The Indy Arts Council is an independent nonprofit dedicated to fostering meaningful and equitable engagement in the arts by nurturing a culture where artists, arts organizations, and residents thrive. As the arts advocacy and services agency for Indianapolis and central Indiana, the Arts Council is responsible for promoting Indy’s arts and culture sector by growing the city's reputation, creative economy, audience, and community engagement in ways that support a Full Creative Life for All.
The Indy Arts Council is seeking a full-time Development Director to join the leadership team. Reporting to the President and CEO, the role will advance the mission and goals of the Arts Council through fund development efforts supporting the Arts Council’s operations and Indy’s arts and culture sector. Responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the Arts Council’s operating and sector-support programs raising a current total of approximately $2 million annually, with potential to significantly increase pending strategic plan priorities to be developed in 2023.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Fundraising Responsibilities
- Plan, implement, and evaluate fundraising programs to achieve the Arts Council’s annual operating budget, including board giving and corporate, government, foundation, and individual giving;
- Plan, implement, and evaluate advocacy and fundraising programs to support the Arts Council’s grant, fellowship, and other programs serving artists and arts organizations;
- Create and implement short- and long- term action plans for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, thanking and stewarding gifts at all levels from individuals, corporations, foundations, and governmental agencies;
- Prepare sponsorship and grant solicitations/proposals to address funding needs for both general operating and special projects/events, including annual Start with Art fundraiser;
- Directly solicit gifts within the Director’s portfolio, and support solicitation of gifts in CEO and other Director portfolios;
- Ensure all funder deliverables are executed (reports, recognition, etc.);
- Meet regularly with corporate and foundation representatives, engaging the CEO, Board Directors, and others as appropriate;
- Ensure all tracking and reporting requirements are met and that all records are maintained in CRM (Salesforce).
Organizational Roles
- Report directly to the President and CEO; take an active role on leadership team, including advancement of the Arts Council’s IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, access) priorities;
- Serve as Board Liaison supporting CEO in managing Board Governance and Engagement;
- Lead and support the Board Development and Start with Art Committees and serve on Strategic Planning and Finance Committees;
- Lead annual Start with Art planning in collaboration with Marketing Department;
- Meet regularly with directors and program staff across all Arts Council departments to ensure consistent development support of programs and priority projects;
- Serve as a leader among staff, setting an example for collaboration and teamwork;
- Utilize Salesforce CRM (nonprofits) to manage and report on relationship and donation data;
- Develop and monitor departmental annual income and expense budgets;
- Define departmental work plan and goals aligned with organizational goals and strategic plan.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated commitment to IDEA principles/best practices and continuous learning;
- Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the planning and execution of fundraising within a nonprofit organization;
- Comfortable meeting with all levels of corporate, government, and foundation decision-makers;
- Ability to represent the Arts Council in a professional, inclusive, and approachable manner;
- Exceptional writing skills, including use of persuasive language and technical ability;
- Strong creative, strategic, analytical, and organizational skills;
- Experience developing and managing people and program budgets;
- Ability to meet strict deadlines;
- Proficient with G-Suite (Google) and Excel;
- Proficient with (or demonstrated ability to learn) Salesforce (nonprofit);
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment;
- Arts and culture advocate;
- Energetic, creative thought leader and team-player;
- Inspired positive and proactive leadership with a commitment to equity and collaboration.
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:
- Five+ years of relevant professional experience with demonstrated success in fundraising in nonprofit organizations.
- Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE certification and IDEA training is a plus.
Salary & Benefits:
- Annual salary range $70,000-$75,000 based on experience with opportunities to advance.
- Additional total compensation package valued at $10,000+ includes health, dental & vision insurance (company pays 100% of employee coverage), health and dependent care flex spending account (FSA), retirement fund matching contributions (after 1 year of employment), generous PTO and holiday schedule, flexible (hybrid remote/in-person) work environment, and more.
- In addition to the salary and benefits described above, the Development Director will have support for professional development as well as progressive leadership opportunities.
Please email resume and cover letter by Monday, January 23, 2023 to:
SUBJECT: Development Director Search
JGoodman@IndyArts.org
The Indy Arts Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
