The Director oversees all aspects of fundraising and meeting financial goals for Foundation and Government general operating income and for occasional special projects, including managing a grants calendar, writing proposals, end-of-cycle reporting, and stewardship. This position has one direct report.
Primary Responsibilities
- Direct the activities of all foundation and government giving, including identifying, cultivating, and soliciting new sources of support, while managing annual grants.
- Prepare grant proposals and reports; follow up on requests and report requirements related to grants and manage other correspondence with funders and prospects on a timely basis.
- Manage communication with designated relationships through meetings, site-visits, conference calls, personal cultivation and event invitations, steward existing donors.
- Manage administration of department, including tracking income and expense budgets; and creating and maintaining annual solicitation, acquisition and reporting calendars.
- Oversee the maintenance of all foundation and government records.
- Ensure proper fulfillment of funder benefits and contractual obligations, ensuring proper crediting in all print and digital materials.
- Entertain and cultivate current and prospective funders during the season; attend select functions and special events.
- Liaise with all departments across the Met, including Development, Finance, Media, Legal, Marketing, Education, Operations, Artistic, and House Management.
Skills and Qualifications
- Minimum of 7+ years of development experience, with an emphasis on institutional fundraising and proven track record of securing large gifts
- Broad knowledge of foundation giving; solid understanding of government contracts, cycles and reports
- Superior writing skills, with the ability to create persuasive and descriptive written materials.
- Ability to manage a campaign within the constructs of an overall development operation, coordinating all campaign efforts with other institutional priorities and goals.
- Excellent oral, written and computer skills; knowledge of Excel and Tessitura preferred.
- Experience fundraising for the performing arts/cultural sector; knowledge of opera preferred.
- Undergraduate degree; graduate degree in related field preferred
Physical Demands
- Diplomacy, tact and ability to skillfully handle donor situations.
- Superior organizational/time management skills
- Ability to work quickly and adapt readily to changes in priorities.
- Requires some evenings/weekends for cultivation activities.
