BalletX: Development Director

BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, is seeking a proactive and energetic Development Director to lead its fundraising efforts. The Company is known for not only its talented dancers but also for the range of choreography it has created and produced, in Philadelphia and on tour. Performances in Philadelphia regularly sell out, and the Company is in demand nationally and internationally to perform. Currently the Resident Dance Company of The Wilma Theater, BalletX is an integral part of Philadelphia’s vibrant arts and cultural corridor, the Avenue of the Arts.

The Development Director implements and leads BalletX’s aggressive fundraising program including a robust and growing individual giving program (comprised of the annual fund as well as a major gifts initiative) and a full complement of institutional support and events. The Development Director works closely with the Executive Director, the staff, and the Board of Directors to expand and diversify the organization’s channels of support leading into each season. Identification, cultivation and solicitation of new prospective donors, in all areas, will be key to the success of this position. The Development Director will ensure that the Executive Director is strategically engaged and employed in the development process, with an emphasis on in-person visits. Additionally, the Development Director will develop their own prospect pool and meet benchmarks as established.

The Development Director is part of a five-person administrative staff that includes an Artistic & Executive Director, Associate Artistic Director, Marketing Coordinator, and Office Manager, as well as an external accountant. This position reports directly to the Executive Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Annual Fund

-Meet or exceed annual individual giving goals
-Develop strategy for direct mail and digital fundraising including the coordination of the annual appeal, and other methods to meet goals
-Prepare all donor communications
-Oversee donor benefits and cultivation

Major Gifts

-Facilitate ongoing growth of major gift campaign
-Manage BalletX major gifts prospect pool and identify new potential donors
-Assist Executive Director by tracking cultivation and stewardship through moves management
-Conduct prospect research on new and existing donors

Institutional Support

-Design, write and coordinate foundation, corporation, and government proposals
-Manage grants calendar
-Prepare grant budgets in conjunction with Executive Director and accountant
-Manages institutional benefits and recognition on marketing and promotional materials
-Oversee grant compliance and complete report                       

Special Events

-Plans and executes all special events for each performance series as related to donor cultivation, including open rehearsals, opening night parties, etc.
-Lead the volunteer Events Committee, in conjunction with event chairs, in the planning and execution of the annual Fundraiser/Gala.

Board Relations

-Participate in monthly Finance Committee and Development Committee meetings
-Assist Board President and Committee chairs in preparing monthly Board Meeting presentations

Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Qualifications or Requirements

-Passion for dance and/or the performing arts
-Outstanding communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
-The stature, gravitas, and confidence to gain the credibility with and respect of high level constituencies (internally and externally).
-Self-directed with outstanding organizational and planning skills with ability to multitask effectively.
-Ability to develop effective working relationships with internal colleagues, external partners, donors, and the community.
-A minimum of 3-5 years experience in fundraising with demonstrated success in directing development strategies and securing support from major donors
-Demonstrated ability to create multi-year development plans, set objectives, and achieve goals.
-Strong financial management skills including budgeting and projecting contributed revenue
Bachelor’s degree in related field
-Knowledge of Microsoft Word & Excel, Mail Merge, and Patron Manager/SalesForce or other CRM

BalletX is an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION employer.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to hr@balletx.org.