Fund Development Director

Introduction to Buffalo Central Terminal

The Buffalo Central Terminal is one of the most iconic buildings in Buffalo and Western New York. Since 1929, this exemplar of Art Deco architecture has symbolized Buffalo’s journey—from bustling passenger train station to a dormant structure cared for by dedicated volunteers, and now, a living landmark once again on the rise.

Today, Buffalo stands on the brink of a new era. For the first time in decades, the city’s population grew nearly 7% between 2010 and 2020. Increased investment, a diversifying and innovation-driven economy, and ongoing rehabilitation efforts are reshaping the city’s future.

The Central Terminal Restoration Corporation (CTRC), the organizational engine behind this project, recently developed a community-driven Master Plan to reinvent and repurpose the Central Terminal. For nearly 30 years, CTRC has championed the reuse of the site as a catalyst for reinvestment in Buffalo’s East Side and the wider region. Once the vision for the Central Terminal is realized, the landmark and 12.5‑acre grounds surrounding the site will once again serve as a hub of activity and a community anchor that attracts people and investments to the Broadway‑Fillmore neighborhood, the East Side, the City of Buffalo, and the Western New York region.

With a compelling Master Plan, committed staff and board leadership, more than two decades of volunteer support, a partnership with a local/national development team, and $61 million in initial funding, the Central Terminal project is at a critical inflection point.

This landmark—beloved by a city and admired by a nation—is ready to become a new kind of connective force. Its reimagination brings together diverse individuals, from longtime Central Terminal champions and neighborhood residents to new Americans, from local business owners to government allies, from preservationists to pioneers. Now is the ideal time to invest in a reimagined Central Terminal and in the future of Buffalo itself.

The Opportunity

CTRC seeks a fundraising leader to grow the foundation that has been built and lead its fund development strategy at a pivotal moment in the organization’s growth. In 2025, a feasibility study was completed, and it recommends that CTRC devote two years to expanding the base of private support through individual, corporate, and foundation giving; communicating progress and stewarding current and potential donors; and amplifying partnerships with public entities and community members which will be key drivers of this position.

The Fund Development Director will be a key thought partner to the visionary Executive Director and a peer to an experienced Deputy Director. They will work collaboratively to advance the transformation of Buffalo Central Terminal into a purpose‑built cultural and economic hub that catalyzes reinvestment in the Broadway‑Fillmore neighborhood, and positions Buffalo as a national model for equitable redevelopment.

The organization is preparing to launch a transformational capital campaign to advance restoration and significantly expand the Terminal’s role as a community and cultural anchor. The completed 2025 feasibility study revealed potential for strong public support for the campaign and significant interest in the case for support from prospective individual and institutional supporters. There is, however, opportunity for growth to support Buffalo Central Terminal’s fundraising efforts at the scale required for a major capital campaign, and ongoing annual fundraising to support operations and ongoing programming. The Fund Development Director will provide strategic leadership for this effort while building upon the infrastructure and systems that are in place to support long‑term fundraising growth and sustainability.

This role requires a strategic and results‑driven fundraising professional with knowledge of philanthropic best practices and the ability to translate a complex, multi‑phase Master Plan into compelling cases for support. This fundraising leader will cultivate a strong culture of philanthropy across the board, staff, volunteers, and partners, and will work closely with a lean, high‑performing team to secure philanthropic support that accelerates the Central Terminal’s reuse and regional impact.

The Fund Development Director works in partnership with the Executive Director to ensure the organization continues to build its resources through:

• Effective donor relationships (new and existing);
• Leveraging relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and government partners across the community;
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive development plan that grows contributed revenue;
• Managing day‑to‑day needs of development and the capital campaign; and
• Elevating the Central Terminal’s brand awareness in the region and nationally.

Key Position Functions

• Fund Development Strategy & Leadership
• Major Gifts & Campaign Management
• Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
• Organizational Collaboration & Infrastructure

The full position profile can be viewed here:

Qualifications

Successful candidates should have the following qualifications.

• Three to five years’ experience in major gift fundraising and capital campaigns
• Demonstrated experience building and managing relationships with diverse groups and audiences
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and securing major gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government
• An understanding of and experience with donor databases and systems

Salary and Benefits

Buffalo Central Terminal is pleased to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package for this position. Target compensation for the position is $85,000-$95,000, commensurate with experience.

Application Process

Benefactor Group is pleased to be assisting Buffalo Central Terminal with this executive search. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. All applications are considered highly confidential. To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter at this link:

To learn more about Buffalo Central Terminal, please visit:

Please do not contact Buffalo Central Terminal staff or board with questions or interest in the role. All inquiries about the position should be directed to Benefactor Group.

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