Director Of Development, The Clay Studio

Posted by Clay Studio on September 10, 2018

The Clay Studio (TCS) seeks a results-oriented Director of Development to lead the organization’s next phase of growth. The Director will provide the leadership to leverage the organization’s regional and national reputation in the ceramic arts and focus on strategic approaches to expand TCS’s philanthropic base, empowering donors across all segmentations to engage deeply in the mission and vision of The Clay Studio. This includes the ability to design and launch a comprehensive multi-faceted development plan that includes strategies to optimize Board support, build an individual major gifts and stewardship program, grow the membership program and expand institutional support from foundations and corporations. Additional responsibilities include oversight of the Annual Fund and all annual appeals, sponsorships, special events and project – specific campaigns.

The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director, works closely with the leadership staff, Board of Directors and supervises a Grants Associate. S/he will join TCS at a pivotal moment in the organization’s history and will work closely with campaign counsel to coordinate and orchestrate solicitations to raise $5 million of a $13 million new facility in South Kensington. This is an opportunity for a rising professional in the development field eager to build upon foundational skills in direct donor fundraising and manage a multifaceted but small development shop.

The Director of Development is a member of the Executive Management Team, reporting directly to the Executive Director, collaborating with the COO, Curator and board leaders to design and lead strategies calculated for revenue growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· In cooperation with the company’s senior leadership, craft a long-term vision to increase contributed income annually (current contributed revenues are $1 million) from multiple sources and execute a strategic and comprehensive development plan that will support the operating needs of TCS for the present and the long term.

· Source, cultivate and steward a portfolio of mid-to-major individual donors and board members (i.e., $1,000–$75,000+) by developing and executing tailored cultivation and engagement plans

· Develop relationships with current and prospective institutional grantmakers, corporate leaders and government agencies to retain and grow revenues

· In conjunction with the Executive Director and COO, cultivate and steward the Board of Directors to strengthen and support their role in fundraising activities and board development.

· Manage annual giving campaign

· Build a robust membership program or develop new approaches to engage current and former students and new audiences in South Kensington

· Plan, budget, coordinate, execute and align the strategy and effectiveness of special events to raise funds and develop and attract donors.

· Create budgets for proposals and special events and be able to read and understand basic organizational financial reports (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Audited financial statements) and be able to utilize basic accounting software.

· Work closely with communications and marketing team to develop compelling messaging

· Actively advocate for The Clay Studio

Management and Administration

· Develop and manage a team as the department grows, including staff, contract employees, interns and volunteers

· Develop and monitor department budget

· Compose tailored narratives and pitches for high-stakes individual donors, including proposals and all donor correspondence as needed

· Supervise and manage the research and preparation of all funding proposals and grant applications to obtain support for the Studio’s activities and programs and oversee administration, final reporting and relationship management with same

· Create fundraising materials

· Create and regularly update an annual fundraising calendar and related reports to record fundraising efforts, deadlines, and degree of success

· Maintain up-to-date donor database to ensure the accuracy of account information, interaction history, and proposal/report submissions

· Create and maintain development and acknowledgment policies and procedures for all funding sources

· As needed, conduct regular analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to inform ongoing priorities and adjusting course where needed in order to ultimately meet annual goals

Collaboration

· Work in tandem with the BOD to identify and cultivate ideal candidates for Board membership, focusing on the areas of need and capacity; attend Board and other meetings and board events as necessary (will require some evenings and weekends)

· Work across departments to identify potential opportunities for funding, donors, partnerships, and events.

· Strategically leverage the Executive Director, COO, Department heads and board members, to steward and engage donors, including preparing these individuals for successful donor interactions

Funding

TCS has a current annual operating budget of approximately $2 million, of which ~$1 million is generated through philanthropic gifts. The balance is received through tuition, fees and sales.

Qualifications

· Express a passion for clay arts and have knowledge of the cultural life in the region. Have a genuine interest in becoming a driver of the Clay Studio’s mission and vision.

· At least 3-5 years’ experience in major donor development

· A strong desire to forge and maintain long-term relationships with the organization, team members, BOD, supporters, and arts community

· Demonstrated ability to be a strategic thinker and provide leadership in constituency-building

· Have a strong background in not-for-profit fundraising that includes solicitation and/or sales.

· Proven track record of consistent revenue growth from major donors, foundations, and/or corporate donations; preferably with those giving to the arts

· Articulate and persuasive and is a savvy relationship builder. Capable of establishing trust, respect and rapport. A sincere appreciation for people and how they are each uniquely motivated

· Strong written and oral communication skills and superior attention to detail; demonstrated ability to relate well to individuals with a passion for the arts.

· Experience in drafting formal proposals, grants, sponsorship packages, and presentations

· Must possess initiative, leadership, and creative energy.

· Fast-paced and results oriented with the ability to work in a timely manner with multiple deadlines and competing requirements; solid work ethic

· Experience managing a small team is preferable but not required.

· Strong computer skills, including strong knowledge of MS Office, Excel, and databases.

· A Bachelor’s degree is required, and a Master’s degree a plus. A CFRE is preferred, but not required

Organizational Structure:

· Reports to Executive Director

· Member of senior management team

· Works closely with BOD and Capital Campaign Committee

· Supervises development associate

Compensation: The Clay Studio offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience and a complete benefit package.

Application Process: Applicants should submit cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: charity@theclaystudio.org. No phone calls, please.

Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately with deadline of September 16th or until the position is filled.

The Clay Studio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates for employment are considered without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, sexual preference, age, non-job-related disability, or marital status.