DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
- Employer
- The Watermill Center
- Location
- New York, United States
- Salary
- Salary Commensurate with experience
- Closing date
- Feb 25, 2022
View more
- Position Type
- Fundraising, Annual Fund, Capital Campaigns, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Direct Marketing, Donor Relations, Fundraising Administration, Major Gifts, Membership, Planned Giving, Special Events
- Fields
- Arts, Community Foundations, Philanthropic Advisors
- Employment Type
- Full Time
The Watermill Center seeks an experienced and innovative Development Director to build and lead fundraising initiatives with the Artistic Director, Managing Director, and Director of Institutional Advancement. The Development Director will join the multi-faceted organization at a pivotal moment with the recent creation of a three to five-year strategic plan. Focused on expanding audiences, growing the donor and trustee pipeline, and creating a sustainable funding structure for the future, the Development Director will oversee the Development Team and be responsible for building and executing the development plan and holding themselves and the team responsible for their goals. The right candidate values storytelling, relationship building, and collaboration. The Development Director is a position reporting to the Director of Institutional Advancement and works closely with the Managing Director and Artistic Director.
About The Watermill Center
The Watermill Center is a laboratory for the arts and
humanities, providing a global community the time, space,
and freedom to create and inspire.
Founded in 1992 by Robert Wilson, The Watermill Center is an
interdisciplinary laboratory for the arts and
humanities situated on ten acres of Shinnecock ancestral
territory on Long Island’s East End. With an emphasis on
creativity and collaboration, Watermill offers artist
residencies and education programs that integrate contemporary
artistic practice with resources from the humanities and
research from the sciences.
Situated on 39 Watermill Towd Rd, a 20,000 square foot main
facility houses a Study Library, Art Collection, spaces for
rehearsals, performances, and exhibitions, a kitchen with dining
areas, and office space. The Artist-in-Residence House, at 11
Watermill Towd Road, is a 10,000 square foot facility with eight
private bedrooms, a kitchen, living areas, and an
amphitheater. The Art Collection consists of 5,000+ works of art
and artifacts, ranging from ancient to contemporary, including
numerous museum-quality works from Indonesia, Africa, and Oceania,
as well as works by contemporary artists such as Paul Thek,
Donald Judd, Bruce Nauman, Robert Mapplethorpe, Agnes Martin,
among others.
Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy
● With the Director of Institutional Advancement, Managing
Director, and Trustees, build a comprehensive strategy to
sustainably expand philanthropic support, both domestically and
internationally.
● Create a thriving culture of philanthropy in support of The
Watermill Center’s programming and operations.
● Develop short and long-range fundraising goals and implement
plans to ensure the team works effectively and cohesively
towards these goals.
● Work with the Development Team to evaluate data from past
fundraising efforts and the organization’s donor database to
help develop fundraising strategies.
● Execute fundraising plans with precision and report regularly on
progress.
● Draft compelling material for the Communications Team to support fundraising efforts.
Individual Giving
● Plan and manage individual donor campaigns with Development
Team
● Oversee donor research, cultivation, solicitation, and ongoing
relationship management.
● Create a pipeline for future donors and trustees.
● Develop and implement a planned giving program and
strategy.
● Support the Managing Director, Board Chair, and Artistic
Director’s efforts to manage and engage the board.
● Help with board development, including research and stewardship
of strong, diverse board candidates.
Institutional Giving
● Develop and implement a strategy for Institutional Giving.
● Identify and secure new funding opportunities to support programs
and operations.
● Work with programs and operations teams to identify future
funding opportunities.
● Oversee institutional funding calendar to ensure timely
applications and reporting processes.
● Communicate goals and manage timely delivery of application
materials with a grant writer.
● Build and maintain relationships with grant program managers and
funders.
Sponsorships
● Research and connect with companies eager to support and engage
with The Watermill Center’s programs and events.
● Build relationships with the local business community to seek
support for local public programs and education
initiatives.
● Steward current brand partners and develop integrated
opportunities to support both the artists and meet sponsors’
goals.
● Work with the Communications Team to create sponsorship packages
and documents.
● Ensure sponsorship benefits are met, and reporting requirements
are completed.
Membership
● With the development team, oversee membership initiatives and
membership-related events and activities.
● Develop strategies to grow and engage our members.
● Strategize with the Communications and Programs departments to
create content for our members.
Special Events
● Oversee the planning and coordination of special events ranging
from membership activities to fundraising events, such as our
Summer Benefit and Artists’ Table series.
● Work with the Artist Programs Manager and Curator to coordinate
artist participation during events.
Finance, Reports, and Record-Keeping
● Prepare and manage annual departmental revenue and expense
budgets and track quarterly cash flow against contributed
income projections.
● Prepare financial reports for the Leadership Team.
● Regularly work with the Director of Finance to ensure accurate
financial records.
● Oversee the Development Team’s management of the Salesforce
database, donation processing, tracking, and analysis.
● Ensure acknowledgment letters and thank you notes are sent in a
timely manner.
Desired Skills & Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
● Considerable development experience and a strong track record in
all areas of development
● Knowledge of contemporary arts and cultural sector with a
demonstrated commitment to supporting artists and the
arts
● Strong management skills with proven ability to motivate and
lead
● Strategic, analytical, and detail-oriented with excellent writing
and interpersonal skills
● Excellent organizational, research, and communication skills with
strong attention to detail
● Highly collaborative and able to work across the
organization
● Experience prioritizing tasks, working deadlines, and adapting to
changing priorities
● Experience handling multiple projects simultaneously
● Strategic thinker with creative problem-solving skills
● Proficiency in development database software, Google and
Microsoft Suites, Slack, Zoom, and adopting new digital
tools.
● Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for special
events
Employment Terms
Full-time, ongoing position located at The Watermill Center in
Water Mill, NY. M-F, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with some weekend
hours. 15 days vacation, dates to be approved by supervisor; 10
major public holidays; 5 personal days; Option for health and
dental insurance benefits; option for 401(k) plan. Salary
commensurate with experience.
Applications
Please send a resume and a brief cover letter as a single PDF to
careers@watermillcenter.org with the subject heading
“Development Director.” Only those whose applications are being
considered will be contacted. No other emails or phone calls,
please.
The Watermill Center, operated by the Byrd Hoffman Water Mill
Foundation, is a proud equal opportunity employer and
considers applicants for all positions without regard to race,
color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression,
national origin, age, disability, familial or veteran status,
sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
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