Director of Development

Responsible for the planning and execution of all sponsorship and philanthropic giving programs related to New Spire Arts operations. The Director of Development will be a leader in creating strategic approaches to meeting and advancing the Stages Theater’s $2M annual budget goal. Growing annual individual giving, major gifts, institutional giving, sponsorship and endowment are central to the position.

Position Title: Director of Development

Supervisor’s Title: Executive Director

FLSA: Exempt

Position Type: Full Time

Salary: $60,000 to $65,000

Organizational Background: New Spire Arts is a new performing arts education and performance center in Frederick, the second largest city in Maryland and about an hour’s drive northwest of Washington, DC. Two downtown properties are being renovated into the New Spire Stages and New Spire Spaces, performance and education venues, respectively. New Spire Stages, the city’s former Cultural Arts Center, will be an arts performance and information focal point for the community and will include a 250-seat black box theatre and small amphitheater/gathering space. New Spire Spaces, a former Department of Education facility, will be an education and creative hub, with classrooms and suites designed to serve current and future forms of performing arts presentation and instruction. New Spire Arts will anchor the Frederick theater district with cutting edge performances and transformational educational programs. The organization was created as a response to Frederick’s need for exceptional arts programming and as a catalyst to support local artists.

Key responsibilities include:

Annual Fund: Develop innovative campaigns to increase funding from individuals, corporations and foundations.

• Individuals/Major Gifts: Coordinate fundraising, direct mail, major gifts, and planned giving solicitations. Plan and implement donor acknowledgement procedures as well as donor appreciation/cultivation events.
• Institutional Grants: Develop strategic vision for a wide array of grant opportunities. Identify and secure Sponsorships for presenting series and educational programs. Market and coordinate corporate box and premium seat sales programs.
• Fundraising Events: Oversee the implementation of annual auction and gala concert and reception. Work with Board and event committees to achieve goals.

Capital Campaign: Working with Executive Director and external consultants, supervise all capital campaign activities and staff including volunteer training and the identification, cultivation and solicitation of donor prospects.

Advocacy: Guide the work of board members and coordinate trustee efforts to garner the support of City, State and Federal officials.

Board Management: Work collaboratively with Executive Director in guiding trustees in their committees and individually to strengthen institutional bonds and maximize the time, talents and connections in service to the organization’s mission. In concert with the Board Chair and Executive Director, develop meeting agendas and reports. Provide assistance to Governance Chair in the management of trustee prospect process, including maintenance of a list of active candidates, updating prospect materials, and scheduling prospect interactions. Conduct new trustee orientations. Maintain records on trustee participation for Governance Committee evaluation purposes.

Internal Interactions: Works closely with Executive, Operations, Education, Marketing and Ticket/Box Office departments in planning and coordinating related activities and community outreach programs.

Relationship-Building: Represent the organization to stakeholders and community-at-large serving as an ambassador at community functions, receptions, meetings and performances. Provides ongoing stewardship to all corporate, foundation and individual donors, from prospecting and initial engagement through follow up and ongoing relations to engage a large and diverse community in the mission and programs of the organization.

Annual Budgets: Create and monitor income and expense budgets for development department. Develop program budgets for various initiatives, as needed.

Staff Management: Develop a team as the department grows, including staff, contractual grant writers, and interns.

Salary: The salary will range between $60K to $65K depending on education and prior experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred or combination of education with equivalent years of work experience
• 5 years of proven, hands-on experience managing development efforts generating at least $2M annually and experience in the following areas:
  o Working directly with a Board of Trustees, related committees and volunteers
  o Soliciting and closing major gifts ($10,000+) from individuals and businesses
  o Designing and overseeing annual fund campaigns
  o Planned giving and capital campaigns
  o Successful grant writing and grant management experience
  o Proficiency in computers and experience with fund raising databases is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational, written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to interface with all levels of management
• Strong organizational abilities, including staff management, plan development and task facilitation
• Creative thinking for problem solving, the ability to prioritize urgent or last-minute requests, and a willingness to assist when the need arises
• Understanding that good stories drive fundraising opportunities and ability to develop stories to facilitate fundraising
• Demonstrated understanding of the best practices in fundraising and current philanthropic trends
• Working knowledge of brand sponsorship opportunities
• Knowledge of the Frederick/Maryland business and philanthropic community
• Patron Manager experience preferred

Special Requirements: Candidate must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule requiring some evenings and weekends throughout the year.

Equal Opportunity Employer: New Spire Arts is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. New Spire Arts is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. Candidates should describe previous activities working with a diverse donor base and mentoring minorities, women, or members of other underrepresented groups.

To apply:

Cover letter and resume may be submitted to Daniel Singh, Executive Director of New Spire Arts, via play@newspirearts.com.