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Chief Development Officer

( New York | On-site )

Job Description

Chief Development Officer

About Madison Square Park Conservancy

Madison Square Park Conservancy (MSPC) is the nonprofit entrusted by the City of New York to operate Madison Square Park, a 6.2-acre green space in Manhattan. The Conservancy raises 100% of the park’s operating budget and is committed to maintaining the park’s historic beauty and programming it as a vibrant, welcoming space for all.

A public gathering place since 1686, Madison Square Park is home to gardens, public art, family play areas, and wildlife. Serving 60,000 daily visitors, the park is both a beloved neighborhood amenity and an international destination.

To learn more about MSPC, please visit madisonsquarepark.org.

About the Position:

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will oversee all fundraising efforts at MSPC—including major gifts, institutional giving, annual appeals, special events, and membership—and will lead the strategic growth of a $4M annual revenue stream. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving on the leadership team, the CDO will partner closely with senior staff and the Board of Trustees to grow and diversify philanthropic support.

The CDO will lead a high-performing development team and ensure fundraising operations are efficient, data-informed, and aligned with MSPC’s mission. This role may also support a future capital campaign.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Lead all fundraising efforts, including major and institutional gifts, annual giving, and events
• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy and annual development plans
• Partner with leadership to increase revenue to $5M+ in coming years

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Cultivate and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors
• Oversee donor communications, engagement strategies, and cultivation events
• Manage the annual benefit and other fundraising events in collaboration with consultants

Leadership & Management

• Build, mentor, and manage a high-functioning development team
• Oversee donor systems, reporting, and internal fundraising operations
• Lead departmental budgeting and financial tracking

Key Qualifications:

• 7+ years in development with proven fundraising results; 3+ years managing staff
• Experience securing 5- and 6-figure gifts from individuals, corporations, or foundations
• Excellent interpersonal, strategic, and communication skills
• Strong leadership and team-building ability
• Familiarity with donor databases and fundraising analytics
• Passion for public spaces, arts, or environmental work a plus

Compensation, Benefits, and Schedule

Salary: $165,000–$180,000, commensurate with experience
Benefits include health, dental, vision, retirement plan with match, generous PTO, and commuter benefits
Schedule: Five-day workweek with flexibility; four days in-office expected

To apply for this position, please visit:
https://www.developmentguild.com/current-searches/chief-development-officer-madison-square-park-conservancy