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The Director of Development, Office of the Arts (OA) is tasked with leading all aspects of development for the Office of the Arts and will build a robust donor pipeline while working collaboratively with the OA leadership and staff, Institutional Advancement, and the ArtsEmerson/Howlround/Emerson College community to establish and grow relationships. The Director of Development reports to the Associate Vice President, Development and works closely with the Vice President, Office of the Arts to strengthen and steward existing connections, network to identify new opportunities for OA and Emerson College, provide leadership and strategic direction, manage a portfolio of donors, and increase giving from all segments for OA. The Director serves as a key member of the senior leadership team in OA as well as a key member of the College’s Institutional Advancement team.ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
- Lead all fundraising efforts for the Office of the Arts. Support the Vice President, Office of the Arts and other senior staff on all major fundraising initiatives. This includes comprehensive development strategy for individual, corporate, foundation, and government grants, stewardship activities, donor and cultivation events, and prospect communications.
- Solicit a portfolio of donors, including all major gifts, and develop institutional partner relationships with a goal of supporting Emerson College/OA artistic programs.
- Set annual fundraising projections and goals for OA as part of Emerson College’s overall goals and work to meet or surpass them annually.
- Oversee research of funding sources and trends, and develop proposals to position Office of the Arts for continued growth.
- Increase all sources of donations over time, consistent with the organizational strategy and giving priorities.
- Monitor development information and performance, presenting analysis to the VP, key staff, and volunteers, as directed.
- Oversee OA gift entry, coding, and related record-keeping, working in partnership with the Finance and the Development Office.
- Partner in the preparation and management of the Office of the Arts Development department budget, working with the OA Business Office and the college's Finance department to reconcile income and track expenses.
- Provide leadership and management of the Development team, setting and evaluating individual goals, identifying and recommending professional development opportunities for staff members, and assigning and ensuring coverage of primary focus areas.
- Develop and lead all fundraising strategies in partnership with the Vice President, Office of the Arts, and serve as a key member of the OA Senior Management Team.
- Serve as a key member of the Institutional Advancement (IA) major gifts team and as liaison for the Office of the Arts to ensure successful integration and implementation of all development priorities.
- Partner with IA leadership and team to identify prospect opportunities, solicit gifts for special projects, and support the overall college fundraising goals.
- Maintain strong communication with colleagues in the Advancement, Development, Budget, and Finance offices at the college, to ensure accurate recording of OA contributed revenue and synergy in achieving OA's fundraising goals and objectives.
- Perform other duties/areas of work/areas to fundraise as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform job.
- Bachelor's Degree required
- 7+ years of experience in and knowledge of major gift fundraising required.
- Experience in fundraising in a higher education environment preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.
- Knowledge and experience in theatre and the arts.
- Leadership and management skills and the capacity to implement and advance the office’s development goals.
- Strong project management and interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with volunteers, donors and college colleagues.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- Strong sense of fundraising ethics.
- Strong work ethic, flexibility and an optimistic and positive attitude rooted in the values of the Office of the Arts.
- Requires the ability to effectively communicate in person and through communication media.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- This position is generally sedentary in nature, movement throughout the area is required from time to time.
- Ability to have continuous oral and written communication with co-workers and supervisors is essential.
- Repetitive movements, occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds, reaching, lifting, stooping and the ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding and read fine print will be expected.
WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
- General office conditions.
- Exposed to moderate noise levels
This position is primarily a hybrid role with expected days in the office each week.
The hybrid arrangement will be made upon hire. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Boston campus to ensure operational effectiveness. This arrangement must be approved as outlined in the Remote Work Policy.
In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.
Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.
Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.
