Join our Team

Development Associate (Full-Time)

Overview of the Organization:

Chhaya is the only South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Community Development Corporation (CDC) in the nation. Our mission is to build community power, housing stability, and economic well-being of the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities in New York. Since our founding in 2000, Chhaya has helped prevent hundreds of foreclosures; assisted first-time homebuyers in obtaining thousands of dollars in down-payment assistance, led the basement legalization campaign in New York City, provided individuals with key immigration services, empowered families with financial management tools and skills, and fostered the civic engagement of thousands of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean New Yorkers. As a leader in New York City’s housing and economic justice sector, Chhaya is poised for significant organizational growth and development. Our main office is in Jackson Heights and we have a second location in Richmond Hill – two neighborhoods in Queens with vibrant South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. 

Summary of the Position:

Chhaya seeks a passionate, forward-thinking, and creative individual to fulfill a key role in helping grow the

organization’s portfolio of funders and donor prospects. The Development Associate works closely with the Director of Development and leadership team to assist on comprehensive projects as well as gift processing, and other aspects of development operations. A competitive candidate is an organized, energetic, and creative individual who is passionate about furthering Chhaya’s mission and thrives in a fast-paced and collaborative team. 

This position will report to the Director of Development.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Help manage Chhaya’s fundraising activities and initiatives; tracking deadlines and supporting the overall management and coordination of fundraising projects and donor solicitation
• Manage donor lists, general inquiries and correspondence, and gift acknowledgements
• Handle pledges, gift processing, and ensure accurate data and record input into databases
• Conduct prospect research, identifying and generating new funding opportunities, including compiling financial and organizational data on prospective funders
• Support the coordination and preparation of grant proposals and reports for funders, including researching and preparing materials for team collaboration
• Implement and track donor appeals, campaigns, and other special fundraising initiatives
• Coordinate project planning and communication with other departments
• Participate in and administer various meetings, including fundraising committee coordination
• Other responsibilities, as needed

As a member of the Chhaya staff, additional responsibilities may be added related to special events, critical initiatives, and other special cases that require full staff participation (some evenings and weekends). Further, as a Chhaya team-member, every employee is expected  to help further the organization’s mission by building a work-culture centered around ownership, accountability, fairness, inclusiveness, and fun.  

Qualifications:

• Exceptional writing, communication, organizational, and computer skills
• At least two years of professional experience, ideally working within a fundraising role or in a non-profit setting with an understanding of development/fundraising roles 
• Demonstrated experience using MS Excel, Google Workspaces, and Salesforce (preferred)
• Ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment
• Excellent communication, public speaking, meeting facilitation, and administrative skills
• A self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to wear “multiple hats” if and when needed
• Fundraising background preferred; and familiarity with South Asian & Indo-Caribbean communities in New York is desirable
• Sense of humor – a plus

Salary Range: $45,000 – $55,000

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, two references, and a brief writing sample to careers@chhayacdc.org with the subject line “Development Associate – Application”. 

Applications will be accepted until November 15, 2021. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Chhaya CDC is an equal opportunity organization that celebrates and embraces diversity. Chhaya does not discriminate on the basis of caste, race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or any other identities covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need.