Director of Development – Jacob Burns Film Center

About the Role

The Jacob Burns Film Center, one of the most successful suburban art house film centers in the country, seeks a thoughtful, committed, and driven new Director of Development. The organization is preparing to celebrate its 25th year of achievement and impact, and the Director of Development will be a key leader in this new chapter.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and executes a strategic, comprehensive fundraising plan that supports the annual operating and capital needs of the organization for the present and the long term.
• Serves on the Senior Leadership Team of department heads, collaborating with internal stakeholders to set mission-based goals and strategies for the organization.
• Leads the process of articulating major gift goals; building relationships with new and longstanding donors, and soliciting gifts of all levels.
• Maximizes the effectiveness of the organization’s diverse special events, which range from small cultivation events and opening night receptions to an annual gala, in order to help develop, attract, retain, and further engage donors.
• Supervises and manages the research, writing, and preparation of all foundation, corporate and government grant proposals/sponsorships, and oversees grant administration and reporting.
• Manages and oversees the formation and maintenance of necessary development reports and records; prepares and manages the department’s financial reports and budget; monitors budget and control expenditures.
• Works with the Marketing/Communications and Membership departments on complimentary strategies and initiatives for sponsorship, member, and donor engagement, including, but not limited to, advancing audience members through the member/donor ladder.
• Conceives and oversees the creation of the annual report with the development staff.
• Builds, trains, mentors, and guides an effective and professional development team and support staff; recruits and replaces team members as necessary, in consultation with senior leadership.
• Fosters ongoing, collegial relations among the development department and other departments of the organization and helps integrate fundraising into the culture of the organization.
• Takes an active role in the community and cultivates key relationships and associations with centers of influence within the county, state, and region.

Qualifications

• Strong background in the cultivation and solicitation of individual, corporate, foundation, and government donors, and a demonstrated track record in the management of successful development programs, including staff and volunteer management.
• Effective leader and administrator, with solid experience in managing, mentoring and motivating staff, and the ability to inspire those working with them toward accomplishing common objectives.
• Extremely well-organized, able to plan strategically, set priorities and focus on details while not losing sight of the big picture, with the flexibility to welcome and embrace change, and the ability to balance the many challenges inherent in an active and lively environment.
• Genuine interest in the arts and education, understands and supports the organization’s mission, appreciates the important role cultural institutions play in the life of a vibrant community, and has the ability to articulate this mission and role to others.
• Keen awareness of philanthropy and funding opportunities in film, cultural education, and around Westchester County.
• Extensive knowledge of fundraising strategies and principles; experience setting the strategy for and executing a major capital campaign is a plus.
• Knowledgeable about how the film industry is shifting and changing at the moment.
• Excellent management and supervisory skills.
• Ability to work evenings as needed to manage and attend donor cultivation, special fundraising events, and receptions before or after film programs.

Compensation

The salary for this position is $175,000-200,000. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on the first day of employment (and generously sponsored by JBFC). If medical coverage is elected through the JBFC plan, the employee receives $3,000 in a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) and is eligible for an annual FSA (Flexible Spending Account). JBFC also offers its employees an employee funded employer-matching 403(b) retirement annuity plan, which can be funded through pretax and/or Roth payroll deductions. Employees are eligible to enroll in and contribute to the 403(b)-retirement plan beginning on the first day of employment and the employer-matching funds vest immediately. JBFC also provides for generous benefits, including paid time off and professional development opportunities.