The Art Students League of New York seeks a Director of Development to lead and grow the development department at a time when the institution is preparing to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025. The League has continuously fulfilled its mission by offering accessible and affordable studio art education and instruction in the context of an Atelier system, and currently serves more than 2,500 students of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels, each month. The Director of Development will be responsible for the Leagueās fundraising and development efforts, including funding for potential capital campaigns. They seek an entrepreneurial, front-line fundraiser to create and execute a strategy that will set the organization up for success well into the future. The successful candidate will work closely with fellow members of their senior management team, as well as manage a 3-person development team, and outside consultants. The ability to build, manage and expand relationships within and outside the institution will be a key aspect of the role. 10+ years of development/ fundraising experience in a nonprofit organization is required. Someone with experience in the arts and culture field preferred.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties
Raise funds from individuals, corporations and foundations that will support the Leagueās operations and growth initiatives
Work closely with the Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and Development Committee to establish an annual fundraising target, detailing the strategy and budget required to address the financial needs of the organization
Manage the Development/Database Manager and work closely/collaborate with other internal staff involved in development-related initiatives (e.g., Gallery & Exhibitions department, Exhibition Outreach, Seeds of the League, Works in Public program, etc.)
Provide input to the marketing and graphic services department for all development-related communications (e.g., solicitations to members, corporate institutions, foundations, grants, donors, and/or prospective donors; social media campaigns; annual and summer marketing appeals; the development and communications section of the ASL website and newsletters)
Act as the main liaison between the Executive Director and the Board development committee to solicit input needed to move fundraising plans ahead
Direct the planning, scheduling, and implementation of development initiatives
and activities
Solicit and screen a high-potential āshort listā of donors to be personally cultivated by the Executive Director and Board of Directors
Work closely with other League staff as necessary to plan, implement, and manage development initiatives
Expand target donors through community relations, speaking engagements,
alumni outreach, newsletters, and charitable events
Other Responsibilities
Develop and maintain positive relationships across the League, including members, donors, institutions, Board members, and the Press (when appropriate)
Support the Executive Director as a āspokespersonā as needed, to promote the League and its programs internally and externally
Supervise the Development/Database Manager who is responsible for managing the Leagueās fundraising database (Raiser’s Edge), data entry, and gift processing
Prepare quarterly Board meeting presentations and documents in support of development activities
Possesses personal and professional confidence and āgravitasā to interact at the Executive and Board level
A demonstrated ability to solicit major gifts, with an established network of individuals who are interested in supporting the arts in general, and The League in particular
Has cultural sensitivity and the communication skills necessary to tailor messages to various audiences and in turn, be an effective representative of the League to its diverse constituencies
A proven ability to partner and collaborate with other organization staff
Demonstrated success in planning, implementing, and managing significant development projects to achieve organization objectives
An ability to take the initiative and make things happen
Broad based knowledge of art and its history/cultural impact
A passionate commitment to The Art Students Leagueās mission and vision
A visionary spirit to develop unique and effective fundraising plans
BA or BS from an accredited College or University required; an MA in nonprofit management, public relations, development/ fundraising, or business administration highly desired
10+ years of development/fundraising experience in a nonprofit organization; a history of progressively responsible experience in development and fundraising, managing staff and budgets
CFRE desirable but not required
Nonprofit experience in the field of art and/or education a plus
Experience or familiarity with Raiserās Edge fundraising database software
Proficient in MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams
Submit a cover letter and resume to recruiting@murkandco.com with ājobs.art, Job #8124ā in the subject line.