Development Director
Development Director | Indigo Arts Alliance | Portland, Maine
Transform philanthropy for Black and Brown arts. Build sustainable funding for a movement.
Why This Role Matters
Imagine knowing that every dollar you raise directly transforms lives—that your grant proposal brings a brilliant artist from the global African diaspora to collaborate with Maine's Black and Brown creative community, or your major gift cultivation funds the next generation of Black and Brown artists reshaping American culture.
At Indigo Arts Alliance, we're building a movement. In six years, we've grown 400% to a $1.4 million budget, hosting 85 artists from 22 countries, creating Maine's first Beautiful Blackbird Children's Book Festival, and establishing our annual symposium series. Featured in National Geographic, PBS News Hour and partnering with National Museum of African American History and Culture; to the Guest Artist Space Foundation in Lagos, Nigeria; to the Museu Nacional de Historia in Rio, Brazil , we're an internationally recognized force.
You'll architect our financial future—designing the funding strategy that ensures Black and Brown artists have the time, space, and support they need to create transformative work.
What You'll Build
Revenue Impact: Secure funding supporting 85+ artist residencies, our annual symposium series, Beautiful Blackbird Children's Book Festival, and partnerships with 30+ organizations from grassroots collectives to world-class museums.
Fundraising Strategy: Design comprehensive development programs securing grants, major gifts, and individual donations for a Black-led arts organization.Shepard IAA’s sustainability fund, creating long-term financial security through diversified revenue streams.
Donor & Funder Relationships: Cultivate relationships with individuals of all giving capacity, foundation executives, and corporate sponsors committed to racial equity. Represent IAA at fundraising galas, donor events, and philanthropic gatherings while building our network in elite giving circles. Partner with our Executive Director on Board cultivation and significant funder relationships.
How You'll Partner with Leadership
Your Executive Director will: Set organizational vision, lead Board development, serve as primary spokesperson, and drive national expansion.
You'll ensure fundraising success by: Leading all development activities, managing donor cultivation systems, providing fundraising analysis, and representing IAA at donor-facing events.
Your Deputy Director colleague will: Manage operations, program delivery, and internal systems, freeing you to focus entirely on revenue generation.
Who You Are
• 7+ years progressive fundraising success with proven $2+ million annually track record • Passionate about arts and Black and Brown creativity's power to transform communities • Experience with major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and culturally responsive fundraising
• Bachelor's degree required (Master's preferred), exceptional communication skills • Demonstrated commitment to antiracism, equity, and inclusion
Why You'll Thrive Here
Mission-Driven Culture: Work alongside Executive Director Jordia Benjamin and co-founders Marcia and Daniel Minter in a team believing artists are essential to building a multiracial democracy. See direct impact daily.
Career Growth: Lead fundraising for organization featured in national media, working with funders like Andy Warhol Foundation, The Terra Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts. Build your reputation in national arts and philanthropy communities with access to prestigious conferences and development opportunities.
Life-Changing Environment: Witness world-class artists creating new work, attend exclusive fundraising events, build relationships with international artists and cultural leaders. Be part of reshaping how America supports Black and Brown creativity.
Comprehensive Support: $70,000 salary with full benefits, generous time off (average 20+ days including 3-week winter break and Fridays off in August), professional development funded, collaborative environment valuing your expertise.
ou'll Thrive Here
Mission-Driven Culture: Work alongside Executive Director Jordia Benjamin and co-founders Marcia and Daniel Minter in a team believing artists are essential to building a multiracial democracy. See direct impact daily.
Career Growth: Lead fundraising for organization featured in national media, working with funders like Andy Warhol Foundation, The Terra Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts. Build your reputation in national arts and philanthropy communities with access to prestigious conferences and development opportunities.
Life-Changing Environment: Witness world-class artists creating new work, attend exclusive fundraising events, build relationships with international artists and cultural leaders. Be part of reshaping how America supports Black and Brown creativity.
Comprehensive Support: $70,000 salary with full benefits, generous time off (average 20+ days including 3-week winter break and Fridays off in August), professional development funded, collaborative environment valuing your expertise.
This Isn’t Just a Job
It's your chance to fuel a movement transforming lives, building community, and creating a more equitable arts landscape while working with world-class artists and building sustainable funding for generations.
Details: Full-time, Portland, Maine (in-person), reports to the Executive Director.
Submit resume, cover letter, and references via Submittable. Tell us why you're passionate about advancing Black and Brown artists and how your experience positions you to take our fundraising to the next level.
Indigo Arts Alliance strongly encourages applications from traditionally underrepresented communities.