Director of Development
Reporting directly to the Executive Director (ED), the Director of Development (DD) is responsible for all areas of fundraising including membership, major gifts, special events and corporate sponsorship with associated prospect research, cultivation, recognition, relationship management and stewardship; provide data/reports for LAB’s foundation application process; achieve annual fundraising goal of $2million. The DD will assist the ED in building and supporting LAB’s Board of Directors, and work closely to expand their role in donor relations and fundraising. DD has oversight of development materials and website fundraising content; management of all LAB events including The Nutcracker Tea and the annual gala with $1m budget and high profile volunteer committee; and, guidance of Patron Ladies, an elite level of the Los Angeles Ballet Guild. In 2015/2016, the DD will assume special responsibilities as related to the milestone 10th Anniversary Season of Los Angeles Ballet.
The Ideal Candidate: LAB seeks an individual possessing knowledge of all relevant development functions and a track record of successfully building or enhancing contributed income programs, especially with regard to major donors. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for the arts and the community in which LAB is located. This position is a good fit for an eager person with mid-level experience or greater who is willing to wear many hats in a dynamic and fast growing non-profit. Flexibility and initiative are key attributes.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Support and partner with the Executive/Artistic Directors, staff colleagues and board members on all major fundraising initiatives, events, and efforts.
- Oversee research of funding sources and trends to help position Los Angeles Ballet for continued growth.
- Lead an enhanced Major Donor program and evolve stewardship appropriate for this level of giving.
- Oversee the LAB’s general donor stewardship program and ensure appropriate acknowledgment, recognition, education/information and opportunities for involvement as part of the cultivation and advancement of every LAB donor.
- Consider the launch and oversight of a Planned Giving program.
- In partnership with the ED, develop and manage fundraising budgets; assume clear responsibility for meeting or exceeding budgeted revenue goals; utilize best practices to forecast and track progress of fundraising goals.
- Contribute to strategic planning in all development areas and align with overall LAB planning.
Key Qualifications:
- Strong commitment to LAB’s mission, constituency and community
- Significant professional experience in nonprofit organizations, including demonstrated success in major donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships
- Strong organizational and management skills, including proven budget forecasting and management
- Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising efforts
- Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will productively engage others within and outside LAB.
- Willingness to go above-and-beyond to accomplish organizational goals.
- Ability to design, communicate, and implement annual and multi-year strategic development plans
- Strong familiarity with best practices in moving donors up the ladder of giving, and ability to implement and manage a multi-level donor engagement and stewardship experience
- Knowledge of DonorPerfect a plus
About Los Angeles Ballet:
In 2015/2016, Los Angeles Ballet proudly celebrates 10 years of world-class dance.
Founded in 2004 by Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary and Executive Director Julie Whittaker, Los Angeles Ballet is known for its superb stagings of the Balanchine repertory, stylistically meticulous classical ballets and its commitment to new works. An internationally recognized company, LAB ‘tours’ throughout LA County, regularly appearing at seven venues.
LAB support groups include the Los Angeles Ballet Guild, and Patron Ladies of the Guild.
Outreach: Since its inception in 2006, LAB’s Power of Performance (POP!) program has provided thousands of free tickets to underserved or disadvantaged children, seniors, veterans, and their families. LAB's A Chance to Dance outreach program was launched in October 2012.
How to Apply:
Resume, cover letter, and salary history, may be submitted to:
Julie Whittaker, Executive Director:
