Senior Director, Development

New York City Ballet is one of the foremost dance companies in the world, with an unparalleled repertory of ballets, nearly all created for NYCB, many of which are considered modern masterpieces. The Company remains dedicated to the vision of its founders in pursuing two primary objectives: to preserve the ballets, dance aesthetic, and standards of excellence they established; and to develop new work that draws on the creative talents of contemporary choreographers and other artists. This mission is accompanied by a commitment to expand the audience and make ballet accessible to the widest possible public. Initiatives and strategies in programming, media, promotions, and strategic partnerships over the past several years have helped raise the organizational profile, enhance the brand, and grow and diversify audiences. A comprehensive diversity and inclusion initiative launched in 2017 has full and enthusiastic support of the board and staff and is an institutional priority.

The Company was founded in 1948 by visionary arts patron Lincoln Kirstein and legendary choreographer George Balanchine, with the goal of producing and performing a new ballet repertory that would re-imagine the principles of classical dance. Today the Company has 100 dancers, a 62-member orchestra, an affiliated school (the School of American Ballet), and a laboratory for choreography (the New York Choreographic Institute). The Company performs a 21-week season in New York City each year, in addition to annual seasons at both its summer home at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in upstate New York and at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.

Job Summary

The New York City Ballet (NYCB) seeks a highly motivated, experienced, collaborative, entrepreneurial and creative individual with a demonstrated track record to serve as Senior Director of Development (SDD). The individual in this position will be responsible for providing leadership to and management of the fundraising department in order to achieve the annual contributed income goal ($35 million for the current fiscal year) and, working closely with members of the Board Development Committee, undertake planning for the organization’s next capital campaign.

Reporting to the Executive Director (E.D.), the SDD will lead a team of 20 who seek and secure contributed annual funds via five major fundraising sectors: foundation and government support; membership; major gifts; corporate sponsorships and special events (galas). The SDD will work closely with the E.D. and members of the Board of Directors, will be the lead staff person with the Board’s Development and Nominating/Governance Committees, and will serve as an integral member of the Senior Management Team. The SDD will be an adept strategic thinker who brings energy and a well-rounded array of fundraising competencies to advance the mission, vision, and values of New York City Ballet.

Qualifications

Past significant responsibilities in fundraising and management experience at a senior level is required, preferably in a cultural institution, with a demonstrated track record of raising significant funds from a variety of sources. In addition:

•  Demonstrated ability to develop strategies that lead to increased contributed income
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully through board and volunteer networks to identify and secure contributed funds
• Personal knowledge and network of relationships within the community and familiarity with the New York City philanthropic community strongly preferred
• Familiarity with the full range of giving sectors; a depth of experience and track record with major gifts from individuals particularly important
• Experience running a capital campaign
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Collegial and collaborative work style
• Strong management ability and supervisory experience
• Ability to use analytical tools and quantitative measurements for management, tracking, planning and communication of fundraising progress and effectiveness
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build confidence and trust among colleagues and stakeholders in a highly visible and complex performing arts organization
• Commitment to NYCB's success and mission

EEO Statement

New York City Ballet is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship status, disability, pregnancy, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military status or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, unemployment status, familial status, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to extent required by applicable law, credit history or any other characteristic protected by law.

 Statement of Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

New York City Ballet, one of the foremost ballet companies in the world, pursues the highest levels of artistic excellence and innovation. Therefore, we seek to attract, retain, and cultivate the most talented dancers, musicians, designers, stage technicians, and arts administrators. To this end, we are deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values diversity, inclusion, and equity. We are inspired by our founders, George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, who envisioned an authentically American expression of ballet with a company that reflects the rich cultural diversity of this nation. In pursuit of their vision, we are committed to educating, developing, and supporting an organization that embodies diversity in its many forms.