Vice President of Communications & Fundraising

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Executive Director
Location: Manhattan, NY 
Status & Hours: Full-time; occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support events, campaigns, and organizational priorities

Who We Are
Lantern Community Services supports New Yorkers impacted by homelessness by providing safe, supportive housing paired with wraparound services that promote long-term stability and independence. Lantern operates across multiple sites in New York City and was recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York.

Position Summary
The Vice President of Communications & Fundraising is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing Lantern’s external communications, brand management, and philanthropic strategy. This position works closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to strengthen organizational visibility, advance fundraising efforts, and support the long-term sustainability of Lantern’s mission. This is a hands-on role that balances strategic leadership with execution.

Essential Functions

Communications, Public Relations & Digital Strategy (Approximately 50%)

• Lead Lantern’s overall communications strategy across digital, print, social media, and press
• Oversee content development, messaging, storytelling, and brand alignment
• Serve as primary media contact and manage press relationships
• Oversee Lantern’s website, social media platforms, and performance analytics
• Collaborate with program and leadership teams to elevate impact stories and organizational visibility

Fundraising & Events (Approximately 50%)

• Lead the annual fundraising strategy and calendar, including individual giving, campaigns, and events
• Oversee donor engagement, cultivation, and stewardship
• Track fundraising performance, metrics, and reporting
• Support planning and execution of fundraising and donor engagement events
• Collaborate with leadership on institutional and grant-related fundraising efforts as needed

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and support communications and fundraising staff
• Partner closely with the CEO and senior leadership team on organizational priorities
• Work cross-functionally with program, operations, and finance teams
• Represent Lantern at donor meetings, community events, and external engagements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Six to ten years of progressive nonprofit experience in communications and/or fundraising
• Demonstrated leadership in communications strategy and fundraising initiatives
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in New York City nonprofit organizations
• Experience partnering with executive leadership and boards
• Familiarity with donor management systems and fundraising analytics

Work Environment: This position operates in an office setting, with regular visits to supportive housing and shelter sites with a population who may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illnesses.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs, and/ or kneel. Occasionally, the employee will have to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Note: 

Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Lantern Community Services (Lantern) values the diversity of all our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners. By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy, and just communities.