Comic Relief US, (also known as Comic Relief Inc.) is a registered U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity that harnesses the power of entertainment to drive social change. Funds raised support grantee partners and initiatives that address the root causes and consequences of poverty in the most impacted communities in the U.S. and around the world. Campaigns include Red Nose Day, Kids Relief, Idol Gives Back, and Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief. Click here to learn more about Comic Relief US and meet the team.

LOCATION

Candidates should be based in the NY metro area. We are a hybrid organization and work three days per week in our downtown New York City office.

ABOUT THE ROLE/WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Director of Institutional Giving is a senior leader within the development team, responsible for growing and managing a robust portfolio of foundation and institutional funders. This role drives strategy, cultivates relationships, and oversees all aspects of grant writing and reporting to secure critical resources that support our anti-poverty programs and efforts. The Director works collaboratively across departments to align institutional funding with strategic priorities and ensure the long-term sustainability of our work.

Strategy & Fund Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive institutional giving strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and growth goals.
• Identify and pursue new institutional funding opportunities with a focus on equity-driven, anti-poverty initiatives.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospects, managing timelines for proposals, renewals, and reports.

Grant Writing & Reporting

• Lead the development of high-quality proposals, grant applications, and reports tailored to funders focused on poverty alleviation, and youth centered programs.
• Collaborate with grants and finance teams to collect data, build budgets, and identify stories that demonstrate impact and align with funder expectations.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, including outcomes tracking and budget management.

Funder Engagement & Stewardship

• Cultivate and steward strong relationships with current and prospective institutional funders.
• Represent the organization in meetings, briefings, and site visits with funders, often in partnership with executive leadership.
• Ensure consistent, timely communication and engagement with funders, highlighting programmatic milestones and impact.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Work cross-functionally with communications, marketing, grants, and finance to ensure coordinated and compelling proposals.
• Serve as a thought partner to senior leadership on funding strategy and institutional growth opportunities.

ABOUT YOU

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in institutional fundraising, preferably in an anti-poverty, social justice, or human services organization.
• Proven success securing and managing six- and seven-figure grants from private foundations, corporate partners, and/or public agencies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong understanding of social justice frameworks, racial equity, and systemic approaches to poverty reduction.
• Experience working with program budgets, logic models, and outcome measurement.
• Proficiency with fundraising CRMs (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Commitment to the values of equity, dignity, and empowerment.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. They will be required to follow any other instructions and perform any other duties requested by their manager.

OUR VALUES

Our values reflect what is important to us at CRUS and serve as the foundation of who we are as an organization. The core value below is best illustrated by actions and attitudes that each CRUS team member practices. They define what working at CRUS means and what our teams embody through their time here.

• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Inclusive
• Respectful
• Impact-Driven

WHAT WE OFFER

• Generous health insurance options and commuter program
• 403(b) retirement savings with company match
• Parental leave
• Paid time off and holidays
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Summer Fridays
• Office snacks

PAY TRANSPARENCY

CRUS offers competitive compensation. The salary range for this role is anticipated to be $140,000.00 - $145,000.00. The actual salary is dependent upon many factors, including but not limited to: abilities, skills, work experience, knowledge, business needs, and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified.

JOIN US!

Comic Relief US’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) best situates us to fulfill our vision, mission, and goals. It is important to recognize that DEI goes beyond mere policies and practices. As members of a diverse global community, we each bring unique attributes, and perspectives to our work, enhancing our abilities to reach, engage, and serve marginalized children.

The individuals we serve come from diverse backgrounds, many geographies, a range of economic circumstances, and various cultures, customs, and languages. We are dedicated to ensuring our staff, leadership, and partners respect, reflect, and value these differences. We affirm human diversity in all forms, encompassing ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation and identification, age, economic circumstances, class, different abilities, and philosophies.