Immediate Hire -- DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
The Finger Lakes Music Theatre Festival in Auburn, NY seeks an experienced, dynamic and highly motivated full-time Director of Development. The Director of Development will lead and elevate the theatre’s fundraising efforts to achieve an annual fundraising goal of $1.2 million. The ideal candidate will develop an active, first-class department as well as cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors and key individuals within the community.
About MGR / FLMTF
Founded in 1958 and located in the picturesque Finger Lakes region, The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse/Finger Lakes Music Theatre Festival consists of two divisions: the largest professional music theatre in Central New York and one of the largest youth theatres in the country. MGR/FLMTF has an annual operating budget of $5.4M, plays to over 180,000 patrons and students year round and employs over 400 staff members and guest artists each year.
Essential Job Functions:
Fundraising:
Direct all fundraising activities including an annual campaign, capital campaigns, show sponsorships and both planned and board giving; Track progress of pending and secured gifts; Increase exposure of the organization on a national level through individual and foundation support, corporate sponsorships and industry networking; Manage and develop relationships with current and potential funders; Interact regularly with donors, Board Members and community leaders while representing the theatre at MGR / FLMTF events as well as other community events; Research new foundations, corporations and opportunities to capture and cultivate prospective funders; Provide personalized service to all foundations, corporations, government agencies and major individual donors to ensure funders receive proper benefits, acknowledgements, recognition and reports;
Grant Program Development:
Maintain current grant strategy and identify new grant opportunities, both in the public and private sectors.
Public Relations:
Lead and oversee annual fundraising events; create and execute materials to be used in fundraising solicitations; identify opportunities to spotlight fundraising efforts to the community through press releases and news stories; monitor Board Giving and manage the Development Committee of the board; supervise and maintain all records of donation and grants.
Generates reports for Board of Trustees, funders and Staff;
Working Requirements:
Full time commitment; including extended hours as required; during peak fundraising as well as for all opening nights/events and any fundraising events at the theatre; some regional travel – Syracuse, Rochester, Ithaca etc;
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 5 years development experience; proven track record of raising over $1 million annually; knowledge of Central New York locales, residents, arts-scenes and philanthropy a major plus; self-motivator with strong management and leadership skills; strong verbal and written communication skills; strategic thinker with pleasing and discerning personality; knowledge of data base programs (knowledge of ProVenue Max a plus)
Compensation: Salary at industry standards or above with health benefits and paid vacation time;
To Apply:
Email cover letter, resume, salary history or target salary range and three references to Recruitment@FingerLakesMTF.com with subject line: Development Director. No phone calls please. Immediate replacement.
