Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
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MARY TAYLOR

Brooklyn

Summary

Visionary nonprofit executive with a track record of generating over $60M in philanthropic revenue, and engineering resilient fundraising strategies that fuel mission-driven impact. Accomplished in galvanizing high-performing teams, cultivating transformational gifts, and forging enduring partnerships with major institutions, donors, and boards. Brings deep expertise in organizational strategy, donor engagement, events, and brand positioning, underpinned by a robust foundation in nonprofit finance, operations, and governance. A trusted advisor to CEOs and boards, known for leading through complexity, aligning fundraising with institutional priorities, and delivering results in fast-moving environments.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Acting Chief Advancement Officer

Brooklyn Bridge Park
07.2025 - Current
  • Handpicked to spearhead strategic fundraising and guide organizational transformation during the merger of Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Conservancy.
  • Appointed to architect the Park’s inaugural centralized development department, while simultaneously serving as the Conservancy’s senior-most staff leader—ensuring financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and operational integrity through a complex leadership transition.
  • Advise executive leadership and board members on philanthropic strategy, while overseeing governance and fundraising across both entities.
  • Piloted the seamless integration of two independent nonprofit cultures, sustaining mission delivery while repositioning fundraising around long-term infrastructure, and capital goals.
  • I built and now direct a dynamic, cross-functional development team specializing in major gifts, institutional fundraising, corporate partnerships, events, and donor communications.
  • Designing and executing the Park’s first comprehensive fundraising strategy—aligning philanthropic initiatives with capital planning, environmental sustainability, and public engagement.
  • Maintain full fiduciary oversight of the Conservancy’s legal operations, including budget design, financial audits, reporting, and governance procedures.
  • Partner with and steward a 31-member board of directors, serving as a primary liaison to board leadership for both the Park and the Conservancy.

Senior Director of Development

Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
05.2023 - 07.2025
  • Stepped in as interim executive, directing all fundraising, HR, finance, and daily operations for a 15-person team during an executive leadership vacancy.
  • Secured $6M in philanthropic support and generated $3.5M in high-margin event income, setting new revenue benchmarks.
  • Authored and launched the Conservancy’s first multi-year development plan, establishing pathways to sustainable, diversified funding.
  • Conceived and launched a new corporate giving program, boosting institutional revenue by 75% in its first year.
  • Founded the Bridge Council, a next-generation donor initiative that brought in multiple five-figure gifts in its inaugural year.
  • Revamped membership and foundation programs to dramatically improve donor retention and year-over-year growth.
  • Led a full migration to a new CRM and digital giving platform, boosting team productivity and modernizing donor engagement.

Director of Development and Communications

THE CITY
11.2022 - 04.2023
  • Recruited to formalize and lead the organization’s first structured development and communications department, charting a strategic course for long-term revenue growth and institutional visibility.
  • Reported directly to the Executive Director and collaborated with board leadership to drive funding for independent, local journalism.
  • Developed and executed a comprehensive fundraising strategy, securing $1.3M in new foundation support within one year.
  • Increased year-end campaign revenue by 50% through segmented appeals and targeted donor communications.
  • Built and launched the organization’s first major donor pipeline and cultivation strategy, securing multi-year institutional commitments.
  • Produced the organization’s first signature cultivation event, setting the stage for deepened donor relationships.
  • Chaired the Board Development and Nominating Committees, strengthening board engagement and governance.

Chief Development and Communications Officer

Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
01.2015 - 11.2022
  • Directed all fundraising, communications, and donor strategy for one of NYC’s largest and most respected human services organizations.
  • Managed a robust, multi-million-dollar fundraising portfolio and shaped the organization’s narrative during a time of rapid expansion and change.
  • Secured over $15 million in institutional funding to support the expansion of housing, mental health, and employment services for thousands of New Yorkers annually.
  • Boosted event revenue by 55% through creative programming and corporate engagement, while enhancing donor loyalty.
  • Led strategic communications and crisis messaging during a CEO transition, safeguarding donor trust and organizational credibility.
  • Chaired the Board Development and Nominating Committees, improving recruitment and board participation.
  • Elevated brand visibility and public engagement through a targeted media strategy, content development, and partnerships.

Director of External Relations

Action Against Hunger
01.2014 - 10.2015
  • Led all U.S.-based fundraising, marketing, and communications for this global humanitarian aid organization.
  • Oversaw individual giving, institutional partnerships, corporate campaigns, and global branding initiatives.
  • Grew individual giving by 46% to over $9M; increased corporate and foundation revenue by 67% to $3.5M.
  • Directed a global Google employee giving campaign that raised $1.5M in one quarter.
  • Overhauled the donor communications strategy and digital engagement platforms to expand reach and deepen loyalty.
  • Managed media relations and content strategy to amplify mission visibility and international campaign alignment.

Chief Development and Communications Officer

Jericho Project
01.2007 - 01.2013
  • Revitalized fundraising, marketing, and donor engagement strategy for a pioneering supportive housing organization serving veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness.
  • Raised $15.5M in contributed income; secured $2.5M in new institutional funding.
  • Increased corporate giving by 250% and foundation grants by 125% through tailored cultivation and proposal strategies.
  • Produced three high-profile fundraising galas, generating over $2M in combined revenue.
  • Led a full digital transformation of development and communications, significantly improving donor acquisition and retention.

Development Officer, Major Donors & Planned Giving

International Planned Parenthood Federation

Development Manager, Development Associate

Chamber Music America

Education

Certificate - Institute for Nonprofit Management

Columbia Business School

M.S. - Nonprofit Management

The New School, Milano School of Management

B.A. - Photography

Columbia College Chicago

Timeline

Acting Chief Advancement Officer

Brooklyn Bridge Park
07.2025 - Current

Senior Director of Development

Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
05.2023 - 07.2025

Director of Development and Communications

THE CITY
11.2022 - 04.2023

Chief Development and Communications Officer

Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
01.2015 - 11.2022

Director of External Relations

Action Against Hunger
01.2014 - 10.2015

Chief Development and Communications Officer

Jericho Project
01.2007 - 01.2013

Development Officer, Major Donors & Planned Giving

International Planned Parenthood Federation

Development Manager, Development Associate

Chamber Music America

Certificate - Institute for Nonprofit Management

Columbia Business School

M.S. - Nonprofit Management

The New School, Milano School of Management

B.A. - Photography

Columbia College Chicago

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