Development Director

Indigo Arts Alliance Seeks a Development Director

Indigo Arts Alliance (IAA) seeks an experienced, innovative, and driven Development Director to ensure the financial sustainability of our vibrant, rapidly growing organization. With an annual operating budget of $1.4 million—representing a 400% increase since 2019—this position offers the opportunity to shape the future of IAA’s development strategy and long-term impact. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director will design, lead and implement  a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including grant writing, donor relations, and database management.

The Development Director will be expected to execute a holistic development strategy that refines existing processes while building pathways for growth. The ideal candidate will be responsible for executing and providing oversight on; planning, organizing, and implementation of a fundraising program that includes grants strategy and writing, major gifts, individual giving, corporate sponsorship, planned giving, and special events revenue. The Director will have the exciting responsibility of overseeing and expanding IAA’s sustainability fund. 

The successful candidate should be committed to social equity and justice, along with having a vision for shaping innovations in philanthropy for small arts nonprofits. This role requires a dynamic leader who can cultivate strong relationships with funders, leverage data-driven fundraising strategies and ensure long-term financial resilience in an evolving cultural philanthropy and policy landscape.

Position Summary

Reports To: Executive Director

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt (Not a remote position)

Salary: $70,000 annually 

  • This is an exempt position that requires 40 hours per week and select weekends (as needed) to support IAA’s programming and events.

Benefits:

  • Health, Dental, Vision, and Retirement  
  • Workers Comp
  • Professional development opportunities 

Paid Time Off:

  • 1 week of vacation 
  • 3 Personal days 
  • Observes 11 paid federal holidays 
  • 14 days for IAA Winter break
  • Fridays in August off (4 days)


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Development Strategy and Operations

  • Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan, incorporating individual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, planned giving, and special events.
  • Oversee IAA’s sustainability fund, ensuring long-term financial stability.
  • Work with database consultants to manage donor databases (Little Green Light), ensuring accurate data entry, tracking, and acknowledgments in collaboration with the Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper.
  • Develop and execute creative campaigns to cultivate individual donors, including high-net-worth individuals.
  • Monitor fundraising progress, analyze data, and adjust strategies to meet annual revenue goals.

Fundraising and Grant Management

  • Lead annual fundraising campaigns, including direct mail solicitations, email solicitations, social media solicitations, and stewardship events.
  • Plan and execute special events to engage donors and raise revenue.
  • Research and pursue grant opportunities, write persuasive proposals, and manage timelines for submissions and reports.
  • Maintain strong relationships with existing institutional funders while identifying new grant opportunities.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to engage them in fundraising efforts.

Community and Donor Engagement

  • Cultivate, develop, and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and institutional funders at local and national levels.
  • Collaborate with the Communications team to create effective donor communications and marketing materials.
  • Represent Indigo Arts Alliance at events and in the community to build awareness and foster relationships.

Board and Team Collaboration

  • Liaise with the Board of Directors and Development Committee to foster a culture of philanthropy and support their fundraising efforts.
  • Provide training and guidance to board members and staff to ensure cohesive fundraising initiatives.
  • Oversee development contractors, including CRM/LGL consultants, as necessary.


QUALIFICATIONS

Required Skills and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
  • 7+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including donor cultivation, major gift solicitation, and grant management.
  • Proven track record of raising $2+ million annually, with experience in major gifts and corporate sponsorships.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle complex initiatives and meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Little Green Light), spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office Suite/Google Suite.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong grant writing abilities.


Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of the fundraising landscape in New England, with national and international experience as a plus.

Leadership experience in planning and executing capital campaigns or endowment initiatives.

Demonstrated commitment to antiracism, equity, and inclusion.

Personal Attributes

A creative, self-starting individual who thrives in collaborative environments.

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Passion for the arts and empowering BIPOC artists and communities.

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