Senior Director of Development

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, one of the pre-eminent and most beloved dance institutions in the world, seeks a dynamic leader to oversee all fundraising for its unique and diverse range of artistic and educational programs. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Director of Development will manage a staff of 10 and work closely with the Board of Trustees. This position will oversee a diversified fundraising portfolio comprised of leading foundations, major corporate sponsors (both domestic and international), individual philanthropists and high-profile fundraising Galas. The successful candidate will have at least 10 years of senior-level management experience, a proven track record in top-tier fundraising, an understanding and appreciation of dance, and the ability to work creatively and collaboratively with other members of the senior management team.

With the appointment of a new Artistic Director, Robert Battle, in 2011 and a new Executive Director, Bennett Rink, in January of 2013, Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation is poised to embark on the next phase of its evolution. Mr. Rink will work with the Board to create a new strategic plan that will support Mr. Battle’s dynamic vision for the Company and establish a series of institutional initiatives to extend the vital mission of Ailey in exciting new directions. The Senior Director of Development will play a key role in this process, participating in the planning process and developing the funding strategies and campaigns to support these new initiatives while also managing and participating in the organization’s complex day-to-day fundraising operations.

The Senior Director of Development will lead the strategy, development and implementation of a broad-based funding program to support the Ailey organization’s ongoing programs as well as new projects and initiatives.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Developing and managing plan for achieving annual fundraising goal (currently approx. $9 million) for the organization’s operating budget through contributions from individuals, corporate sponsors, foundations, government agencies and fundraising Galas.
• Assuming a hands-on, creative, leadership role with the Major Gifts program, focusing on the identification, cultivation and solicitation of individual donors.
• Working together with Board Chairman Joan Weill and other Board leadership to manage and maximize their fundraising efforts, particularly with regard to Gala fundraising events which currently comprise 1/3 of the organization’s annual contributed income.
• Working closely with Chairman of Nominating Committee to identify and recruit new Board members.
• Launching special campaigns to support new initiatives, including potential capital projects.
• Taking an active leadership role in targeted fundraising efforts, including the Parents Annual Fund for The Ailey School, the Young Patrons Circle, and a new Miami friends group.
• Developing and expanding fundraising through digital and social media.
• Overseeing numerous events and ensuring that they are creative, well-planned, efficiently executed and cost-effective, with strategies for follow-through and solicitation.
• Recruiting, training and motivating a high-performing team of fundraising professionals.
• Managing outside consultants on as needed basis.
• Working collaboratively, especially with colleagues in marketing and public relations, to find synergies whenever possible and ensuring the continuation of the organization’s holistic approach to engaging and communicating with its patrons.

Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate will be an efficient, effective, and creative senior leader, capable of overseeing a multi-faceted ongoing fundraising program while developing new initiatives in conjunction with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees.

Specifically, the candidate will need to possess the following:

• A minimum of 10 to 15 years of significant leadership experience in fundraising with a track record of working with a diverse range of major funders, preferably with a cultural organization;
• In-depth experience working in close partnership with senior management and trustees on major philanthropic initiatives, including capital campaigns;
• A strong track record in Major Gifts with emphasis on identifying, cultivating and soliciting high-level individual donors;
• Experience in managing a team of highly skilled fundraising professionals;
• Established networks in New York philanthropic circles, preferred;
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Key attributes include the following:

• Team-oriented, collaborative spirit with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to forge strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Sophisticated and polished with the capacity to engage with Board members, corporate leaders and major philanthropists;
• Appreciation and understanding of the performing arts, particularly dance;
• Strategic, analytical and detail-oriented;
• Strong motivational and communication skills;
• Understanding of need to work evenings and weekends and travel when necessary;
• Goal-oriented with commitment to measuring and tracking results of fundraising efforts;
• A creative intellect, a strong work ethic and a good sense of humor.

Compensation
Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience and accomplishments.

Contact
Nominations and expressions of interest will be held in confidence and may be sent to:

Esther Rosenberg or Patty Greco
Co- Managing Directors
Howe-Lewis International
450 Seventh Avenue – Suite 009
New York, NY 10123
(212)697-5000
Email: ailey@howe-lewis.com

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based upon personal capabilities