Full Time / 40 Hours per Week
Annual Salary: $145,000 + Benefits with Annual Review
Start Date: Winter/Spring 2025

OVERVIEW
The Director of Development is a new role that has been established to develop and execute a holistic contributed-giving strategy at a young and rapidly growing organization.

Project for Empty Space currently has a $2.2 million annual operating budget, a 400% increase since 2020. Reporting to and in partnership with the Co-Directors, the Development Director will be expected to develop and execute a holistic development strategy that consolidates and builds on existing processes, which the Director will oversee. These include all development functions, including grants strategy, development from public and private sources, individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and special event revenue.

In addition to overseeing all development functions, the new Director will have the exciting challenge of establishing the organization’s endowment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS

• [Every 5 years] Develop and then execute a 5 year strategic plan for development 

• Establish an endowment

• [Annually] Develop, oversee, and execute an annual fundraising plan

• Secure direct financial support from individuals, corporations, and foundations

• Oversee and manage the grant writer and the annual calendar for grant deadlines and reports to secure support from foundations and public sources (currently 60% of gross revenues annually)

 INDIVIDUAL GIVING

• Conceive and launch an individual giving program, from major gifts to annual appeals

• Leverage Project for Empty Space’s current programs and future projects and increasing individual giving percentage of annual revenues

• Cultivate a culture of support among PES’ communities in Newark, New Jersey, New York City, New York, and nationally

• Support Co-directors in developing and maintaining ongoing relationships with major donors

• Develop a robust CRM system and reporting process for PES’ growing community and donations records

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Oversee planning of fundraising special events including fall and spring fundraising events

• Grow the PES audience for participation in special events

• Track revenue and spending for special events as part of PES’ general operating budget

GOVERNANCE

• Prepare quarterly development reports for the co-directors and board

• Support and facilitate annual board giving

• Identify and cultivate new board participation

• Work with board members to identify new sources of support

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree, Non-profit management or related field (Masters Preferred)

• 5+ years of professional experience in a development capacity, preferably in a non-profit arts organization

• Knowledge of the fundraising landscape in the greater Newark/New York area is a plus

• Interest and proven track record in the ethos of Project for Empty Space’s commitment to social equity and justice is preferred

• A vision for shaping innovations in philanthropy for small arts nonprofits dedicated to decolonial practices and social equity is a plus

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to efficiently manage several projects simultaneously

• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, strong problem-solving capabilities, and proficiency in Google platforms and other standard office procedures

• Familiarity with Bloomerang or other CMS programs (Salesforce, Raisers Edge, etc.)

• Fully vaccinated with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and/or the World Health Organization authorized vaccine (or approved for an exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a qualified disability or sincerely held religious belief or other legal basis)

PES is an equal-opportunity employer. Our community(ies) is the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that PES artists, staff, audience, leadership, and supporters invest in their participation in the organization represents a significant part of not only our culture but our reputation and achievement as well.

We embrace and encourage differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our community members unique.

POSITION DETAILS: SALARY + BENEFITS

• This hybrid position works between PES’ multiple locations with typical hours from  10 - 6 pm, as well as occasional weekend and evening presence for events. 

• Salary Range: $145,000, commensurate with experience

• Full benefits package included (Healthcare, Dental, Vision, PTO)

Interested candidates should apply on Submittable by January 17th, 2025.