Senior Director of Development - Senior Director of Development

About The Shed

The Shed is a new cultural institution of and for the 21st century. We produce and welcome innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, to build a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. In our highly adaptable building on Manhattan’s west side, The Shed brings together established and emerging artists to create new work in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. We seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural peers and community organizations, work with like-minded partners, and provide unique spaces for private events. As an independent nonprofit that values invention, equity, and generosity, we are committed to advancing art forms, addressing the urgent issues of our time, and making our work impactful, sustainable, and relevant to the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond.



About the Position

The Shed seeks a Senior Director of Development to work as a key leader and front-line fundraiser in the highly skilled fundraising team. The Director of Development will report to the Chief Development Officer and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Individual Fundraising program at The Shed. Specifically, this role will be responsible for management and oversight of the major gifts and events teams, the creation and successful execution of major donor programs and engagement opportunities, crafting and implementing strategies for qualified prospects, and solicitation and stewardship of donors.



The ideal candidate has a track record of success in creating, growing, and leading major donor programs and securing five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts. They must have a track record of creating and implementing solicitation strategies to build and a robust individual giving revenue stream that meets or exceeds revenue targets.



Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to

-Coordinate the development of solicitation strategies for key prospects and donors and advance the internal planning needed to support those efforts, ensuring that each major donor and prospect has a clear strategy and timeline for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship

-Manage a personal portfolio of donors and prospects with the capacity to contribute significant support toward the priorities of The Shed, drive all communications with portfolio through face-to-face cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship meetings

-Work closely with senior leadership, including Shed Board members, Artistic Director, and President/COO, to help manage and steward their own portfolios of donors, and complete creative assignments as they arise

-Expand the major gift prospect pool by building relationships, identifying new potential candidates, and acting on data and prospect research

-Conceive of and execute a dynamic calendar of cultivation and stewardship events that engage donors and prospects in the organization’s mission and program

-Write and track all communications, including proposals for significant individual solicitations and contact reports following all meetings with donors and prospects

-Develop the necessary systems, processes, and tools to better communicate the role of major gifts fundraising across The Shed and ensure an integrated fundraising strategy

-Lead the effort to meticulously track all major donor and special event giving and pledge payments, including board giving

-Develop annual budgets and lead the goal setting process for the Individual Giving and Special Events revenue

-Maintain integrity, donor trust, and confidentiality at all times



Qualifications and Qualities

-Eight to ten years of fundraising experience ideally at a nonprofit cultural organization

-Direct experience creating fundraising programs and growing fundraising revenue

-Experience that lends itself to work in a fast-paced, start-up environment

-Flexibility and willingness to jump in at all levels of a project to help get work done

-Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with and communicate with a wide range of internal constituents including Board members, senior management, program staff, finance, and volunteers

-Excellent writing skills for communications of all kinds including emails, memos and proposals

-Organization and attention to detail, ability to multitask, work well under pressure

-Strong sense of fundraising ethics and respect for confidentiality of donor information

-A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a highly motivated, energetic team

-Strong working knowledge of the broad philanthropic landscape, prospect research methodology, best practices, and evolving trends in philanthropy highly preferred

-Commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusion

-Passion for The Shed’s mission and goals, and strong interest in performing and visual arts



Compensation

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $170,000. Compensation is commensurate with experience.



Application Process

Interested candidates should complete an application and submit résumé and cover letter in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate's first and last name through our Career Center page here. Only résumés and cover letters submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.



The Shed is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, transgender, and nonbinary candidates. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the arts field are strongly encouraged to apply. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.
Salary: $150,000-$170,000