About Ithaca Welcomes Refugees (IWR):
IWR is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that partners with newly arrived refugees and immigrants as they rebuild their lives in Tompkins County. IWR began as an all-volunteer organization and now has a small staff. The Development Director leads development and communication duties. IWR currently receives county funding, grant monies from foundations, and contributions from private donors and community fundraisers. Other staff and volunteers provide development and communications support to the person in this role. IWR’s work environment is defined by teamwork. We strive to contribute to other staff and volunteer efforts, to lift one another up, and to re-prioritize when needed, in service of helping our new neighbors realize their resettlement goals.
About the Development Director position:
To empower Ithaca Welcomes Refugees to carry out our mission-driven work, the Development Director will obtain funds from grants, private donors, and fundraisers, and increase awareness of the activities and needs of IWR and the newcomers we serve in the community through external communications. This position reports to the Executive Director.
Duties for this role:
Grants:
- Identify grant opportunities that could support IWR’s work
- Write and submit grant applications and reports in collaboration with the Executive Director
- Publicly acknowledge grant funders
Private Donors:
- Draft twice annual mailers (spring and year-end), with support and direction from the Executive Director
- Cultivate and manage donor relationships (e.g., outreach to expand donor pool, personalized communication with existing donors)
- Liaise with community fundraisers on publicity, IWR messaging, and payment methods
- Ensure donors and fundraisers receive tax receipts and public and personal donation acknowledgements, as appropriate
- Maintain and update data on donations and donors using donor database
Communications:
- Create or assign and proofread mission-driven content for IWR’s website, blog, and newsletter
- Schedule and draft content for IWR’s newsletter, published monthly
- Schedule and create or assign content for IWR’s social media accounts, post content, and monitor and respond to public engagement
- Draft content and manage preparation of annual report
- Represent IWR in some advocacy engagements, including speaking or tabling at community events and presenting to local groups (duty shared among staff)
Events:
- Plan a small number (1-3 annually) of fundraising and/or community events, with support from staff and volunteers
- Meet annual fundraising goals
- Other assignments and tasks as needed
Required Qualifications:
- Compassion and sensitivity
- Commitment to IWR’s mission and diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Ability to work independently
- Excellent communication and organization skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of refugee client and donor information
- English fluency
- Computer literacy
Required Experience:
- Grant-writing experience
- Experience writing for publication (various types can be considered)
Preferred Experience:
- Prior experience working in a development capacity for a nonprofit organization
- Familiarity with donor databases
- Prior experience working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds
- Prior experience managing volunteers
This is a part-time, non-exempt, 20-hour-per-week position with a rate of pay of $35 per hour. IWR requires that all personnel having direct contact with IWR clients and/or donors undergo a background check through our vendor, including this position. This is a hybrid remote/in-person position. Most work can be performed from home but most meetings will occur in person. The person filling this position can make their own schedule as long as they can find common meeting times with staff and volunteers, often on weekday mornings. Paid time off benefits are included.
We welcome individuals who are passionate about helping refugees in Tompkins County to apply for the Development Director position. IWR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals with lived experience as a refugee or immigrant are strongly encouraged to apply. Please submit a cover letter and resume to IWR Executive Director Casey Verderosa by May 6th, 2026 at caseyv@ithacawelcomesrefugees.org. We look forward to hearing from you.
