Director of Development & Institutional Advancement

Reports to: President & Executive Director

Classification: Full Time; Exempt  

Salary: $100,000

Benefits: We offer comprehensive benefits including employer contribution to health, dental and vision insurance; pre-tax flexible savings accounts for commuter, medical & dependent care; paid vacation and personal time off; Summer Fridays and a professional development stipend. 

Location: Hybrid work schedule with the expectation of attending weekly in-person staff meetings at our office space in Downtown Brooklyn, plus additional in-person work as required to carry out the duties of this position, including attending funder meeting & events across NYC. BAC’s hybrid work schedule is subject to change, and employees are expected to be available in person during working hours as required.

About Brooklyn Arts Council:

Celebrating 60 years of service this year, Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC) is the borough's leading nonprofit organization supporting artists and cultural groups in all disciplines. BAC is committed to serving the arts ecosystem through grants, professional development, cultural heritage programming, and arts education provided via distance learning. By creating and supporting cultural events and platforms for Brooklynites, BAC provides forums for critical thinking and self-expression, enriches Brooklyn's cultural landscape, and generates experiences that expand horizons.

BAC’s Values:

Brooklyn Arts Council strives to a foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where our employees and volunteers – whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or ability – feel valued and respected.

We are committed to being a nondiscriminatory organization that provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement in our programs and at our worksites. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages, and work to ensure that all voices are valued and heard. We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the arts community in Brooklyn, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. 

Brooklyn Arts Council prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

Position Overview:

The Director of Development & Institutional Advancement is an experienced nonprofit fundraiser with the ability to enhance BAC’s narrative and secure the financial support essential for our mission. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of arts and culture in Brooklyn; a commitment to social justice, and the ability to integrate these principles into BAC’s fundraising narratives and strategies.

On average, 75% of Brooklyn Arts Council’s current revenue comes from government contracts (City and State), and we are looking for someone who has a demonstrated understanding of—and experience applying for—DCLA and NYSCA funding, and who can lead a small team through this process. At the same time this role will focus on diversifying our revenue sources, with an emphasis on growing our institutional and general operating support to allow for the growth and advancement of the organization.

This position requires someone who is comfortable working in dynamic environments and building the ship while sailing it. You will be able to translate vision into strategy and create systems and processes to ensure the execution of that strategy so that fundraising goals are achieved.

The Director of Development & Institutional Advancement is part of Brooklyn Arts Council’s leadership team and will lead a small Development & External Affairs department, supervising a Development Manager and Communications Manager (position currently vacant).

Responsibilities

Fundraising Excellence and Donor Engagement:

• Design and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan aimed at significantly increasing institutional giving; identifying new funding opportunities; optimizing current revenue streams and ensuring a diversified funding base for sustainability and growth.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of donors and stakeholders, from individual contributors to major philanthropic organizations, ensuring they are fully engaged and understand the impact of their support.

• Build systems to maintain individual giving

• Lead the planning and execution of major fundraising campaigns and events, overseeing all aspects from conception to delivery, ensuring they align with BAC's mission and financial goals.

• Oversee applications & reporting processes for City & State funding & renewals

• Develop internal systems to execute annual fundraising; track deadlines & reporting and create processes to collaborate & collect data and information needed

Advocacy, Policy Engagement, and Reporting:

• Champion BAC's role in the arts and cultural policy landscape, navigating government relations and advocacy efforts to position BAC as a key voice in shaping cultural policy and funding priorities.

• Oversee comprehensive stewardship and reporting for all fundraising activities, including meticulous management of government contracts, grants, and donor communications, ensuring accountability and transparency.

• Lead the development and implementation of advocacy strategies, engaging with government entities, elected officials, and policymakers to advance BAC's mission and impact.

Strategic Development and Leadership:

• Support the Executive Director in refining and executing the organization’s strategic vision, focusing on innovative new fundraising models and a compelling new institutional narrative that aligns with our mission and growth objectives.

• Oversee a small development team dedicated to fundraising, communications, and donor relations. This includes setting clear team goals, fostering professional development, and ensuring a cohesive, productive department.

• Serve as a key liaison to the Board of Directors, actively participating in board development and engaging board members in fundraising and advocacy efforts. 

Required skills & experience

• At least seven years of progressive experience in development / fundraising within the nonprofit or cultural sectors.

• Demonstrated leadership ability, with a track record of managing and inspiring a diverse team towards achieving ambitious goals.

• Proven success in developing and executing fundraising strategies that have significantly increased revenue streams from a variety of sources, including grants, major gifts, and events.

• Experience with a solid understanding of DCLA & NYSCA funding, including leading application & reporting processes.

• Strong network within the philanthropic, arts, and cultural communities, with a history of building productive relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to craft compelling narratives that engage a wide range of audiences.

• Proficiency in CRM systems, Google Suite & MS Office, alongside a strategic approach to data management and analysis.

• Experience managing capital campaigns is preferred

To Apply

• Please fill out this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ynwCvCtV2KomLTLz6

• Closing date for submitting your application: Sunday 10 May

• First round interviews will take place week of 1 June

• If you have any questions please reach out to jobs@brooklynartscouncil.org

• Please do not send applications to this email address – only applications submitted via the above form will be considered.