Position

The Development Director provides leadership, strategic planning/management of all fundraising efforts.  This is a senior-level position and is critical to the Center’s stability and growth, overseeing the creation and implementation of a comprehensive development strategy and program that includes annual giving composed of foundations, corporations, government grants, individuals, and major donors. The Development Director works closely with the Executive Director and the Development Committee and will have primary responsibility for funding relationships and initiatives. They ensure the timely and energetic execution of strategic fund development planning; donor research, cultivation, solicitation, and relations generally; grantsmanship; and special events and will be responsible for achieving fundraising goals and engaging board members, staff, and donors. The ideal candidate will be organized, visionary, and have an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for arts and culture.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute an annual, comprehensive fundraising plan, integrated with marketing and communications, that includes a regular series of annual mail and digital fundraising appeals and stewardship communications, individual major gifts fundraising strategies, stewardship and engagement, sponsorships, and grants management.
• Contribute to Executive Team planning and strategy processes and offer creative leadership to the organization at large.
• Cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with major donors and lead board and staff in securing contributions from individuals, corporations, and other donors.
• Identify and prioritize new funding sources.
• Implement strategies to expand and grow Planned Giving Program.
• Develop and track activity and reports for all individual, corporate or other fundraising and coordinate staff responsible for data entry and gift processing. Work with Finance Director to ensure accurate records and compliance.
• Develop and/or facilitate all future capital campaigns, expansions, or endowment campaigns including coordinating with outside fundraising counsel if any.
• Oversee production of promotional mailings, printed pieces, and other communications related to fundraising. In collaboration with the Marketing Team, create cohesive, relevant communication strategies to meet and exceed organizational goals.
• Ensure appropriate acknowledgement and response to all donors for all contributions and gifts.
• Build infrastructure for departmental growth.
• Stay abreast of trends and best practices in the fields of fundraising and nonprofit administration.
• Other duties as assigned by Executive Director or Board of Directors.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, preferably in the performing arts or related industry
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience
• Excellent research, written, and oral communication skills, and ability to use data to refine development strategies
• Proven track record of managing and stewarding successful donor and funder relationships
• Strong leadership skills – must be able to conceive, strategize, plan, and lead the execution of the development strategy, and willingness to grow department and mentor new development staff
• Thorough knowledge of theories and effective practices in donor acquisition and stewardship, including personal solicitation, major donor programs, direct mail, social networking, online giving, planned giving, event planning, and grantsmanship
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Superior computer skills and proficiency in donor management systems or CRM programs
• Entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to adapt to change quickly
• Sensitivity to cultural diversity, enthusiasm for the arts, and sincere belief in the life-changingopportunities in the arts
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and with discretion in a team setting

To apply, please submit a cover letter along with a resume and three references to:

Executive Director at:   joanna@sammonsartcenter.org

Please include “Director of Development” in the subject line. For more information on The Sammons Center for the Arts, visit www.sammonsartcenter.org