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Director of Advancement
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Grantmakers in the Arts With a national membership of funders, GIA strengthens the role of arts and culture in philanthropy by creating a productive forum through thought-provoking discourse and engaged networking. It builds on the knowledge, relationships, and diverse perspectives of its grantmaker members. Among its programs are an annual conference held in a different city each year and a journal published three times per year. A twenty-year old organization with a membership of 350 grantmaking organizations, national offices in Seattle, and a professional staff of four, GIA is stable and well-functioning. The activities for and interaction among members constitute the organization’s core programming. Members rely on GIA and are happy with its programs and services. This history, however, has created both a base and an appetite for a more active interchange within philanthropy around arts, culture, and creativity. GIA now aims to find new ways to involve the arts in philanthropy and to use philanthropy’s resources on behalf of the arts. The creativity of the arts can enliven and improve philanthropy, and philanthropy can be used more effectively to foster the dynamic arts and cultural life of our communities. GIA’s annual budget is $940,000, which is derived primarily from its members through dues, fees, and funding partner contributions. Director of Advancement A new position, the Director of Advancement will work closely with the Executive Director in the development of financial and strategic resources for the next phase in GIA’s life cycle; in the further development of an engaged and productive network of members and a widening circle of other partners in philanthropy; and in articulating, systematizing, and ensuring the implementation of GIA’s long-term strategies. In the hopes of attracting a seasoned professional, GIA is prepared to be flexible in how the job is structured, either part-time or full-time. Key responsibilities Fund development • With the Executive Director, design and implement creative funding approaches to support GIA’s vision and long-term strategies and to broaden its financial base. • Lead the organization’s process of setting and monitoring goals for annual fundraising and new member recruitment. • Work with board members and senior staff to identify, cultivate, and solicit new resources and to implement and conduct an ongoing program of communication with GIA funding partners and members. Support the board’s Resource Development Committee. • Write and produce grant requests, prepare reports, and coordinate and track cultivation and solicitation overall. Long-term strategy development and planning • Support the Executive Director in communicating the vision, mission, and long-term strategies of the organization, and in cultivating partners for GIA within philanthropy. • Further develop GIA’s knowledge of overall trends in philanthropy. Membership development • Develop and oversee procedures for recruitment of new members and renewal of existing members. • Guide and monitor programs that engage members, support their interests, and encourage their exchange with each other; support the board’s Member Engagement Committee. • Supervise a full-time Membership Coordinator. Qualifications/experience • minimum of five years experience in development, fundraising, and strategic planning • solid understanding of fundraising concepts and a history of successful fundraising • understanding of nonprofit finances both practically and strategically • demonstrated verbal and written skills, able to distill abstract concepts in a concise and compelling way • able to develop relationships and build confidence using long-distance tools (email, telephone, print, web sites) with only occasional face-to-face contact • well-honed strategic thinking skills with the ability to be flexible and adaptable, revising strategies as necessary • able to think in big-picture terms and also to complete day-to-day, detailed tasks • knowledge of, experience in, and passion for arts/culture preferred • knowledge and experience of philanthropy or foundations preferred • demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team • reliable follow-through on assignments; can put competing tasks in priority order • exceptional organizational skills • comfortable with ambiguity • confident and curious GIA offers an excellent benefit package including a 10 percent 401K retirement contribution. The position is negotiable to full or part-time depending on interest and qualifications.
Show latest news, more from May 2007.
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