Position Summary:
As a member of Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at the New York City Children’s Theater (NYCCT), the Development Director (DD) will work in collaboration with the Executive Director and Artistic Director to plan and execute a comprehensive development and fundraising plan to provide for the short- and long-term growth of the organization. Leading the development department, the DD will oversee all aspects of fundraising and grow and diversify streams of philanthropic support.
Key Duties/Responsibilities
Development Leadership and Administration
- Assess needs, apply best practices, develop, and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan that integrates all fundraising activities, including annual appeal, planned giving, institutional grants, and special events.
- Partner with the Executive Directors and General Manager to craft the annual budget and set ambitious yet realistic annual goals.
- Act as the main contact and correspondent for government-elected officials, government agencies, and lobbyists.
- Maximize the use of technology for donor and prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Monitor trends and changes in the local and national philanthropic landscape and take appropriate actions to ensure that NYCCT is well-positioned to respond to shifting dynamics.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise part-time employees and interns to assist with development projects.
- Maintain a clear database of funders including individuals, government entities, foundations, and corporations.
- Maintain a comprehensive calendar of all grant applications, government contracts, and report deadlines.
- Manage and draft monthly newsletters to donors, funders, and prospects.
- Lead the publication of the organizational annual report in partnership with all departments.
- Survey and visit programs to ensure program delivery aligns with the proposals.
- Collaborate with the marketing department on the creation of all digital and print materials related to development promotions.
- Comply with all applicable internal and external regulations, statutes, and ethical and professional standards.
Institutional Giving
- Expand NYCCT’s already robust pipeline of foundations prospects to support current and future revenue goals.
- Responsible for government discretionary applications and timely reports through various public portals.
- Engage as an articulate, passionate, and visible storyteller and prominent fundraising presence for NYCCT among stakeholders and in the New York City philanthropic community.
- Oversee part-time grants writer and grants process, including creation of inspirational language for proposals, prospects, applications, and reporting.
- Collaborate with the General Manager to prepare grant budgets, financial reports, and financial statements for grant proposals and reports.
Annual Fund and Individual Support
- Design and manage a comprehensive Annual Fund program, including appeals and campaigns.
- Oversee fundraising event logistics and personnel, including staff, volunteers, and vendors. Manage event timelines, budgets, and project plans; assist with the maintenance of accurate event records, invitation lists, RSVP management, and any applicable event committee coordination.
- Partner with the Executive Director and Artistic Director to create and execute a comprehensive annual development plan addressing the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of NYCCT’s donors and donor prospects.
Board Relations
- Manage and track Board’s timely donations, including annual dues, Gala, and specific campaign donations.
- Produce a monthly newsletter with the Board of Directors (BOD) to keep them abreast of NYCCT programs and events.
- Liaise with the Board of Directors and Gala Committee on all development-related activities, and lead and implement the annual fundraising event.
- Prepare and present development reports for Board meetings, both on paper and in person, as needed.
Qualifications
- A minimum of five years of progressive fundraising experience with at least one year of supervisory leadership.
- A proven track record in securing new revenue and setting and achieving fundraising goals of at least $1M annually.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with expertise in donor prospecting, strategic communications, and proposal writing.
- Excels in multitasking and prioritizing within a complex development program.
- Experienced and committed to arts education and youth development, with knowledge of children’s theater and the nonprofit field.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
- A thoughtful strategist, collaborator, and compelling storyteller.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and donor data CRM.
- Visionary and passionate about advancing NYCCT’s mission, with a collaborative communication style.
This is a full-time exempt position with a hybrid option (currently 2 days per week in the office) and a 10 to 6 work schedule that will require occasional weekend and evening hours.
To Apply: Email cover letter, writing sample and CV to with Subject line: Development Director
Deadline to apply: January 20, 2025
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