Director of Development - New York Studio School

Overview

Founded in 1964 by artists for artists, The New York Studio School (NYSS) is committed to providing a rigorous and affordable studio-based arts education, and a rich slate of arts programming that is free and open to the public. A 501c3 nonprofit institution, the School is located in the historic Greenwich Village building that served as the original home of the Whitney Museum of American Art. As we conclude our 60th Anniversary year and look ahead to the next 60 years, we are seeking a dynamic, thoughtful, and growth-oriented Director of Development to partner with our newly appointed Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and development and alumni affairs team to grow and sustain philanthropic support.

The Director of Development is a full-time, on-site position responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive development plan to advance our philanthropic revenue in support of the School’s goals. This position leads a small and mighty team responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing NYSS fundraising efforts, including major gifts, institutional giving, donor stewardship, annual campaigns, grant proposals, and special events. In addition to its $2-3 million annual fundraising target for the operating budget, the School is poised to launch a multi-million dollar campaign to secure critical funding for the restoration of its historic building, the expansion of program capacity, and the long-term financial stability of the institution.

The Director of Development will report to the Executive Director and work closely and collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, Dean, and other school leadership. Currently, the Director of Development supervises the full-time Development Associate, part-time Alumni Engagement Officer, and part-time grantwriting consultant.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Lead development and execution of long- and short-term strategic fundraising plans, in partnership with the Executive Director, Board, and key staff.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director, particularly in developing new fundraising initiatives and campaigns.
• Articulate compelling, authentic cases for support.
• Grow a robust major gifts program to cultivate, solicit, and steward major and transformative gifts.
• Oversee the implementation of an effective prospect research and cultivation plan.
• Oversee planning and execution of the annual benefit as well as other fundraising and donor cultivation events.
• Oversee the calendar of grant deadlines and related reporting.
• Oversee preparation of grant proposals, grant-writing submissions, and associated reports.
• Oversee development and implementation of alumni engagement and giving strategies.
• Stay current on development trends and best practices, and recommend innovative strategies to enhance fundraising efforts.
• Conduct regular analysis of fundraising data and metrics to track progress and inform strategy adjustments.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Serve as the main point of contact for donors and as an ambassador for NYSS.
• Develop and implement a holistic donor communications and engagement plan.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Communications Associate to create compelling fundraising materials and content.
• Represent the development department at school events and meetings as needed.
• Establish and maintain relationships with external partners and vendors related to fundraising activities.

Team Leadership and Development Operations

• Coach and support the professional development of the development team.
• Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Prepare regular development reports to the Board and partner with the finance team to ensure timely and accurate income reconciliation.
• Manage the strategic use and increase functionality of the current donor database (Little Green Light), with support from the Development Associate.

Qualifications/Competencies

• A deep commitment to NYSS’ mission and passion for arts education.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of development experience, ideally within the arts, culture, or higher education fields.
• Proven track record in implementing fundraising campaigns, securing major (5-6 figure) and transformative gifts (7+ figures), and cultivating individual donors and foundation funders.
• Ability to adapt, thrive and lead in a dynamic, evolving environment and during periods of transition and significant projects such as a major building restoration.
• Experience across development streams, including major gifts, private and government grants, and special events.
• Ability to speak and write persuasively about the importance of the arts and the vision and mission of NYSS.
• Diplomatic, collaborative, and solutions-driven.
• Ability to translate visionary concepts and ideas into detailed, actionable plans and timelines.
• Ability to work and maintain poise under pressure.
• Experience working with a variety of stakeholders and ability to work directly with the Board, school leadership and staff, donors, artists, and alumni.
• Demonstrated ability to balance competing projects and timelines.
• Demonstrated managerial skills in motivating and coaching staff.
• Strong CRM database skills (Little Green Light preferred), familiarity with Microsoft Suite, Google Suite and giving platforms.
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills, attention to detail.

Work Environment

• This is a full-time, hybrid position, working in the School’s historic building three to four days a week, which currently has limited ADA accessibility, and one to two days remotely.
• Many of our events require standing and walking around venues for long periods, walking up and down stairs, as well as lifting and moving of boxes and art.
• NYSS hours are Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm, and the School holds evening events throughout the year.

About NYSS

The New York Studio School emphasizes perception and drawing, providing its students with the means to develop a language for expression of a personal artistic vision. This education is a preamble to a lifetime’s engagement in drawing, painting, or sculpture. Students are encouraged to think independently and work with dedication. From its National Historic Landmark home on West 8th Street in New York City, the Studio School offers a range of courses and educational programs including a three-year Certificate program, two-year Master of Fine Arts, its signature one- and two-week immersive Marathon workshops, and Evening & Weekend courses. A twice-weekly Lecture Series and a Gallery for short-term exhibitions, both open to the public free of charge, bring together prominent figures of the art world to share perspectives about contemporary art.

The New York Studio School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, family or marital status, or sexual orientation. The School is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.