ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Hot Bread Kitchen seeks a strategic, results-driven Senior Director of Individual Giving (“Senior Director”) to lead, strengthen, and grow a dynamic individual giving and major gifts program that is essential to advancing the organization’s $15M+ annual operating budget. Reporting to the Chief Strategy & Advancement Officer (CSAO), the Senior Director will serve as the architect and driver of a comprehensive individual giving strategy—encompassing principal and major gifts, annual giving, donor stewardship, events, and engagement of the Young Professionals Committee.

A critical component of this role is leadership and fundraising strategy of Hot Bread Kitchen’s annual Spring Benefit, the organization’s primary fundraising event and a major engine for building a sustainable donor pipeline. The Senior Director will ensure the event’s continued evolution, impact, and visibility by shaping the fundraising strategy, guiding staff, and managing external partners. The Senior Director supervises the Events Manager, Individual Giving Manager, and Individual Giving Coordinator.

This is an exciting opportunity for a driven fundraiser who excels at building relationships, designing donor-centered engagement strategies, managing and developing teams, and using philanthropy to advance equity and economic mobility in New York City.

Key responsibilities include:

Individual Giving Program Leadership

• Lead strategies to grow a comprehensive individual giving program, currently at $2MM+ program.
• Serve as a leading front-line fundraiser and relationship manager, managing a portfolio of principal donors and with a focus on securing major, multi-year gifts.
• Lead the design and oversee implementation of a robust donor engagement and stewardship program, including impactful touchpoint and cultivation events.
• Provide strategic oversight to the Individual Giving team and cross-functional partners to establish effective donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Partner with the Manager to build strategy and successfully implement Major Gifts, Annual Giving, and Young Professional Committee.
• Partner with the CSAO and CEO on board engagement, including giving strategy, prospect development, and meeting preparation.
• Oversee and mentor the Coordinator to manage data systems and processes to track, analyze, and support individual giving strategies and donor moves management.

Spring Benefit

• Oversee the success and execution of the annual spring benefit, working directly with external event producers and internal Development and Brand teams.
• Lead the development and implementation of successful fundraising strategies and event pipeline towards a $1MM+ goal.
• Collaborate with the CSAO and CEO on event leadership strategy and cultivation, including honoree, co-chairs, and sponsors.
• Supervise the Event Manager and external event production consultants to drive the successful execution of the event.
• Partner with the Brand Director to build a unique, fun and values-driven experience for guests.

Organizational Leadership

• Create an optimized staffing plan for the Individual Giving team and oversee the day-to-day operations and execution of the team to drive toward annual goals. Currently the Individual Giving Program team is comprised of the Individual Giving Manager, Events Manager and Individual Giving Coordinator.
• Ensure effective internal communications, collaboration, and a culture of philanthropy across teams to advance the goals of Hot Bread Kitchen.
• Support and actively engage in the principles of Belonging and Allyship across the organization.

ABOUT SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will be an experienced and strategic development professional with a strong record of securing major gifts, designing donor-centered engagement strategies, managing high-performing teams, and leading successful fundraising events. They will bring a passion for relationship-building, data-informed decision-making, and advancing equity through philanthropy.

Key Qualifications

• Progressive individual giving experience: At least 6–8 years of experience, with demonstrated success securing major and multi-year gifts.
• Strategic donor engagement: Proven ability to design and implement comprehensive cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Event fundraising leadership: Experience planning or overseeing large-scale fundraising events, including strategy, sponsorships, and cross-team coordination.
• Team management & collaboration: Strong people-management skills, including coaching staff, building teams, and working cross-functionally with Brand, Institutional, and Program teams.
• Exceptional communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to craft compelling donor-facing materials.
• Analytical & operational strength: Strong prioritization, organizational skills, and comfort with data systems that support moves management and forecasting.
• Technical proficiency: Familiarity with Google Workspace, Salesforce, Asana, Slack, or similar tools.
• Mission alignment: Deep commitment to Hot Bread Kitchen’s mission and values.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: This is a hybrid position with the flexibility to work remotely. Regular in-person attendance is required weekly for departmental needs and events, averaging 2-3 times weekly. Our headquarters are located in Manhattan at Chelsea Market (A/C/E/L). 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: $125,000 – $140,000 commensurate with experience. In addition, Hot Bread Kitchen offers a generous benefits package including comprehensive medical, dental, & vision insurance, generous PTO, 401K, and much more.

TO APPLY: Qualified candidates should submit their resume and a thoughtful cover letter here.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION 

Overview

Since 2008, Hot Bread Kitchen has empowered New Yorkers who face barriers to economic opportunities through transformative careers in New York City’s food industry. We offer small business development programs, culinary skills training, and job placement, bolstered by individualized wraparound supportive services. Our small business program, HBK Incubates, supports entrepreneurs as they transform their food businesses into sustainable income sources. Culinary Fundamentals, our award-winning culinary training program, provides access to high-quality jobs for those starting their careers in the food industry. Our upskilling programs enable incumbent workers to gain further skills, leading to higher wages and career advancement. We work alongside our network of over 200 food employer partners and more than 250 nonprofit and government partners to ensure our graduates are set up for success both at home and in their careers.

Hot Bread Kitchen’s Values

We are driven by a commitment to support our members, teammates, and partners. Our culture of equity comes from the many cooks in our kitchen and the diversity of perspectives we each bring. We believe that respect goes a long way in making people feel welcome, accepted, and celebrated. We seek opportunities for connection and become a stronger team by being in the community and prioritizing candor over consensus. The pace of our work and the velocity of change can be quick; our entrepreneurialism helps us take optimistic risks and pursue inventive solutions.

Core Competencies Include:

• Results-driven: Achieves goals promptly and adapts to new solutions as needed.
• Strategic: Identifies challenges and develops sustainable, equitable solutions.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals.
• Persuasive communication: Inspires and influences others through strong verbal and written skills. Has strong emotional intelligence.
• Flexible: Adapts to changes and welcomes feedback for continuous improvement.

Hot Bread Kitchen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants based on race, religion, color, disability, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. Any applicant with a mental or physical disability who requires accommodation during the application process should contact hr@hotbreadkitchen.org to request such accommodation.