Opening Act
Director of Development
Opening Act, New York, New York, us, 10261
JOB POSTING:
OPENING ACT, NYC
Title:
Director of Development
Classification:
Full time
November 2024
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 $1.5million 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 FundMajor GiftsProgram SponsorshipLegacy Giving Programs
Institutional Giving
Government and Foundation GrantsCorporate Giving and Sponsorships
Special Events
Donor Cultivation GatheringsFundraising 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 goalsExcellent written and oral communication skills, with expertise in donor prospecting, strategic communications, and proposal writingExperience leading a complex and diverse development programCommitment to arts education and youth development, with knowledge of the nonprofit fieldAdditionally, we seek a Director of Development who:
Is committed to an inclusive and equitable community and OA's valuesIs a proactive and thoughtful strategist and a compelling storytellerBuilds strong relationships, independently and collaboratively, to meet fundraising goalsIs visionary and passionate about advancing OA's mission, with a collaborative communication styleExcels in multitasking and prioritizing within a complex development programHas a minimum of three years of experience overseeing a development program aligned with organizational goalsHas a demonstrated record of securing gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundationsIs proficient with development best practices, emerging trends, and technology, including donor management systemsHas experience building strong relationships with executive leaders, board members, and volunteer committees, and effectively leveraging these partnerships in the fundraising processHas 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.
Compensation : Competitive salary of $75,000 - $85,000, commensurate with skills and experience, plus benefits: paid time off, health, dental and vision insurance, 403(b) plan, and paid parental leave.
Deadline: December 5, 2024.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
Opening Act values diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
For more information, visit: www.openingact.org
OPENING ACT, NYC
Title:
Director of Development
Classification:
Full time
November 2024
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 $1.5million 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 FundMajor GiftsProgram SponsorshipLegacy Giving Programs
Institutional Giving
Government and Foundation GrantsCorporate Giving and Sponsorships
Special Events
Donor Cultivation GatheringsFundraising 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 goalsExcellent written and oral communication skills, with expertise in donor prospecting, strategic communications, and proposal writingExperience leading a complex and diverse development programCommitment to arts education and youth development, with knowledge of the nonprofit fieldAdditionally, we seek a Director of Development who:
Is committed to an inclusive and equitable community and OA's valuesIs a proactive and thoughtful strategist and a compelling storytellerBuilds strong relationships, independently and collaboratively, to meet fundraising goalsIs visionary and passionate about advancing OA's mission, with a collaborative communication styleExcels in multitasking and prioritizing within a complex development programHas a minimum of three years of experience overseeing a development program aligned with organizational goalsHas a demonstrated record of securing gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundationsIs proficient with development best practices, emerging trends, and technology, including donor management systemsHas experience building strong relationships with executive leaders, board members, and volunteer committees, and effectively leveraging these partnerships in the fundraising processHas 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.
Compensation : Competitive salary of $75,000 - $85,000, commensurate with skills and experience, plus benefits: paid time off, health, dental and vision insurance, 403(b) plan, and paid parental leave.
Deadline: December 5, 2024.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
Opening Act values diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
For more information, visit: www.openingact.org