Director of Development and Communications

Position Overview:  

Status: Full-Time, In-person

The Director of Development and Communications strives to develop a culture of philanthropy at Diller-Quaile. Through the advocacy and promotion of the value of philanthropy and the importance of fund development within Diller-Quaile and the community, the Director of Development and Communications aims to maximize potential and to increase the support base in terms of individual donors, foundations, corporations, alumni, and volunteers. The Director of Development and Communications will be a critical member of the Diller-Quaile staff, working in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Directors of Programs, and Board of Directors to engage all members of the community.

The Director of Development and Communications is responsible for managing day-to-day operations for development and marketing, ensuring that marketing and fundraising goals are aligned with Diller-Quaile’s mission, values, and strategic plan. The Director of Development and Communications develops and executes strategies to cultivate donors and contributions to support Diller-Quaile, while maintaining appropriate systems to fund development including donor management, research and cultivation, gift processing, and recognition. Specifically, the Director of Development and Communications is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of the Annual Fund Appeal process (including individual and major gifts, corporate partners, foundation, and government support), Spring Benefit Gala, and various cultivation events. The Director of Development and Communications identifies and engages donor prospects, cultivates donor relationships, solicits financial support, and maintains donor relationships. The Director of Development and Communications works closely with the Head of Institutional Giving and assists with the writing and reviewing of all letters of inquiry and grant proposals, and ensures that all Raiser’s Edge gift entry and donor acknowledgments are completed on a timely basis. Additionally, the Director of Development and Communications oversees the part-time Marketing and Development Associate position, and the School’s marketing strategies and external communications including website design and upkeep, program and event announcements, and advertisements.

Reporting:

This individual reports to the Executive Director and works closely under the guidance and

direction of the School’s Executive Director and Board of Directors. The Head of Institutional Giving, Marketing and Development Associate, and Graphic Designer report to the Director of Development and Communications while working collaboratively with the Executive Director.

The Director of Development and Communications maintains accountability and compliance standards for donors and funding sources.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of Diller-Quaile’s mission, current programs, and strategic plan;
• Provide the strategic leadership to manage all functions of the development department, ensuring that activities are carried out in keeping with the organization’s values, mission, and plans;
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintain accountability standards to donors, and ensure compliance with code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives;
• Develop, implement, and continually assess plans to achieve Annual Fund goals through timely and targeted solicitations of individual and major gifts, corporate partners, foundation, and government support avenues;
• Play a key role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, working with the Executive Director, and the Development Committee of the Board, as appropriate;
• Develop and manage the School’s corporate sponsorship program including preparing presentation materials, written proposals, and budgets;
• Produce a financially successful and dynamic annual Benefit Gala and other fundraising events;
• Engage and foster partnerships with current and prospective donors through successful cultivation events;
• Oversee research of funding opportunities and evaluate potential sources;
• Working closely with the Head of Institutional Giving, actively seek new funding by identifying and researching foundation and government agency prospects;
• Support and collaborate with the Head of Institutional Giving in preparing grant proposals to new funders, maintaining a calendar of deadlines for renewing funders and new grant opportunities, cultivating and strengthening relationships with current and prospective institutional funders, and preparing interim and final narrative and financial reports to current funders in accordance with their guidelines;
• Manage fundraising budgets;
• Successfully market the School through oversight and upkeep of the School’s website, program and event announcements, advertisements, and the production of various annual publications;
• Manage external communications including email communications, newsletters, and social media sites.
• Supervise part-time Marketing and Development Associate and volunteer network;
• Prepare reports for presentation at quarterly meetings of the Development Committee and for meetings of the Board of Directors; and
• Communicate effectively with the Board and senior staff, to fulfill the overall annual and strategic goals of the School.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of professional, nonprofit fundraising experience;
• Must lead with integrity and have a professional track record of developing productive working relationships with board members, funders, volunteers, and staff members;
• Experience in designing and managing successful annual fund campaigns;
• Track record of personally asking for and securing gifts (> $1,000);
• Must be highly skilled with technology including use of Excel, Microsoft Word, the internet, social media, and donor software (Raiser’s Edge);
• Gala and event planning management;
• Strong problem solving, research, and analytical skills;
• Must be self-motivated, creative, and have great attention to detail;
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends;
• Strong interest in the arts and music;
• A bachelor's degree is required; a graduate degree is preferred; a CFRE is a plus;
• A sense of humor, and the ability to remain poised and positive under pressure.

About the School:

The Diller-Quaile School of Music was founded in 1920 by pianists Angela Diller and Elizabeth Quaile. Since the School’s founders believed that the capacity for understanding and creating music exists in everyone, it was essential that their music school provide a dynamic and well-rounded experience not just for select students, but for all. Today, The Diller-Quaile School of Music is a vibrant community music school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, comprised of the following departments: Early Childhood, Instrumental and Vocal, Adult, Teacher Training, and Community Programs. Curricula emanate primarily from international folk music and classical music. Throughout the school year, Rug Concerts, master classes, student recitals, performances by faculty and guest artists, and special events are offered.

The Diller-Quaile School of Music is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to employees at the School.