Director of Development

ABOUT THE JOFFREY Considered one of the premier dance companies performing today, the Joffrey plays a vital role in the dance community as one of the largest dance companies and dance education providers in Chicago and the greater Midwest region. The Joffrey expresses an inclusive perspective on dance that reflects the diversity of Chicago through its Company Artists, Academy and Community Engagement programs. The Joffrey Ballet believes in the positive, transformative power of the arts. Our mission is to promote dance through an unwavering commitment to high-quality performances, education, and innovation. Our commitment to "Joffrey For All" forms pathways for every person to experience the joy of dance. The Joffrey Ballet is an equal opportunity employer, providing opportunities to candidates and employees without regard to race, religion, creed, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability unrelated to an individual's ability to perform adequately, national origin citizenship, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected by law. MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES The Director of Development is a member of the Joffrey's senior leadership team responsible for raising funds in support of the Joffrey's short and long-term artistic programming, Community Engagement and Academy educational programs, students, artists and projects. The Director of Development ensures contributed revenue goals are met, nurtures a philanthropic culture, and manages fund development in support of the Joffrey's mission and the Artistic Director's vision. This position implements strategies to grow donor pipeline and contributions, maintains systems for fundraising, and oversees volunteer and donor relations. The Director of Development oversees direct fundraising and programs, and manages a dynamic contributed revenue team. The Director of Development builds relationships to support the Joffrey's commitment to diversity, accessibility, and artistic excellence. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Include but are not limited to the following. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies and timelines to meet or exceed contributed revenue goals. Develop and manage the departmental budget. Inspire, motivate, and manage a dynamic contributed revenue team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. Work closely with the Finance Department on reporting and reconciliation to ensure financial accuracy and transparency. Develop, review and approve sponsor contracts and agreements. Represent the Joffrey at performances and external events, increasing the organization's visibility and engagement. Collaborate with the Advancement team to ensure maximum synergies are achieved through storytelling via the Joffrey's marketing and communications platforms. Provide general oversight of all contributed revenue activities, managing day-to-day operations and ensuring alignment with short-and long-term organizational goals. Develop and manage the Joffrey's donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts, fostering strong relationships with donors. Ensure effective design and implementation of acknowledgment and recognition programs. Oversee fundraising events to ensure fundraising goals are met or exceeded and events are properly branded. Oversee cultivation, stewardship and donor events. An integral leader of the Artistic Innovation Fund-a $50M campaign to support the Joffrey's future. Establish performance measurements related to fundraising strategies and goals, regularly reporting progress using data analysis and KPIs. Stay abreast of developments in philanthropy and fund development, as well as the general fields of management and the not-for-profit sector. Inform the Chief Advancement Officer of current trends, issues, problems, and activities to facilitate policy making; recommend policy positions concerning fund development. Independently or with contributed revenue staff and volunteer leadership, solicit contributions on behalf of the organization. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintaining accountability standards to donors and adhering to ethical principles and standards of professional conduct. Develop and oversee touchpoints with city, state and government officials. Ensure the establishment and maintenance of donor and prospect records, gift management systems, and informational reports. Ensure appropriate prospect research to identify and engage potential donors. Participate in board governance and new board member prospecting. Demonstrate consistent involvement and a continuous dedication to expanding inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility at the Joffrey. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: Leadership: Must be strategic, visionary, inspirational, creative, collaborative, resourceful, and results-oriented. High integrity and commitment to excellence are essential. Communication: Able to turn strategy into actionable plans, communicate clearly, motivate others, and balance big-picture goals with daily tasks. Seeks feedback for alignment and adjustments. Education: Preferably holds a graduate degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or Nonprofit Management, or has equivalent skills and experience. Experience: At least ten years of successful revenue-generating experience and proven success in planning and executing major fundraising campaigns. Fundraising: Skilled in fundraising from various sources, able to speak persuasively with donors, and lead Board and volunteer efforts. Goal Setting: Experienced in setting and achieving goals, leading campaigns, and ensuring continuous improvement. Employee Development: Motivates and energizes others, builds strong teams, celebrates success, and learns from setbacks. Encourages innovation and risk-taking. Management: Proven track record in managing people and excellent strategic, technical, and organizational skills. Relationships: Able to build and maintain relationships with Board members, funders, and civic leaders. Technical Skills: Knowledge of Tessitura, iWave, MarketSmart is a plus. Values: Committed to creating a respectful and supportive working environment, upholding inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. WORK SCHEDULE: Weekly hours will generally be within the range of 8:30am to 5pm Monday through Friday, with additional evening and weekend hours as needed for performances, special events, and to meet deadlines. Regular attendance at evening and weekend performances and events is required. Travel, including national and international, may be required. APPLICABLE PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES: General mobility in office areas. Ability to operate data processing and other office equipment. Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Local travel required. Prolonged periods of standing during events. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. The Joffrey Ballet offers a unique, robust benefits package to our full-time employees, including premium-free health insurance, free on-site therapy to support mental health, dental and vision coverage, free gym membership to Chicago Athletic Clubs, retirement matching, generous paid time off, complimentary tickets to all Joffrey performances, discounts on Joffrey merchandise, access to industry ticket offers, free adult classes in our Academy of Dance, half-price studio rentals, free household access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and much more.