Director Of Development at the Jalopy Theatre

The Jalopy Theatre is a multi-disciplinary arts organization dedicated to presenting and preserving evolving folk, traditional, and roots-based music and art from New York City, the Americas, and around the world. Through live performances, education, and community engagement Jalopy supports artists, fosters multigenerational connection, and provides access to our shared musical heritage. Our in-house theatre presents live music four to five nights per week. Jalopy also produces several offsite shows each year and seven annual festivals, including the Brooklyn Folk Festival, the largest and longest running folk festival in an urban area on the east coast. Jalopy offers extensive educational programming, including weekly in-house private and group music classes for adults and children, summer camps and workshops. In addition, Jalopy collaborates with schools, government organizations, and outside cultural institutions nationwide to present classes, lectures, and performances throughout the city and state. Jalopy operates its own in-house non-profit record label, Jalopy Records, releasing multiple recordings each year by contemporary artists alongside historic archival works. Jalopy offers free music enrichment programs to Brooklyn public schools who don’t have music programs. Excitingly, Jalopy is celebrating its 20th Anniversary across this year, which will provide new opportunities for fundraising and friendraising.

The Jalopy Theatre is seeking a Director of Development to lead the development and execution of the institution’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This role will be responsible for building Jalopy’s first comprehensive advancement program, including developing strategy, establishing a donor pipeline, and driving consistent, measurable fundraising activity. In close collaboration with executive leadership, the Director will play a central role in achieving a multi-year goal to grow philanthropic support.

Working in close partnership with executive leadership, the Director of Development will develop and present fundraising strategies, incorporate leadership input and direction, and lead the execution of advancement initiatives. This role will focus on cultivating donor relationships, building a sustainable pipeline, and driving consistent fundraising activity in alignment with institutional priorities. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role that requires both initiative and collaboration, with responsibility for driving strategy forward, refining it in partnership with leadership, and executing against defined fundraising goals. This role requires a results-oriented approach, with the ability to translate strategy into execution and drive forward measurable fundraising activity.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or community relations.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Track Record: Demonstrated success in personally cultivating and soliciting major gifts (e.g., $5,000+).
• Technical Proficiency: Experience managing fundraising data, donor databases, and CRM systems (such as Bloomerang, Salesforce, or DonorPerfect).
• Soft Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.

Primary Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Develop and present fundraising strategies and plans aligned with institutional priorities
• Partner with executive leadership to refine strategies and incorporate feedback and direction
• Lead the execution of approved advancement initiatives, including major gifts and donor engagement efforts
• Contribute to the development of cases for support and donor-facing materials

Donor Cultivation & Solicitation

• Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and current donors
• Identify, cultivate, and lead donor engagement and solicitation efforts in partnership with executive leadership
• Conduct consistent donor outreach, including meetings, calls, and written communications

Pipeline Development & Fundraising Goals

• Lead the development and ongoing management of a structured donor pipeline across alumni, parents, foundations, corporations, and industry partners
• Track and manage donor movement through all stages of engagement
• Contribute to achieving annual and multi-year fundraising goals through consistent activity and relationship development

Events & Donor Engagement

• Lead the planning and execution of donor cultivation, stewardship, and engagement events
• Coordinate with leadership on donor-facing opportunities and engagement strategies
• Support relationship-building within arts, entertainment, and philanthropic communities

Systems, Reporting & Operations

• Utilize Bloomerang to track donor activity and maintain accurate records
• Monitor and report on fundraising activity, pipeline development, and engagement metrics
• Establish and maintain organized processes for donor tracking, follow-up, and reporting

Performance Expectations

• Develop and present clear, actionable fundraising strategies
• Maintain a high level of consistent donor outreach and engagement activity, including meetings, calls, and follow-up
• Build and grow a qualified donor pipeline with measurable movement over time
• Demonstrate progress toward defined fundraising outcomes through pipeline development and donor engagement
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions
• Provide regular reporting on fundraising activity and outcomes
• Contribute to achieving defined fundraising goals and establishing sustainable development practices

Position Information

• Part Time Position, 25 hours/week
• Salary range: $60,000 – $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• This position is based in New York; candidates must reside in the local area
• Hybrid work environment, with a combination of remote work and in-person responsibilities
• Availability for on-campus meetings, events, and donor engagements is required
• Occasional evening and weekend work required for events

We’re excited to meet individuals who are passionate about creating a positive impact in the workplace and contributing to The Jalopy Theatre’s growth, impact, community and legacy. Only those being considered will be contacted. No phone inquiries, please.

This position includes paid vacation and a 403(b) Retirement Account.