Director of Development, Village of Arts and Humanities

Posted by Village of Arts and Humanities on December 12, 2016

In collaboration with The Village’s Board and Leadership, the Director of Development will work to achieve fundraising goals established to meet the programming and facility needs of the organization. The Director of Development will create numerous, efficient, and compelling opportunities for donors and foundations to support the organization and to make the experience of giving satisfying and rewarding.

About The Village of Arts and Humanities

The Village of Arts and Humanities is a nationally renowned community arts organization based in North Philadelphia dedicated to neighborhood revitalization through the arts. We value the power of creativity as our most powerful and effective tool for catalyzing healthy and sustainable change. Our legacy is rooted in artist-facilitated community building, beginning with the work of our founders—dancer, choreographer and civil rights activist Arthur Hall (founder of Ile Ife Black Humanitarian Center, predecessor to The Village) and civic practice artist Lily Yeh.

Over 30 years, our work has evolved from a focus primarily on arts education and land transformation to a broader
and intentional commitment to increasing all residents’ access to tools for creative self-actualization. The Village strives to create a nurturing, energized working environment that taps the creativity of its staff, neighborhood residents and partners to generate programs that are highly supportive, dynamic, and inspiring.

Major Activities

Reporting to and in collaboration with Executive Director:
● Develop and execute The Village’s annual fundraising plan
● Secure financial support from individuals, foundations and corporations
● Implement and manage database to track giving and donor correspondence
● Support ongoing relationships with major donors
● Create and execute strategy for a large sustained base of annual individual donors, capitalizing on The Village’s international audience
● Oversee The Village’s special events
● Develop and track proposals and reports for all foundation and corporate fundraising
● Support and help train Board members and Committees to ensure the best solicitor/donor or solicitor/partner matches, to maximize the number of personal contacts made, to nurture and sustain donor relationships, and to make the experience of giving satisfying and rewarding.
● Translate new business/program concepts to one-page proposals for internal review and beta-test

Qualifications
● Minimum of three years of relevant experience, with successful fundraising record
● Superior adaptive writing skills
● Exceptional attention to detail
● Excellent computer skills, MS Word and Excel required (InDesign and Photoshop a plus)
● High level of problem solving skills and independent decision making
● Experience working with stakeholders, including donors, boards, clients, and staff
● Demonstrated understanding of donor confidentiality and privacy issues
● Ability to work collaboratively with others on a team effort
● A sense of humor and high standards of personal and professional excellence
● Knowledge of community-based arts, youth arts education, creative placemaking, and art-based community development, urban farming and STEAM education – or demonstrated ability to familiarize quickly
● Flexibility and enthusiasm for The Village’s mission and the achievement of fundraising goals

Compensation and Structure

Competitive compensation discussions are a part of the interviewing process. The Village is located in an underserved community in North Central Philadelphia. We reside as neighbors to our constituents on a 3-block campus, with 10 program buildings and 15 art parks. The staff of The Village are at the top of the field in their respective disciplines and work as one family, serving the people of our community and City. The Village offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic, creative community in pursuit of equity for all people—through art. Staff enjoy a flexible on- and off-site work schedule that supports life/work balance. You may be required to work some evening and weekend
hours for events and meetings. This position is benefit eligible and non-exempt.

To Apply
The position will remain open until filled, however the initial review of applications will consist of applications received by December 19, 2016.

Please send the following to jobs@villagearts.org: (1) Resume (2) One page cover letter (3) Up to
three writing samples, one is fine (4) three references