[…job description, continued]

A successful candidate will not only take ownership of existing projects, but also contribute ideas and take initiative to build new funding streams. This is not a traditional “desk” job with traditional “office hours,” as socializing, attending art openings, and coordinating gatherings are an essential part of how creative sector relationships are built and maintained. From the first email, to the coffee, to the event, to the “ask”—the Director, Individual Giving + Partnerships will serve as an important liaison to a broad community of individual donors, corporate partners, and for-profit venture collaborators. We believe in coalition building. The Director, Individual Giving + Partnerships should be ready and willing to collaborate with other organizational leaders to generate and execute new fundraising and capital-driven initiatives that are both exemplary for, and service, our entire field.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising

● Work with Executive Director (ED) to create and implement fundraising plans designed to grow Denniston Hill’s annual operating budget, diversify funding streams, and prioritize multi-year opportunities;

● Identify and maximize key areas of potential fundraising growth and new contributed revenue streams;

● Research prospective donors (individuals and corporations) and develop snapshot profiles for each, including recommendations for next steps in cultivation such as visits with current and prospective funders, and phone calls to build relationships and/or receive funder feedback;

● Cultivate and steward relationships with existing donors and new donor prospects;

● Manage donor database and donor information, streamlining data tracking;

● Lead donor meetings, presentations, and events;

● Steward Denniston Hill’s individual giving circles: the Residency Council and Alumni Council;

● Work with ED on giving circle offerings that demonstrate a personal connection to council members;

● Work with Denniston Hill’s ED, related staff, and the Board of Trustees’ Fundraising Committee to plan and execute ticketed and cultivation events, including fundraisers in New York City, one summer gathering at Denniston Hill’s upstate campus, studio visits, and other gatherings;

● Prepare fundraising reports and donor event recaps;

● Provide meeting recaps to ED and summarize action items back to meeting participants;

● Stay informed of fundraising trends, techniques, and technology. We’re ready to build!

Working with Denniston Hill’s Board of Trustees

● Activate Denniston Hill’s Board of Trustees as ambassadors for fundraising through strategy sessions with the Board’s Fundraising Committee;

● In partnership with the ED, support Trustees’ annual “get” goals, including (as/if needed) cultivation of new donors, sponsorships, special events, planning and execution of annual trips, and more;

● In partnership with the ED, manage Fundraising Committee meetings and their planned events.

● As needed, present fundraising-related updates to the Board and/or Committees.

Corporate/Commercial Partnerships and Sponsorships

● Develop and implement corporate and commercial partnership strategies and programs;

● Connect corporate marketing and/or PR goals with nonprofit benefits to shape shared opportunities;

● Activate and steward relationships in the corporate and commercial sectors;

● Partner closely with Denniston Hill’s ED and Board of Trustees to leverage our collective, existing networks;

● In partnership with the ED, serve as primary point of contact for corporate sponsors with Denniston Hill;

● In partnership with the ED, and as each sponsorship warrants, develop messaging for social media and publicity channels;

● Lead partnership contract processes, developing and negotiating contacts, archiving paperwork, and tracking renewals.

QUALIFICATIONS & QUALITIES:

Note: You don’t need to have all of these, and some of these are learned together!

● Candidates should possess a commitment to Denniston Hill’s mission and values, working to advance its position within the field, and an ability to advocate effectively for the organization and its goals in professional and social settings.

● An outgoing nature and an affinity for collaborative work settings.

● Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding with co-workers and external stakeholders.

● The ability to speak and write both strategically and persuasively, with demonstrated experience moving a potential funder / partner from conversation to idea to action.

● An entrepreneurial spirit.

● Willingness to take initiative and think outside the box.

● Experience in the practice of tactfulness, discretion, and diplomacy.

● Strong digital presentation skills.

● Attention to detail, excellent project management skills, including the ability to multitask, manage deadlines, and work efficiently both independently and as a team.

● Ability to think creatively, balanced by a willingness to learn.

● Enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, art that makes a difference.

● Willingness to work with artists.

● Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

● Proven ability to problem-solve using analytical and reasoning skills.

● Experience using Salesforce welcomed; equally valued is an interest in and knowledge of other relevant CRM tools.

● Compassion, flexibility, and a sense of humor are highly valued.

This position is based in New York City. Candidates should be able to commute to our Manhattan office regularly. We are open to the possibility of part-time, remote work on a case-by-case basis.