Director of Development

Opportunity:

ArtsWestchester (ArtsW) seeks an exceptional Director of Development to be a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the formation and execution of a cohesive, and systematic advancement program to broaden ArtsW’s development, outreach, and stakeholder relations activities. 2025 kicks off a milestone decade for ArtsW as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. The Diamond Jubilee year is an opportunity for the organization to cultivate new partnerships that will help position it for its next 60 years. ArtsW welcomed a new CEO in July 2024 and with a major capital program planned for its landmarked building, the new Director of Development joins ArtsW at an exciting moment of change. This role is responsible for the qualification, cultivation and solicitation of major donor prospects, foundation and corporate partners, as well as oversight of ArtsW’s annual portfolio of fundraising events including the Arts Awards, Ralph Martinelli Memorial Golf Tournament, and a benefit concert for the arts. The Director of Development oversees a full time Special Events and Membership Manager. Additional advancement support is provided by the Chief of Staff (Board and Government relations), the Director of Marketing and Communications (corporate relations) and Public Programs team members (Federal and State grants, special events). Additional budget has been allocated to allow the incumbent to add a position to the Development department.

Responsibilities:

Develop a 360 degree strategy to leverage, build and deepen philanthropic relationships to generate $800,000 in new dollars.

Work with prospects will include facilitating communications and strategy development with faculty, staff and volunteer leaders and will involve travel.

Collaborate with the CEO and Board of Directors to set fundraising goals and monitor progress.

Lead the planning and performing of key tasks to increase and diversify our donor base by cultivating major donors, foundation and corporate partnerships, and revamping individual giving strategies.

Identify new prospects each year and secure visits to engage potential major donors and partners in the mission of ArtsW.

Develop and implement a donor-centered and mission-centered cultivation strategy for each individual in the portfolio, including members of the Board of Directors and corporate partners, and create individualized planned steps.

Oversee the development and implementation of ArtsW’s core fundraising events.

Record all activities in Raiser's Edge and meet annual "moves" goal.

Plan solicitation schedule and solicit gifts toward individual and team fundraising goals.

Draft gift agreements, partnership agreements, and other documents as needed.

Draft grant applications for corporate and foundation prospects, in collaboration with appropriate team members.

Qualifications

Minimum of 10 years of experience in advancement/development, preferably in the arts and cultural sector.

Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.

Has a proven track record of securing major gifts and grants.

Experience in BlackBaud systems or similar donor management software, developing prospect databases and moves management systems.

Possesses a deep understanding of developing and maintaining productive working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Is an analytical thinker who can effectively communicate our mission.

Has exceptional writing, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and inspire others.

Is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and empowered.

Possesses extreme attention to detail.

Compensation, Schedule and Benefits

Salary range: $110,000 - $120,000*

Full-time position, occasional weekends and evenings

Hybrid work schedule: 4 days in the office / 1 day remote

The advertised pay scale reflects the good faith minimum and maximum salary for this role. The advertised pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage for any specific employee. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, special licensing or qualifications, or other factors.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

To apply: Please send cover letter and resume to resume@artswestchester.org with the subject line “Director of Development”

About ArtsWestchester

For 60 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest private not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable Westchester County in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue. https://artswestchester.org/