact and assistance it can provide to families of fallen heroes.

The Director of Philanthropy will develop, drive, and implement an ambitious and robust fundraising program to enhance and expand beyond the current successful events focus. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Philanthropy will enthusiastically grow Answer the Call’s fundraising base and overall dollars raised by infiltrating new markets in New York City, particularly for high net worth individuals and corporations. The successful candidate will also partner closely with the Board of Directors and staff as part of a highly collaborative and engaged organization.

Below is a list of key responsibilities but it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the Director of Philanthropy. Key responsibilities include:

Strategy and Growth:

• Conceptualize, create, and execute a dynamic and comprehensive fundraising plan that significantly grows annual fundraising dollars.
• Personally prospect and qualify new target donor segments and individuals to expand upon the current donor markets with a focus on untapped high net worth individuals and corporations.
• Establish a moves management system for new donors and where possible, craft and employ integrated strategies to increase giving levels, numbers of gifts, and multi-year commitments.
• Activate strategies and build any infrastructure needed in multiple areas such as major gifts, corporate giving, annual giving, planned giving, digital fundraising and private foundations.
• Collaborate with the senior team on special events to continue the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of potential and current donors.

Donor Outreach:

• Develop and drive outreach plans for new donor markets and targets including cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding new donors, proactively leveraging the Board of Directors and Executive Director. 
• Plan, manage, and follow-up on frequent meetings in-person with potential donors in New York City and other areas.
• Regularly track and report on fundraising plans and metrics to the Executive Director and, when appropriate, to the Board.

Other:

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Board Chair, Board President, and Executive Director.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE OVERVIEW

Answer the Call is results-driven, collaborative, mission-focused, and professional with a deep connection to the families of the NYPD, FDNY, and PAPD. They are seeking a powerhouse development professional who is eager to jump in, get started, and develop and execute on new areas of fundraising to further support the mission.  

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in progressively responsible development leadership positions, with demonstrated success in multiple aspects of fundraising including individual and corporate giving.
• Particular strength in prospect research and leveraging relationships, special events, and software programs to develop a substantial donor prospect pipeline.
• Successful history of identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding new donors through a moves management process including personally making the ask.
• Proven ability to build strong and effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders in the community, at corporations, and within the organization.
• Track record of developing and implementing new fundraising programs with a metrics-focus and sense of urgency.
• Understanding of and lived experience in New York City and with its fundraising community; excitement around attending in-person meetings in New York City and other areas.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

Attributes:

• A driving force in and incredible enthusiasm for fundraising in new markets.
• Creative, ambitious, and tenacious in finding untapped areas of opportunity, following up, and closing the deal.
• Ability to analyze issues, identify priorities, manage projects, stay on top of tasks, and make thoughtful decisions with minimal direction.
• Superior attention to detail, highly organized, and a capable multitasker who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented work environment.
• Independent while also highly collaborative and a team player willing to pitch in on all things big and small when needed.
• Professional presentation with excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Deep commitment to Answer the Call’s mission of supporting the families of fallen NYC heroes.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Salary and Benefits:

Answer the Call provides a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, vision, a 401K plan including match, and more. The range for this position is anticipated to be between $170,000 and $200,000 and will be dependent on experience and skills.

Location:

This role is located in New York City in downtown Manhattan. This position has the option to be full-time in the office or to work on a hybrid model, coming into the office approximately 3 days a week. Frequent in-person meetings with potential donors are required. 

EEO Statement:

Answer the Call is an Equal Opportunity Employer who encourages all candidates to apply. We recognize and value the contributions that individuals with a diversity of backgrounds and experience will bring to our organization to help us better fulfill our mission.