Development Director [SculptureCenter, New York, NY]

Description

SculptureCenter is New York’s only contemporary art museum dedicated to sculpture. Since relocating to Long Island City in 2002, SculptureCenter has emerged as one of New York’s most adventurous contemporary art spaces with a unique and independent vision. SculptureCenter’s acclaimed exhibitions, publications and educational programs lead the field, introducing artists to New York audiences and highlighting voices important to the history and future of contemporary art on an international platform.  With a $1.5 million budget and a $1.5 million endowment, SculptureCenter recently completed a major building expansion and renovation and a $5 million capital campaign. The organization is now poised to build on the momentum generated by recent successes and deepen our commitment to experimental and innovative practices. SculptureCenter is seeking an experienced development professional ready to help enable this exciting next phase of growth.

Position Summary

As part of the senior management team, the Development Director will work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to strengthen financial capacity in order to protect artistic risk-taking, ensure balanced budgets, and lay a foundation for long-term financial stability. The Development Director is responsible for the design, implementation, and administration of all fundraising initiatives including individual giving, government grants, foundation and corporate support, and aspects of earned revenue. The Development Director reports to the Executive Director and supervises a freelance grantwriter and a development assistant.

General Responsibilities

Create and implement an annual fundraising plan with strategies to achieve contributed income targets that support SculptureCenter’s operating budget and special projects as established in strategic plan and through annual reviews.

Spearhead major gift fundraising, expand the donor base by increasing membership in patron groups and upgrading existing donors.  Manage institutional giving by overseeing relationships and proposals to foundation, government and corporate partners.  Collaborate with Executive Director, Trustees and senior staff on special events and earned income initiatives such as the patron travel program.

Specific Duties

Design and implement strategies to identify and solicit new individual donors and increase giving from existing donors.  Oversee prospect research. Identify, cultivate and solicit donor prospects. Manage a portfolio of individual donors including cultivation, renewal and stewardship. Create programs in collaboration with curatorial and other staff to attract and retain major donors and increase their commitment to the organization. Establish and implement donor recognition and stewardship programs, including the Ambassadors ($1,000+) and a new upper level patron program, Directors’ Circle ($5,000+).

Identify, research and track prospects (foundation, corporations and government agencies), and work with trustees and staff to develop and solicit those prospects. Establish and maintain relationships with program staff at foundations, government agencies, and corporations; supervise the preparation of funding proposals including budgets, and oversee grant stewardship including contracts, invoices, acknowledgements, and reporting.

Act as staff liaison to the Development Committee of the Board, scheduling meetings, working with individual Trustees on cultivation and solicitation of their contacts. Provide regular reports to the Executive Director and Development Committee.

Supervise freelance grantwriter and development associate on specific limited projects.

Write and edit proposals and presentations to potential donors and corporate sponsors.  Supervise Development Associate in preparation of reports and acknowledgements for funders. Review all development related external correspondence and website content before dissemination.

Spearhead the patron travel program, designing, coordinating, and marketing national and international trips.

Collaborate with Associate Director on two major benefit events each year.

Participate in strategic planning and lead special projects when required. Work closely with Trustees and senior staff to implement strategic plan and meet the development goals outlined.

Compensation:

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Excellent benefit package.

To apply:

Send resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications to: jobs@sculpture-center.org with Development Director in the subject line.

SculptureCenter is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to nondiscrimination for all persons in employment, exhibitions, programs, and access to facilities, activities, and services.

Requirements

1. B.A. and a minimum of five years of experience with increasing responsibility in development, preferably in a museum or other cultural organization.
2. Enthusiasm for and knowledge of contemporary art.
3. Excellent verbal, analytical and research skills. Ability to craft clear and compelling written proposals is essential.
4. A proven ability to develop and manage creative fundraising strategies for the public and private sectors (individuals, foundations, government, and corporations.)
5. Demonstrated experience closing major gifts and achieving contributed income goals in a sophisticated and competitive donor environment.
6. Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
7. Experience leading, managing and motivating staff and volunteers.
8. Proficiency with database management and ability to organize and analyze data towards implementation of strategic objectives.