Description:
NDI seeks an entrepreneurial leader to join the organization during an exciting growth phase. In 2025, NDI will celebrate 50 years of providing children with high quality and nationally acclaimed dance-focused arts education programs. NDI is on a solid financial foundation, and we have just completed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan to be adopted by the Board of Directors in early 2025. As part of that plan, NDI has engaged an outside evaluator to launch an Impact Study of our methodology to quantify our program's impact on schoolchildren. Our ideal candidate will understand how to leverage these assets to increase contributed income to meet our ambitious goals and expand our reach so that more children experience the transformative power of dance and music education.
The new Chief Advancement Officer will be a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director, Artistic Director, Board Chair, and Board of Directors. Leading a dedicated team of six professionals, you will shape and drive innovative fundraising strategies, including leading the public phase of a successful comprehensive campaign that has secured 85% of its goal. We seek a proven fundraising leader who combines a passion for the arts with the ability to inspire teams and achieve transformative results. This is an exceptional opportunity for the right candidate eager to join a growing team with a fresh approach.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy that aligns with NDI’s mission and growth objectives.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director, Artistic Director, and Board of Directors to set annual and long-term fundraising goals.
- Train Board members to assist in fundraising opportunities.
- Lead, train and mentor the Development Committee comprised of board members and staff members on best practices.
- Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grants, major gifts, and corporate sponsorships.
- Oversee the preparation of grant proposals and reports, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
- Coordinate with Marketing and Communications to promote brand awareness and fundraising efforts.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of six fundraising professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment that celebrates successes and addresses challenges.
- Oversee the planning and execution of the public phase of the comprehensive campaign.
- Create marketing and donor engagement strategies.
- Monitor campaign progress and adjust strategies as necessary to meet fundraising targets.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with individuals, board members, corporate, government, and foundation funders.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive stewardship plan to enhance donor engagement and retention.
- Represent NDI at community events, networking opportunities, and with key stakeholders to promote the organization and its mission.
- Collaborate with other departments to ensure fundraising efforts are integrated and prioritized with program initiatives and community outreach.
- Analyze fundraising data to assess performance and inform strategic decisions.
- Prepare regular reports and presentations for the Executive Director and board regarding fundraising progress and outcomes.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of high-level experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on major gifts, campaigns, and donor relations.
- Proven leadership capabilities, with a track record of managing and developing a successful team.
- Strong understanding of the nonprofit arts sector.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated success in building relationships with donors and securing significant funding.
- Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems.