Development Director

Overview

The Bushwick Starr theater seeks an ambitious, dynamic, and highly motivated full-time Development Director to join our team.

The Development Director (DD) is an integral leadership position at The Bushwick Starr, working closely with the theater’s Board and leadership team. The DD leads the fundraising strategy and implementation of the Starr. This is a full-time position with regular office hours and some nights and weekends required for patron management, cultivation and special events. Grant writing work offsite is possible.

Core responsibilities will include:
Managing contributed income of an annual 1.5m operating budget, including setting and reaching fundraising goals. This currently encompasses management of capital project contributed income and related financial oversight, in collaboration with leadership team, Development Assoc. and Board.

• With leadership team, executing an annual cultivation plan to solicit new donors (with a focus on acquiring donors $5,000 and above), as well as stewarding all existing donors and handling regular donor communication, acknowledgements, and engagement strategies.
• Handling all foundation and government grant writing and reporting, including proposal budgets and supplemental materials, while also researching opportunities for potential new foundation support; acting as the point person for communication with these funding entities.
• With leadership team, planning and executing the Starr’s annual fundraising Gala; in addition, executing cultivation or smaller fundraising events as needed throughout the year.
• Maintaining a strong relationship with the Starr’s Board of Directors, preparing materials and reporting on fundraising / development at quarterly Board meetings, being the point-person and staff representative on the Board Fundraising Committee
• Overseeing the maintenance of the organization’s database, including keeping records and gift entry current; with the Producing Director and an outside accountant, keeping the Starr’s income tracking up to date.
• Offering fundraising support to individual Season artists, including strategizing and collaborating on grant proposals as artist-based or project-specific opportunities arise; assisting artists with applications, as well as supporting with individual giving strategy as needed.
• Maintaining relationships with government officials & agencies; participating in arts advocacy and general representation in the field.
  Manage and oversee Development Associate.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability to lead and manage with confidence, and to work as part of a team of leaders.
• A deep understanding of The Bushwick Starr’s unique voice, mission, and population.
• A passion for directly supporting the work of artists and an interest in flexible models of production and collaboration.
• Strong communication skills and an investment in transparency.
• A commitment to participate in institutional initiatives and programs around IDEA and anti-oppression work.
• A keen eye for detail, an ability to work autonomously, and a positive attitude.

The salary range for the Development Director is $75K-$90K, plus health and retirement benefits. We are interested in candidates who are not historically represented in our field, and encourage applications from under-represented groups as well as individuals who have experience with diverse populations.

To apply please send a cover letter, resume and a list of three references to apply@thebushwickstarr.org. Applications will be accepted through August 15 (or until filled). Position begins September 2024 (flex start date).