Overview

Organization:

The Possibility Project uses the performing arts to bring NYC teenagers together to transform the negative forces in their lives and communities into positive action.

Led by teenagers working in collaboration with professional artists, our programs allow youth to build durable relationships across differences, resolve conflicts without violence, engage in positive community action, and develop real-world leadership skills. To achieve this impact, each group of participants writes and performs a full-length original musical based on their lives and ideas for change, and designs and executes community action projects on issues they care about.

Since 2001, The Possibility Project has served more than 1,700 teenagers from more than 100 schools and 18 foster care agencies and juvenile justice institutions in all five boroughs of the city, produced and staged 46 original musicals for more than 70,000 audience members, produced an award-winning feature film, music video, and three podcast musical dramas, and facilitated the creation of more than 70 youth-led community action projects. 

Revenues:  $700,000 annually

 

For more information, visit www.the-possibility-project.org

Position: Reporting to and in partnership with the President and working closely with the Board of Directors, the Director of Development will spearhead development efforts to sustain and grow The Possibility Project with an emphasis on foundation, government, and individual giving. The Director will have the opportunity to build the development function with the goal of raising revenue to $1Million annually by 2025.

 Responsibilities:

  • Create and execute an operational plan for all donors that cultivates relationships, recommends strategies to solicit and secure gifts, and follows a customized stewardship plan for each donor; advise the President and the Board on necessary inputs to move this plan forward
  • Secure financial support from private foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individuals
  • Develop, write, and track proposals and reports for all foundation, government, and corporate fundraising
  • Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with major donors
  • Source and manage funding leads, as well as implement strategic donor outreach opportunities
  • Create and execute a strategy for a large, sustained base of annual individual donors
  • Prepare bi-monthly Board meeting presentation decks and supporting documents gathering input from The Possibility Project team, as well as create communication outreach to the Board to ensure active engagement and stewardship of each Board member
  • Manage the implementation of Salesforce donor and gift database and oversee staff responsible for data entry and gift processing
  • Oversee management of annual online fundraising campaign and special events
  • Oversee the design, production, and distribution of all development materials
  • Attend youth performances and program activities to steward fundraising efforts and support the staff and youth
  • Represent The Possibility Project’s mission, values, approach, and integrity in public forums
  • Convey the charisma, cultural sensitivity, and communication skills necessary to tailor messages to various audiences and, in turn, be an effective representative of The Possibility Project to its diverse constituencies
  • Work with the Founder/President, Board, and/or staff on strategic initiatives and special projects when requested
  • Provide support to youth when needed within the boundaries of your qualifications

Qualifications:

  • Strong written communication skills with significant grant writing ability
  • 4+ years of non-profit development experience, including owning a portfolio of institutional relationships
  • Experience creating and managing online fundraising campaigns or events
  • Experience with Salesforce
  • Demonstrated interest in The Possibility Project’s mission of empowering youth and working with them
  • Comfortable interacting in a diverse, team-based environment
  • Willing to take initiative and work with an entrepreneurial mindset
  • Willing to take on challenges and learn
  • Located in NYC metro area

 

Salary Range:

$70,000-$80,000 annually, plus health insurance, sick leave, and generous vacation time

 The Possibility Project is committed to hiring talented staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and believe in supporting all stakeholders, especially those who have been historically underserved. As a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to considering applicants regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Note: This position is currently virtual, but will become an in-person role in NYC when circumstances surrounding the pandemic allow staff, artists, and youth to meet safely.

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