POSITION: Director of Development

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

CLASSIFICATION: Regular, full-time (40 hours per week), Exempt

BlackRock Center for the Arts (BlackRock), the leading venue for the performing and visual arts in Upper Montgomery County, MD, provides the community with the highest level of quality performances, free gallery exhibitions, and arts education classes in a welcoming and intimate setting close to home.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Development Director plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission and sustainability of BlackRock Center for the Arts in partnership with the CEO. The Director is responsible for working with BlackRocks Leadership Team in leading the fundraising efforts and cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors and supporters. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director will oversee all aspects of the fundraising strategy, donor stewardship and revenue generation.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Development

The Development Director will:

• Fundraising Strategy: Develop, implement a comprehensive development plan and utilize various fundraising strategies to meet annual revenue goals and long-term financial sustainability.

• Donor Cultivation: Identify, cultivate and solicit individual donors, corporations, foundations and government agencies, and make public appearances on behalf of BlackRock.

• Stewardship: Implement effective stewardship practices to build and maintain strong relationships with donors for their ongoing engagement and support.

• Special Events: Plan and execute fundraising events, including galas, donor receptions, cultivation events (VIP events), and engagement with donors and raise funds.

• Board Engagement: Work closely with the CEO to enlist their support in fundraising efforts, provide training, talking points, scripts and regular updates on development activities.

• Collaboration: Work with the artistic team to align fundraising initiatives with organizational priorities; the operations team for successful events; and BlackRocks Leadership in the development and implementation of a membership program and share ownership in understanding BlackRocks programs at large in each department through the lens of development.

• Data: Maintain and enter accurate data and ensure the integrity of databases, and regularly researches and analyzes information for development opportunities

• Communication: Convey impact clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, to donors and supporters, create collateral materials and campaign materials and ensure all required acknowledgments are sent to donors.

Leadership

The Development Director will:

• Decision-making: Make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment to drive the organization forward.

• Budget Management: Manage the development budget, track expenses, reconcile general ledger and department trackers, and ensure cost effective fundraising strategies.

• Problem-solving: Identify challenges, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions.

• Adaptability: Navigate change, adapt to new circumstances, and lead the team through transitions effectively.

• Ethical Leadership: Commit to uphold ethical standards, integrity, and transparency in all aspects of leadership and decision-making.

• Culture Builder: Support and actively build a professional office culture dedicated to superior patron and donor services.

Other responsibilities

The Development Director will:

• Support cross-department events and activities, as needed.

• Assume other responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree required; master's preferred with at least 8 years of experience in related field

• Experience with donor management database required. Proficiency with Bloomerang preferred

• Proven experience with non-profit fundraising best-practices and successfully achieving annual revenue goals

• Strong proficiency with MS Office; superior Excel and analytical skills

• Exceptional time-management, organizational, and project management skills

• Ability to work flexible hours including nights, holidays, and weekends, as needed

• Demonstrated ability to be professional, friendly, and persuasive in communications with various audiences

• Effective oral presentation and writing skills with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely.

• Ability to work under both direct supervision and independently, while always remaining collaborative, connected, and creative with the team

• Demonstrated passion for the arts, positive attitude, sense of humor, and a commitment to creating a more equitable and just community

• Ability to effectively manage support staff, contracted personnel, consultants, and outside vendors.

• Creativity and exceptional problem-solving skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here 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 the essential functions.

• Sit, stand, walk, and work at a computer, relative to an office environment

• Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including weekends and evenings, as required

• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

*BlackRock Center for the Arts is an equal opportunity employer. We honor diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusiveness. We are proud of our richly diverse community.