Assistant Director of Individual Giving and Events (62844)

University Settlement partners with 40,000+ New Yorkers in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn every year to build on our collective strengths as we achieve healthy, stable, and remarkable lives. For nearly 140 years, we’ve fought poverty and systemic inequality by building highly effective social services in collaboration with our neighbors. Established in 1886 as the first Settlement House in the United States, we bring the values of that movement into the 21st century by meeting New Yorkers where they live, listening deeply to all perspectives, and creating space for responsive cooperation.   

Joining with our neighbors to make stable foundations where people of all ages can grow and pursue their dreams, we build community strength. We infuse a commitment to civic engagement, equality, and communal action into each of our programs, which include early childhood education, youth development, healthy aging, mental health and wellness, English classes for adult immigrants, community centers, and the arts. 

The Assistant Director of Individual Giving and Events will lead the strategy, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors through events, corporate partnerships, and targeted engagement initiatives. This role serves as a key leader within University Settlement’s individual giving program, with primary responsibility for our annual gala, the organization’s signature fundraising event, a growing corporate partnership program, and other strategic initiatives designed to deepen engagement and expand philanthropic support from individuals and corporations. 

Reporting to and collaborating closely with the Director of Individual Giving and the Chief External Relations Officer, the Assistant Director will oversee the Events Coordinator and provide leadership across all event-related fundraising and donor engagement activities. With a strong focus on creating meaningful donor experiences and building lasting relationships, the Assistant Director will leverage events, partnerships, and stewardship strategies to increase financial support, strengthen donor retention, and advance University Settlement’s mission. 

Responsibilities 

• Lead and execute an annual events strategy aligned with organizational fundraising goals, capacity-building efforts, and long-term sustainability. 

• Direct the planning and execution of University Settlement’s annual gala, our premier fundraising event, which brings together more than 300 guests to celebrate, raise awareness, and generate critical support for our work. 

• Serve as the lead project manager for all aspects of gala planning and execution. 

• Supervise the Events Coordinator in implementing every aspect of the gala and related event experiences. 

• Partner with the Director of Individual Giving to support gala fundraising efforts, including sponsorship and ticket sales, gift processing and tracking, guest management, and pledge fulfillment. 

• Collaborate with the Director of Communications and other key stakeholders to develop the gala theme, event design, program content, and entertainment. 

• In partnership with the Director of Individual Giving and the Chief External Relations Officer, identify prospective honorees and corporate sponsors. 

• Manage key gala-related relationships and maximize their fundraising potential, including honorees, gala committee members, and Board members. 

• Lead and expand a growing corporate partnership program that includes volunteer engagement and corporate philanthropy, with the goal of increasing corporate involvement while cultivating new individual donors, Board prospects, and in-kind supporters. 

• Develop strategies for and oversee all smaller cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events, including Board events, ensuring meaningful and engaging experiences for donors, prospects, and stakeholders. 

• Support the growth of University Settlement’s donor community through peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, including engagement of participants in the TCS New York City Marathon, United Airlines NYC Half, and Revel Run 5K. 

• Direct and implement individual giving stewardship efforts, including impact reporting, stewardship events, and the Changemakers Circle giving circle, to strengthen donor retention and encourage continued investment in our work. 

• Manage a portfolio of corporate partners, mid-level donors, and Board members who engage with University Settlement through events and related fundraising opportunities, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. 

• Support the expansion of senior leadership’s major donor portfolio through strategic event engagement and corporate partnership development. 

• Provide fundraising and event support to program colleagues as program-specific initiatives and opportunities arise. 

• Supervise the Events Coordinator, ensuring effective execution of responsibilities while providing ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development support. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required. 

• 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit event management, corporate partnerships, volunteer engagement, and/or fundraising required. 

• Strong preference for candidates with experience directly soliciting and securing financial support from donors, sponsors, or partners. 

• Demonstrated track record of successful planning and managing events. 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling messages for diverse audiences. 

• Outstanding interpersonal, networking, and relationship management skills. 

• Strong project management abilities, including the capacity to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 

• Proven ability to establish priorities, organize work effectively, and balance competing demands. 

• Experience leading projects and collaborating across teams to achieve shared goals. 

• Ability to work evenings and attend events as needed. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. 

• Knowledge of and experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred. 

• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of University Settlement. 

Work Schedule: Full time, Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, occasional evenings and weekend hours are required, 35 hours per week 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We support a broadly diverse team that will contribute to our organization. We are an equal opportunity employer for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.