Friends of the High Line
New York, NY
Position Summary
The Chief of External Relations (CER) is a newly created position at FHL working as part of a leadership management team with the Executive Director (ED) and the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The position is responsible for advancing the visibility, brand, and financial sustainability of the High Line.
Reporting to the ED, the Chief of External Relations is tasked with creating and executing a strategic, integrated, and comprehensive fundraising and communications plan that advances the organization's mission: for the High Line to continue to inspire visitors, engage both New Yorkers and its immediate neighbors, and remain a model for urban design and place-making worldwide. In partnership with the ED, the CER is the primary external fundraiser as well as communications and brand strategist for the FHL.
The CER strategizes and supervises all development and fundraising functions with a staff of 14 and strategically positions the organization through a communications and marketing staff of 7. The CER is FHL's liaison for board development and relationship management, and is responsible for working with the COO to ensure the highest standards of good governance. The Development department currently includes initiatives in Major Gifts, Membership, Corporate Sponsorship, Special Events, and Foundation & Government Support.
Responsibilities
Development and Fundraising
- Design, implement, lead, and hold accountable the annual fundraising strategies and goals for FHL in pursuit of achieving fiscal success
- Work with the ED as a lead fundraising partner while expanding the constituency for major gifts and deepening and institutionalizing existing relationships
- Take an external leadership role in directly soliciting major gifts from all sources
- Help transition the board of FHL towards becoming a more consistent partner in donor relations, identification of new donors, and, when appropriate, peer solicitors
- Cultivate donors, board members, volunteers, and community leaders for the future well-being of FHL
- Work with the ED and VP of Development as responsible for day-to-day management of development staff by motivating and supporting their efforts to achieve goals, assume responsibility for portfolios, and plan and track engagement strategies and financial outcomes
- Work with senior leadership and program content staff to identify funding opportunities and match those needs with donor interests
- Position FHL so that a proper climate exists in order to raise funds and prepare tailored external communications for diverse audiences
- Maintain a visible role in the community in order to demonstrate the FHL's commitment to maintaining a free public space for all New Yorkers
- Strategically shape and lead the identity, brand, communications platform, and delivery efforts of FHL
- Craft and oversee external communications strategies and press relations
- Visibly position and promote FHL's programs and content expertise to expand and deepen audience engagement
- Strategically evolve and shape FHL's brand and deliver on its promise internally and externally while adhering to its core voice, image, and mark
- Incorporate analytics in shaping strategic positioning
- Promote revenue centers to increase financial support
- Develop partnerships that align with FHL's brand and elevate its position and visibility, and when appropriate, increase revenue
- Lead the internal strategy for City relationships and, with the ED, be the external voice, negotiator, and interface with this essential partner
- Be an essential member of the Executive Director's leadership team, supporting and advancing the vision for FHL and inspiring and communicating that vision internally to enable others within the organization to have a clear sense of their roles and expectations for achieving their work
- Act on behalf of the Executive Director internally and externally, as requested
- Supervise and evaluate staff in fundraising, marketing, and communications
- Support the preparation and administration of the annual operational budget for both Development and Communications
- Work closely with the COO and Vice President of Finance to fully embrace the financial needs of FHL and anticipate long-term needs for fundraising
- Work with outside consultants, as needed
- Minimum of ten years of progressive management experience preferably in an arts- or member-based cultural organization
- Knowledge and enthusiasm for the High Line, public space, and public/private partnerships
- Significant senior level development and external communications experience, including planning and running capital campaigns
- Demonstrated ability to strategize, set and meet fundraising and communications goals, and work effectively with donors, from prospect development through to the cultivation and closing of gifts
- Ability to solicit gifts at the leadership level and to develop and implement a coordinated, comprehensive advancement strategy that includes donors from the individual, foundation, corporate, and government levels
- Track record of recruiting, developing, advocating for, and managing cohesive, high-caliber teams that work in partnership with senior leadership and trustees to ratchet up development and communications functionality
- Experience crafting and implementing marketing and public relations strategy for an institution with an ability to strategically position an organization among its peers and with its audience
- Bachelor's degree required, master's degree preferred
To apply, submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: CERSearch@thehighline.org. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls please.
Friends of the High Line is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.