Director of External Relations

Location: Bronx, NY (in-person)

Bronx Documentary Center

Established in 2011, the Bronx Documentary Center (BDC) is a dynamic mission-driven photography, journalism and cultural organization in the South Bronx. Our staff work together to fulfill our mission–using community-based documentary photography and film practice and education to shine a light on vital issues,contribute to social change and give individuals and communities the tools to express their unique visions. The BDC is at an exciting stage of organizational development and growth, having created highly effective programs in exhibitions, youth education and college prep, documentary filmmaking, and adult workforce development in photography.

We’re looking for a part time, experienced External Relations professional to spearhead our fundraising efforts. As Director, you’ll report to the BDC’s Executive Director and collaborate closely with staff and the Board of Directors, working towards specific goals in individual giving, major gifts, corporate support, special events, planned giving and annual fund campaigns. Your primary responsibility will be to lead fundraising initiatives, cultivate donor relationships, and oversee all aspects of communications to promote our mission and goals.

Responsibilities

Fundraising and Development

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with our mission and financial goals.
• Identify and target potential donors, sponsors, and funding opportunities, both individual and institutional, to secure financial support.
• Plan and execute fundraising campaigns, events, and initiatives to attract and retain donors.
• Identify and establish relationships with key funders and donors to help develop new sources of sustainable fundraising
• Generate new restricted and unrestricted revenue
• Develop and implement membership programs
• Oversee the planning and execution of multiple fundraising events throughout the year
• Produce and manage the production of annual reports

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Act as a representative of the organization, building relationships with community members, partners, and other stakeholders
• Attend BDC’s events, community events, and networking opportunities to promote the BDC’s mission and build a strong network of supporters
• Engage corporate sponsors in giving opportunities
• Process individual and corporate donors’ acknowledgement letters
• Collaborate with other arts and culture organizations locally and regionally, creating partnerships that serve a wide audience and create lasting impact
• Establish and maintain relationships with existing donors, ensuring timely communication and stewardship to nurture ongoing support.
• Identify and engage with potential major donors, cultivating long-term partnerships.
• Create personalized donor acknowledgment and recognition programs to show appreciation for contributions.

Marketing and Communications

• Develop strategy for marketing the BDC’s activities with the aim of generating revenue and community participation in its programs and services
• In collaboration with program leads, coordinate internal and external communications to promote the visibility of events and manage the production of print materials to ensure continuity and consistency of the BDC’s brand
• Write, edit, compile, and prepare event materials and collateral. Draft remarks, speaking points, and overall run-of-show guidelines
• Oversee finalized draft of weekly newsletter
• Strategize and steward press relations and interact with the press
• With key staff, oversee creation and execution of marketing and communications plans that
• include advertising, public relations, and digital and social media efforts, as well as forming new
• strategic partnerships
• Write materials for various marketing and fundraising activities, including reporting for
• funders and board
• Supervise email marketing and website to ensure they are grammatically correct, well presented, represent high quality presentations, and are aimed at generating revenue and promoting BDC’s offerings
• Expand participation in, as well as elevate the BDC’s brand/identity awareness

Knowledge and Qualifications

Required:

Compelling candidates will be self-directed, have strong communication, writing, and analytical skills, and strong project management skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred
• Five-plus years relevant experience in development, grant writing, and individual/major gifts experience, with demonstrated success in raising significant funds
• Experience working with organizations in arts and culture and education
• Strong time-management skills and strength in handling multiple projects at one time

Additional Priority Skills:

• Prior experience working with an arts, journalism or human rights nonprofit; demonstrated interest in documentary photography and film is a strong asset
• Strong knowledge of the city, state, and national philanthropy environment
• Ability to be comfortable and skillful in developing relationships during BDC events and with external professionals
• Spanish language skills

Time Commitment

Commitment of 40 hours per week; there is some flexibility in this time commitment. Weeknights and weekends may be required. This is an in-person position.

Salary

The salary for this position is $120,000 commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Health and dental
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off + sick days + paid time off between Christmas and New Year

For more information about the Bronx Documentary Center, please visit www.bronxdoc.org.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, three professional work references, and 2-3 writing samples to Den@bronxdoc.org and jobs@bronxdoc.org.

Bronx Documentary Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law. Bronx residents are encouraged to apply.