Director of Development & Communications

About Bronx Arts

Bronx Charter School for the Arts (Bronx Arts) is a public K–8 charter school where creativity, community, and academic excellence come together. Through visual arts, music, dance, theater, and arts-infused learning, we empower students to think boldly, create fearlessly, and rise with purpose.

Position Summary

Bronx Arts seeks an entrepreneurial, relationship-driven Director of Development & Communications to serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and a member of the school's leadership team.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and Development Committee, the Director will lead fundraising, grant development, donor engagement, strategic partnerships, and external relations efforts. This individual will be responsible for building sustainable philanthropic support while elevating the Bronx Arts story throughout New York City's education and philanthropic communities.

The Director will supervise and develop the Development & Communications Associate and oversee the systems, strategies, and relationships that drive the school's advancement efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy in partnership with the Executive Director and Board.
• Build, manage, and grow a pipeline of individual donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners.
• Secure major gifts, sponsorships, grants, and other philanthropic investments.
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities through professional networks and community relationships.
• Support and coach Board members in fundraising and donor engagement activities.

Grants & Institutional Giving

• Identify, pursue, and steward foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities.
• Oversee grant development, submissions, reporting, and compliance activities.
• Collaborate with school leaders to gather data, program outcomes, and impact stories.

Communications & External Relations

• Partner with the Associate to strengthen Bronx Arts' communications strategy and external presence.
• Develop compelling donor communications, fundraising materials, and impact reports.
• Represent Bronx Arts at community, philanthropic, and networking events.
• Build strategic partnerships that expand opportunities for students and families.

Advancement Operations

• Oversee the school's Bloomerang CRM system, ensuring accurate donor records, prospect tracking, stewardship activities, and fundraising reporting.
• Monitor fundraising performance and provide regular updates to the Executive Director and Board of Trustees.
• Establish systems and processes that support long-term advancement growth.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, coach, and support the Development & Communications Associate.
• Establish goals, priorities, and professional development opportunities for the Associate.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven advancement team culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible fundraising, development, or advancement experience.
• Demonstrated success securing grants, major gifts, sponsorships, and institutional funding.
• Experience managing donor pipelines and fundraising strategy.
• Experience supervising, coaching, or developing staff.
• Familiarity with donor management systems; Bloomerang experience preferred.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.

Success in This Role

Within the first year, the Director will partner with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and Development Committee to build upon Bronx Arts' existing donor and grant portfolio and secure a minimum of $500,000 in philanthropic revenue through grants, sponsorships, individual giving, and strategic partnerships.

Location & Work Environment

This position is based in the Bronx, New York. A hybrid work schedule is available; however, regular on-site presence is required for donor meetings, school events, performances, and community engagement activities. Occasional evening and weekend work is expected.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority consideration given to candidates who apply by August 1, 2026.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Free medical plan options

Dental and vision coverage

403(b) retirement savings plan

Hybrid work schedule with flexibility based on organizational needs

Flexible summer hours

Generous paid time off, including wellness days

Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel

Performance-based bonuses and incentive opportunities

School-issued laptop and cell phone

Professional development and conference opportunities

Complimentary tickets to school performances and special events

A collaborative, mission-driven culture where creativity, joy, and community are valued

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred but not required.

Demonstrated ability to write compelling and audience-appropriate communications, including grant proposals, donor correspondence, reports, newsletters, and social media content.

Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including families, board members, donors, community partners, and staff.

Strong proofreading and editing skills with meticulous attention to detail.