United Community Corporation
Director of Development
Location: Newark, NJ (Essex County)
Reports To: Executive Director
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Salary Range: $70,000 – $90,000, commensurate with experience.
Position Summary
United Community Corporation (UCC) seeks an experienced, entrepreneurial Director of Development and Corporate Giving to lead strategic fundraising efforts across major gifts, corporate partnerships, and grant funding. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role will design and execute a comprehensive development strategy that builds transformative relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and
foundations — driving sustainable revenue growth for one of Newark's most impactful community action agencies.
About United Community Corporation
Founded in 1964 and designated as Essex County's federal Community Action Agency, UCC has grown from $3 million in annual revenue in 2014 to $12 million today, with a staff of 130 employees (67% full-time). UCC is a multi-service nonprofit whose programming includes:
- Two homeless shelters and homelessness prevention services.
- Rapid rehousing and rental assistance programs.
- LIHEAP (energy assistance), weatherization, and lead-safe home improvement services.
- YouthBuild and NJBUILD job training programs for youth.
- Affordable housing development, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credit apartment communities owned and operated by UCC.
- A large-scale food access network, including a food pantry, mobile soup kitchen, free community refrigerators, the Community Choice Food Pantry, and the UCC Marketplace low-cost grocery store.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive major gifts and corporate giving strategy aligned with UCC's mission and growth trajectory.
- Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with corporate partners, building long-term strategic alliances and sponsorships.
- Identify and qualify prospective major donors and corporate partners at five- and six-figure giving levels.
- Lead grant research, writing, and reporting for foundation and government funding opportunities.
- Manage a portfolio of active prospects with a focus on relationship cultivation, solicitation, and retention.
- Develop compelling proposals, sponsorship packages, and funding requests tailored to corporate andmfoundation audiences.
- Track and report development metrics, pipeline growth, and fundraising outcomes to the Executive Director.
- Represent UCC at community, corporate, and philanthropic events to expand the agency's network and visibility.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum 5–7 years of progressive nonprofit development experience, including demonstrated major gifts success
- Proven experience building and managing corporate partnerships and sponsorships.
- Strong grant writing and strategic grant research experience with a track record of secured funding.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling cases for support.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities independently and think strategically about long-term revenue sustainability.
Preferred:
- Experience in community action agencies, human services, or community development organizations.
- Familiarity with CRM/donor database systems.
- Existing relationships with Northeast/NJ regional foundations or corporate funders.
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary range of $70,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience, plus a competitive benefits package. This role offers significant autonomy, direct access to executive leadership, and the opportunity to shape the development function of an agency with a strong track record of mission impact and financial growth.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant major gifts and corporate development experience to United Community Corporation, 332 South 8th Street, Newark, NJ 07103.