Vice President of Communications & Fundraising at Lantern Community Services Inc – New York, New York

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Executive Director
Location: Manhattan, NY
Status & Hours: Full-time; occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support events, campaigns, and organizational priorities

Who We Are
Lantern Community Services supports New Yorkers impacted by homelessness by providing safe, supportive housing paired with wraparound services that promote long-term stability and independence. Lantern operates across multiple sites in New York City and was recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York.

Position Summary
The Vice President of Communications & Fundraising is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing Lantern’s external communications, brand management, and philanthropic strategy. This position works closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to strengthen organizational visibility, advance fundraising efforts, and support the long-term sustainability of Lantern’s mission. This is a hands-on role that balances strategic leadership with execution.

Essential Functions

Communications, Public Relations & Digital Strategy (Approximately 50%)

Lead Lantern’s overall communications strategy across digital, print, social media, and press

Oversee content development, messaging, storytelling, and brand alignment

Serve as primary media contact and manage press relationships

Oversee Lantern’s website, social media platforms, and performance analytics

Collaborate with program and leadership teams to elevate impact stories and organizational visibility

Fundraising & Events (Approximately 50%)

Lead the annual fundraising strategy and calendar, including individual giving, campaigns, and events

Oversee donor engagement, cultivation, and stewardship

Track fundraising performance, metrics, and reporting

Support planning and execution of fundraising and donor engagement events

Collaborate with leadership on institutional and grant-related fundraising efforts as needed

Leadership & Collaboration

Supervise and support communications and fundraising staff

Partner closely with the CEO and senior leadership team on organizational priorities

Work cross-functionally with program, operations, and finance teams

Represent Lantern at donor meetings, community events, and external engagements

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required

Six to ten years of progressive nonprofit experience in communications and/or fundraising

Demonstrated leadership in communications strategy and fundraising initiatives

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in New York City nonprofit organizations

Experience partnering with executive leadership and boards

Familiarity with donor management systems and fundraising analytics

Work Environment: This position operates in an office setting, with regular visits to supportive housing and shelter sites with a population who may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illnesses.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs, and/ or kneel. Occasionally, the employee will have to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Note:

Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Lantern Community Services (Lantern) values the diversity of all our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners. By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy, and just communities.