Director of Development

Works in close collaboration with Executive Director, staff and board. The Director of Development will be the driving force for creating, implementing and monitoring a three-year, comprehensive development strategy that will raise funds, friends and the school’s profile in alignment with the school’s culture, need for annual operating funds, and aspiration to raise funds to achieve the vision for growth. Seeking someone who is both a systems thinker and a fundraising practitioner who approaches development as a science and an art.   https://bronxarts.net/careers/

ABOUT BRONX CHARTER SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS 

Bronx Charter School for the Arts (Bronx Arts) is a K-8 public school, with an elementary school in Hunts Point and a middle school in Soundview, founded on the principle that a rich and vibrant background in the arts is a key component of achieving academic excellence. We strive to serve as a model that encourages creativity and innovation in the classroom and inspires students -- we refer to as scholars -- to develop the intellectual and personal fortitude to realize their dreams. 

Bronx Arts is in its 18th year of operation serving students in the South Bronx where 49% of children live in poverty. For 10 years and more, despite efforts, Bronx County remains 62nd out of 62 counties in health ranking in New York State based on a report by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin. It is within our community reality that Bronx Arts was founded -- and continues -- with a dedication to academic excellence and excellence in arts instruction. In the spring, we received our fourth charter school renewal and have reaffirmed our commitment to the arts. In this uncertain time with the Covid-19 pandemic we are doubling down, doing all we can to support our scholars and families. We are also aspiring to provide an excellent education with a whole child approach and to reach more students in our community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create, implement and monitor progress on a three-year, donor-centered development and communications strategy to raise major gift funds from individuals, foundations, and corporations ranging $5K-$1M
• Work closely with board leadership, staff the Development Committee and proactively engage board members
• Together with the Executive Director, develop and maintain long-term relationships with donors -- whom we see as partners -- through authentic engagement
• Manage all aspects of the institutional grant making process including LOI, applications, grants awarded, reports and donor relationships
• Build a robust donor base through creating and implementing a donor pipeline process including research and prospecting while learning and adjusting as as we go forth
• Partner with senior leadership to identify funds needed and to form an internal development team to discuss strategy, planning, success metrics and implementation
• Oversee and manage day-to-day development process including Salesforce, gift acknowledgement process and annual calendar of cultivation and stewardship activities
• Work with staff managing gift processing, donor communications, social media and events
• Oversee an annual spring fundraising event as well as cultivation and stewardship events throughout the year focused on the arts

 EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of progressively responsible fundraising at fast paced, growth oriented organization
• Proven success in the areas of individual and foundation giving
• Positive results as a front-line fundraiser utilizing all aspects of donor management cycle: identification, introduction, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Track record of building authentic, lasting relationships especially with volunteers
• Competence in telling the organization’s story, making the case for support and creating communications materials
• Familiarity in working with a CRM database (Salesforce a plus) to track donor information, maintain records and utilize to advance and deepen relationships
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational and management skills
• BA required, MA a plus

QUALITIES

• Commitment to advancing Bronx Arts’ mission
• Passion and experience in the arts and/or education
• Excellent communication skills and keen attention to detail
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit, able to manage competing priorities
• Highly positive and enthusiastic style, capable of motivating others
• Entrepreunerial, strong work ethic, efficient and results oriented
• Can work independently and as part of an integrated and diverse team
• Able to work a flexible schedule

Compensation packages are competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include: Health, Paid Time-Off, Short-term Disability, Life Insurance, and Commuter Benefit Program. Optional benefits include: Retirement Investment (403 Plan), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, and Medical Flexible Spending Account.

Bronx Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Bronx Arts does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. Candidates with experience and a commitment to serving in urban areas are strongly encouraged to apply on the Bronx Arts website: https://bronxarts.net/careers/