Director of Development and Outreach

Organization Overview

The mission of The Edna St. Vincent Millay Society, a nonprofit historic home and property chartered under the New York State Department of Education, is to illuminate the life and writings of Millay and to preserve and interpret the character of Steepletop, her home and gardens, as places where nature inspires the creative spirit.

The Society is a small organization―currently operating with a volunteer board performing all administrative functions. Current staff are a fulltime onsite caretaker, and a seasonal gardener. Steepletop is open to the public on a limited basis between June and October. It currently operates with an annual budget of ~$250,000.

The Society seeks to formalize and strengthen its fundraising and outreach capabilities in order to continue preservation of, and public access to, Steepletop.

Job Overview

Reporting to The Millay Society Board of Trustees, the Director of Development and Outreach will be responsible for fundraising as well as steering and supporting internal and external strategies in line with the Society’s mission while helping to realize the vision of its Board of Trustees. This is a hybrid position, combining remote work with specific times at Steepletop, including select weekends June through October.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising: collaborating with the Board of Trustees in establishing the annual budget; creating and enacting fundraising strategies; cultivating relationships with donors and partners; identifying grant prospects and managing grant applications; and enhancing a program of individual giving
• Outreach: acting as spokesperson for the organization; building relationships with the local and online community; maintaining contact with local media for coverage of society initiatives; supporting marketing and social media strategies
• Programming: overseeing planning and implementation of onsite activities, including Open Days at Steepletop
• Undertaking other routine obligations that may arise

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience in a nonprofit management role―ideally one engaged in historical preservation
• Proven fundraising record
• Capacity to operate and thrive within a small organization; willingness to be flexible and “roll up sleeves”
• Ability to work in person at Steepletop as required, including some summer/autumn weekends
• Strong digital skills, including experience with CRM software, and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated communication skills, including writing to established standards and representing the organization in a professional manner, upholding the unique needs and nature of Steepletop
• Strong organizational and time-management skills and attention to detail

The successful candidate will:

• Be a flexible, self-motivated leader who can inspire staff, volunteers, and trustees to achieve the organization's mission
• Have good judgment and the ability to build an engaged, motivated community of Steepletop supporters, as well as a commitment to understand and uphold the unique needs and nature of the historic site

paid leave