Director of Annual Giving

Boston Arts Academy Foundation

9 Lansdowne Street, Suite 2, Boston, MA 02215

Full-Time, Exempt | Hybrid (4 days onsite, 1 remote)

Shape the Future of Arts Education in Boston

The Boston Arts Academy Foundation (Foundation) is on a mission to ensure that Boston’s talented young artists—regardless of background—have access to an exceptional, arts-intensive, college-preparatory education. The Foundation supports Boston Arts Academy, the city’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts. Each year, the Foundation bridges a growing multi-million-dollar gap between the Boston Public Schools’ funding allocation and the full cost of the school’s model to make that vision possible.

We’re seeking a driven, strategic, and relationship-focused Director of Annual Giving to lead the charge in generating more than $1 million in unrestricted annual revenue. If you thrive on building meaningful donor relationships, crafting creative fundraising strategies, and seeing the tangible impact of your work, this role offers both challenge and purpose.

What You’ll Do

As Director of Annual Giving, you’ll own and evolve a comprehensive annual giving program that fuels the Foundation’s mission. You’ll balance strategy with execution—leading campaigns, cultivating donors, and driving measurable results.

Key Responsibilities:

Revenue Generation & Strategy

• • Design and execute a multi-channel annual giving program.
  • Generate at least $1M in unrestricted revenue annually.
  • Contribute to the Foundation’s broader ~$6M annual fundraising goal.
  • Lead initiatives across:
  • Major fundraising events & donor cultivation events
  • Direct mail & digital campaigns
  • Corporate partnerships & sponsorships
  • Cause marketing, raffles, and community-based fundraising.

Donor Engagement & Pipeline Growth

• • Build and manage a robust portfolio of donors and prospects.
  • Strengthen donor retention, upgrades, and re-engagement strategies!
• Identify and cultivate high-potential individual and corporate supporters.
• Expand the Foundation’s base of annual donors.

Data-Driven Fundraising

• • Leverage data to inform strategy and improve outcomes.
  • Track donor engagement and campaign performance using Raiser’s Edge
  • Generate reports and insights to guide decision-making.

Prospect Research

• • Continuously identify new funding opportunities and donor prospects
  • Prioritize outreach efforts based on impact and likelihood of support.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s degree
  • 5–7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience
  • Proven success securing gifts from individuals and organizations.
  • Experience managing donor relationships and meeting revenue targets.
  • Effective communication, organization, and time management skills
  • Ability to work independently and juggle multiple priorities.

Preferred Experience:

• • Background in annual giving or educational/nonprofit development
  • Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge
  • Event planning and donor cultivation experience
  • Previous supervisory experience

Skills That Set You Apart

• • Results-driven mindset with strong accountability
  • Natural relationship-builder with donors and partners
  • Strategic thinker with hands-on execution skills
  • Persistence, initiative, and sound professional judgment
  • Strong collaboration across teams and departments

Reporting Structure

• • Reports to: Chief Advancement and Communications Officer
  • Supervises: Donor Stewardship Coordinator

Why This Role Matters

This isn’t just a fundraising job, it’s a chance to directly support the next generation of artists, performers, and creative leaders. Your work will help sustain a school where talent meets opportunity, and where students’ artistic voices are nurtured alongside academic excellence.

If you’re ready to lead with purpose and deliver real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your resume and cover letter.

More about Boston Arts Academy Foundation

Boston Arts Academy Foundation (the Foundation) is an independent 501(c)3 organization that was established in 1999 to raise essential funds for Boston Arts Academy, the city’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts. Each year, the Foundation must bridge the growing multi-million-dollar gap between Boston Public Schools’ funding allocation and the full cost of an arts-intensive and college preparatory education. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that has fiduciary oversight over the Foundation’s assets.

About the School

Boston Arts Academy (BAA) is the city’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts. Established in 1998 as a pilot school within Boston Public Schools, BAA prepares a diverse community of artists-scholars-global citizens to be successful in their college or professional careers and to be engaged members of a democratic society. In September 2022, the school relocated to a brand-new, state-of-the-art building in the Fenway neighborhood.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement

The Boston Arts Academy Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Benefits include:

• • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan participation
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Professional development opportunities