Director of Development

Opening Act (OA) is seeking a dynamic, hands-on Director of Development to join its senior leadership team and drive growth through robust donor engagement and cultivation. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role will lead OA’s fundraising strategy, manage donor relations, and execute grant writing and systems administration efforts.

About Opening Act

For 24 years, Opening Act has been committed to advancing arts equity by centering the voices of students of color through free, high-quality theatre education in under-resourced public schools. OA transforms students’ lives and empowers young artists and leaders by building confidence, fostering community, teaching collaboration, and inspiring creativity to support students’ success in school and beyond. Since its founding in 2001, OA has reached over 7,000 young people. Today, its year-long, in-school theatre program serves high schools and middle schools across New York City, including a partnership with the city’s alternative school district. OA’s out-of-school programs provide students with opportunities to join an ensemble of peers, further developing their artistic and leadership skills through field trips and additional training on weekends and during summer break. After graduation, OA alumni can join our Act 2 program, which supports their academic, professional, and artistic growth.

Opening Act is at a pivotal and exciting juncture, and we’re thrilled to welcome a new Director of Development to work alongside our new Executive Director and drive the next phase of success in arts education and youth development.

About the Role

The Director of Development is an essential part of Opening Act’s management team. In collaboration with the Executive Director, they will be responsible for raising approximately $1.5 million in FY25. Opening Act seeks an experienced, front-line Director of Development who will play a key role in our growth by energizing and expanding support for our mission. This role requires a strategic, collaborative, and inspirational leader with a commitment to the arts and community building. The Director of Development will join the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Executive Director, and will work with colleagues, board members, donors, and community partners to build and sustain funding. This position includes guiding a moves management approach to donor engagement and effectively securing donations at all levels. It is well-suited to a candidate who excels in prospecting, cultivating, and stewarding substantial gifts, has a demonstrated track record of raising multi-year six and seven-figure grants and donations, and who possesses both leadership qualities and a hands-on approach to the full development process, including grant writing and systems administration.

Key Responsibilities

The Director of Development will oversee the creation and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, ensuring the continuity of current funding sources and driving long-term growth. Key development areas include:

• Individual Support
  • Annual Fund
  • Major Gifts
  • Program Sponsorship
  • Legacy Giving Programs
• Institutional Giving
  • Government and Foundation Grants
  • Corporate Giving and Sponsorships
• Special Events
  • Donor Cultivation Gatherings
  • Fundraising Events

The Director of Development will work closely with the Director of Programs on funding opportunities and donor reporting, and with the Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships to align messaging. In addition, the Director will work closely with members of the OA Board of Directors. Expansion of the development team is a goal once financial resources are secured.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• A proven track record in securing new revenue, setting and achieving fundraising goals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with expertise in donor prospecting, strategic communications, and proposal writing
• Experience leading a complex and diverse development program
• Commitment to arts education and youth development, with knowledge of the nonprofit field

Additionally, we seek a Director of Development who:

• Is committed to an inclusive and equitable community and OA’s values
• Is a proactive and thoughtful strategist and a compelling storyteller
• Builds strong relationships, independently and collaboratively, to meet fundraising goals
• Is visionary and passionate about advancing OA’s mission, with a collaborative communication style
• Excels in multitasking and prioritizing within a complex development program
• Has a minimum of three years of experience overseeing a development program aligned with organizational goals
• Has a demonstrated record of securing gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations
• Is proficient with development best practices, emerging trends, and technology, including donor management systems
• Has experience building strong relationships with executive leaders, board members, and volunteer committees, and effectively leveraging these partnerships in the fundraising process
• Has a positive outlook and a sense of humor

Additional Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Suite applications, with comfort in using technology for donor communications management.