Director of Development

Opportunity to lead the fundraising program at a growing contemporary photography center as it begins its new life in a new building in a new community.

Overview
Center for Photography at Woodstock (CPW) seeks an experienced development professional to lead the fundraising effort at a pivotal time in the history of this 47-year-old contemporary art center. In 2023, CPW acquired a historic 40,000 square foot building in central Kingston, NY and will soon start a capital campaign to both transform the newly acquired facility and transform its mission and programs in its new home in a new location. CPW’s almost completed strategic Plan provides a roadmap for its vision, values and programs, setting direction for local, national and international engagement. The City of Kingston has developed a master cultural plan and aims to develop Kingston as a hub of cultural creative activity. Read the Kingston Cultural Plan here. With Kingston’s proximity to New York City, beautiful location in the Hudson River Valley and recent growth, CPW now aims to join the burgeoning Kingston creative community by developing a national-caliber center for photography presenting exhibitions, maker space, and artist residencies while establishing deep connections to the Kingston and regional community.

The Director of Development will lead the “friendraising-to-fundraising” effort at this pivotal moment partnering with an energized staff and board developing donor relationships, support and engagement with the Kingston and New York region and the global photography community. The Director of Development will lead all fundraising activity including annual appeal, donor cultivation, sponsorship and grants, and special support programs and events. CPW’s 2024 annual operating budget is $1,100,000 with anticipated contributed growth in all categories over the next several years. The Director of Development will set strategic fundraising direction in partnership with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and consultants assisting with an anticipated $8-10 million capital campaign. 

CPW is experiencing exceptional growth and change as it begins its new chapter in Kingston and in a newly acquired building that is poised to make significant impact in the Kingston and national photography communities. Knowledge of photography is not required but this is a senior leadership position requiring development expertise, dedication, donor relations experience, and solid knowledge of fundraising processes, cultivation and best practices. High energy, positivity, teamwork, and dedication to philanthropy and donors is required. More about CPW.

Core Duties and Responsibilities 

• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy that achieves annual goals and develops long-term financial sustainability for the institution.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit annual and capital campaign gifts from donors, foundations, corporations.
• Develop a comprehensive donor relations plan to grow the support base, cultivate new friends, and engage for long-term commitment.
• Develop and implement fundraising research including prospect identification, new donor cultivation, and relationship building to ensure successful donor interactions.
• Oversee the Development Department’s administrative and organizational functions, annual planning, solicitation, donor recognition, gift processing, documentation and database process ensuring highest standards and ethical best practices.
• Develop and manage the Development Department budget and contributed revenue projections.
• Oversee and ensure accurate data management including donor records, solicitation and interactions per best practice. 
• Take on lead responsibilities for coordinating the capital campaign in partnership with campaign consultants, the board and Executive Director.
• Manage CPW’s current support network and develop new support and prospective donors using best practice systems and strategies. 
• Working with the Executive Director develop and cultivate national and international donors.
• Oversee the grant program ensuring maximum outreach to potential grantors, sponsors and related networks of support.
• Partner with the Executive Director, Board and staff on special events and earned income initiatives.
• Partner with Communications Coordinator and Executive Director to hone development message.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of fundraising experience securing major gifts in a museum or other nonprofit cultural organization.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Fundraising certification is desirable or willingness to become certified.
• Experience leading, managing, and motivating a fundraising team.
• Success developing and executing fundraising annual plans, including donor development and cultivation and department management.
• Experience developing and managing capital campaigns is a plus.
• Knowledge of prospect research, wealth screening software, database management, and development best practices.
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, follow-through, interpersonal skills, and team mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), fundraising software and other pertinent database and CRM systems.

Compensation
The Director of Development is a full-time, exempt position with local, regional, and some national and international travel required. The salary range for the position is $80,000 – $100,000 depending on qualifications, plus a benefits package.

Additional Requirements
Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background and reference check. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States. Flexible work schedule available, and some work from home possible

To Apply
Please email a cover letter, résumé and three references and your relationship to them to nadine@gunk.org. Open deadline until the position is filled. References will not be contacted without approval of candidate. 

Diversity and Inclusion
CPW values diversity in all its forms and actively encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply. It does not discriminate against any candidate or employee based on race, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or veteran status. 

About Kingston, NY and the Region
Kingston is 90 miles north of New York City and is the County Seat of Ulster County. It has a population of 24,000 and the countywide population is 185,000. The Kingston region is a linkage of charming historic villages and towns along the Hudson River and in the Catskills down to New York City and up to Albany, the state capitol to the north. The Hudson River Valley has a significant place in American history and American artistic history. Kingston is quaint and metropolitan, historic and revitalized, international as well as local with deep community heritage. It possesses the charm of a village and the sophistication of New York. Kingston is a city on the rise that is preserving its lifestyle and vibe. Its beauty and charm as well as its proximity to New York City offer significant quality of life benefits, access to nature and culture, and affordability. The Catskill region with its mountains, parks, river and lakes attracts thousands of visitors annually. Access to all points north and south via Amtrak and major airports of the New York metropolitan area are unparalleled. Read more about Kingston and the region here.