Deputy Director (Development & Operations)

Deputy Director (Development & Operations)

About the Role 

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven leader to join our team as Deputy Director (Development & Operations). This role is designed for someone who thrives as a highly effective “number two”—a strong right hand to the Executive Director—driving fundraising growth and overseeing day-to-day operations.

With a part-time grant writer on the team, the Deputy Director will focus less on writing and more on relationship-based fundraising leadership, donor engagement, external communications, and strategic oversight, ensuring systems and operations are aligned with development success. 

Key Responsibilities 

Fundraising & Development Leadership  

• Partner closely with the Executive Director to design and execute fundraising strategies. 
• Support donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with individuals, foundations, and institutions. 
• Proactively prospect and source new revenue opportunities to expand the organization’s funding base. 
• Collaborate with the grant writer to ensure timely, high-quality proposals and reports. 
• Strengthen donor management systems and pipeline tracking to support growth. 
• Drive ambitious fundraising goals and deliver measurable year-over-year revenue growth and sustainability. 
• Turn strategy into action, ensuring fundraising efforts consistently produce results. 

External Communications  

• Serve as the primary contact for donor acknowledgements, ensuring all contributions are promptly and meaningfully recognized. 
• Co-develop and implement strategies to keep donors, funders, and partners engaged year-round through newsletters, updates, impact stories, social media, and other communication channels. 
• Ensure that external communications reflect the organization’s voice, values, and commitment to measurable impact. 
• Leverage communications as a tool to deepen donor loyalty and expand fundraising results. 

Operations Oversight 

• Directly supervise and collaborate with the Operations Manager, providing guidance, alignment, and strategic partnership. 
• Ensure operational systems (finance, compliance, reporting) actively support fundraising and organizational goals. 
• Step in and problem-solve, make higher-level decisions, and align operations with strategic development focused priorities. 
• Work in partnership with the Operations Manager to strengthen systems that consistently deliver reliable outcomes. 
• Champion the Operations Manager’s leadership while ensuring operations remain closely aligned with organizational growth. 

People & Culture Collaboration  

• Partner with the Executive Director to nurture an inclusive, supportive, and high-performance organizational culture. 
• Collaborate on staff development and equity-centered practices 
• Model a results-oriented culture where accountability is empowering and success is shared. 
• Support the ED in fostering collaboration and follow-through across the team. 

Requirements: 

• Fundraising Experience 
• Minimum seven years of experience in fundraising, with significant experience and demonstrated success in major donor, corporate philanthropy, and foundation fundraising. 
• Knowledge of the New York philanthropic community. 
• Leadership & Management 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and gain the respect of diverse constituencies, including board members, staff, affiliates, partners, donors, and prospects. 
• Experience successfully overseeing and supervising colleagues. 
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and ability to meet tight deadlines. 
• Ability and sound judgment to set and adhere to priorities. 
• Proactive, “roll up your sleeves” leadership style — actively seeks opportunities to grow and scale the organization. 

Technical & Systems Skills 

• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms. 
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfort working with databases. 
• Database and record-keeping proficiency, including donor database/CRM experience. 
• Communications & Interpersonal Skills 
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills. 
• Passionate, energetic, and perceptive, with exceptional proficiency in creative, strategic, and analytical thinking as well as practical problem-solving. 
• Sound judgment in maintaining the confidentiality of donor information. 

Mission Alignment & Values 

• Demonstrated commitment to expanding opportunities for children and families through the arts. 
• Firm commitment to the mission and principles of YANY. 
• A commitment to fostering an environment that values everyone and ensures equal opportunity and respect for all people, without regard to race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, or socioeconomic background. 

Compensation & Benefits 

• Salary: $110,000 – $125,000 commensurate with experience. YANY offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), generous paid time off, hybrid work environment, and 403B plan participation. 

Why This Role is Exciting 

This role is ideal for a leader who wants to make a measurable impact by driving fundraising growth, strengthening donor engagement, and ensuring the organization has strong systems to support that success. As Deputy Director, you will serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director, manage external communications, and collaborate with a talented Operations Manager. 

You will play a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. This is an opportunity for a results-oriented professional who excels at both relationship-building and operational leadership, and who is eager to help shape the next phase of organizational growth. 

To apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume to employment@yany.org for consideration and indicate the position title in the subject line. Applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. Deadline to apply: September 18, 2025. 

YANY provides equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Disclaimer: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position. 

About Young Audiences New York 

We believe art can be a catalyst to create equity and opportunity for New York City’s youth, their families, and communities. Founded in 1952, YANY continues to act as explorer and trailblazer in the field of arts education. Our innovative programming expands from inside the classroom out into the surrounding neighborhood, integrating artmaking with youth development and community engagement. Through the process of creating and sharing art, children build important life skills, grow social networks, and affirm their belief in a positive future.