Senior Director of Development

Centrum seeks a strategic, community-minded, and visionary Director of Development to lead and grow fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropic strategies in support of our mission. Grounded in a deep commitment to community and creativity, this role is central to building a culture of philanthropy among Centrum's staff, board, and supporters.

The Director of Development is a member of Centrum's senior leadership team and oversees all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual fund, foundation, government grants, corporate partnerships, planned giving, and special events. This position interacts with the Board of Directors and the general public and is asked to attend board meetings, finance and development committees, and Centrum’s public ticketed events.

This position supervises a development team and works in close collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to meet an annual contributed revenue goal of over $2-3 million (excluding capital projects).

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and implement an annual and multi-year fundraising plan aligned with Centrum's strategic goals and priorities.
• Actively manage Centrum’s donor data, establishing a robust cadence of solicitations, campaigns, and communications to maintain and grow Centrum’s base of support.
• Lead fundraising efforts for campaigns, capital projects, and strategic initiatives as appropriate.
• Develop highly competitive proposals for corporate and foundation prospects.
• Guide a comprehensive planned giving marketing program.

Team and Program Oversight

• Supervise Development and Marketing staff, including a Data and Donor Relations Manager, Artist Network Coordinator, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Grants Officer.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to foster a high-performing, collaborative, and engaged team.
• Oversee donor data management, monthly reconciling, reporting, and analysis to deliver strategic insights and the integrity of systems.
• Ensure that benefits are fulfilled at all donor levels.
• Partner with the communications team to align messaging and outreach strategies for Centrum’s stakeholders.

Institutional Advancement & Relationship Building

• Serve as a key ambassador for Centrum's mission to current and prospective donors, partners, and the broader community.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to engage the Board of Directors in fundraising strategy and donor stewardship.
• Maintain relationships with corporate, foundation, and government representatives, creating compelling presentations and comprehensive fundraising proposals.
• Monitor proposal and final report deadlines, prepare and edit proposals and final reports, and manage proposal and final report submissions.
• Participate in community and arts advocacy, positioning Centrum as a philanthropic priority within the region and beyond.

Organizational Leadership

• Contribute to organizational strategy and decision-making as a member of the senior leadership team.
• Serve as staff lead for the Development Committee of the Board.
• Represent Centrum at public events, donor gatherings, and relevant professional forums.

Qualifications

• Ideal candidate will be able to articulate practical development experience working within a system that maximizes staff input and involvement in attaining annual goals.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Six to ten years fundraising experience, including grant writing, corporate sponsorships and leadership experience in a Development Department, required.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in and the ability to thrive in a deadline driven environment while handling multiple priorities.
• Fluent in MS Office, with the willingness to engage with new technologies
• Adept with Little Green Light or other online donor software.
• Must be willing and able to work weekends and evenings when needed.