Development Director

Description

Bemis Center seeks a seasoned and energetic Development Director to lead all fundraising initiatives to meet the organization's operating and capital goals and to advance its mission. As part of the senior leadership team, the Development Director provides strategic vision and fundraising expertise to ensure long-term financial stability for Omaha's premiere contemporary art organization. The Development Director is responsible for the design, implementation, and administration of all fundraising activities, including individual giving, foundation and corporate support, federal grants, and annual fundraising events, such as Bemis’s Benefit Art Auction. The Development Director reports directly to the Executive Director, and supervises three full-time employees within the Development Department, including a Development Manager, Capital Campaign Coordinator (forthcoming), and Development Assistant. 

This is an opportunity to join an energetic and collegial staff at one of Omaha’s most unique arts organizations. Ideal candidates share our values of creativity, trust, courage, diversity, acceptance, and the open exchange of ideas and worldviews. We recognize opportunities in creative industries have historically excluded and continue to disproportionately exclude Black and Indigenous people, people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people. We strongly encourage individuals with these identities to apply.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop, oversee, and execute upon a comprehensive annual fundraising plan to support the organization's operating, programming, and capital expenses
• Maintain and track all existing institutional, corporate, and individual donor relationships
• Design and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit new major individual donor support
• Lead and support the planning and coordination of individual donor engagement and stewardship efforts, strategically collaborating with key positions such as the Executive Director, Chief Curator, Board of Directors, and Development Committee
• Provide strategy for the development and implementation of a new Planned Giving program, including prospecting of potential planned donors and working with the Communications Department to launch a marketing plan for the program
• Identify, cultivate, and supervise the preparation of funding proposals to secure, renew, and increase grant funding from local and national private foundations and government agencies
• Oversee the management of grant contracts and reporting to funders on all funded projects
• Develop and implement a robust corporate sponsorship program, ensuring appropriate recognition and fulfillment of sponsor-related benefits
• Oversee the execution and management of Bemis’s annual membership program, including the successful execution of donor appeals, benefits, and recognition
• Review, edit, and approve all development related external correspondence, proposals, appeal letters, and website/social media content prior to dissemination
• Plan, organize, and supervise special events for solicitation and cultivation purposes, including Bemis member events, private tours, and receptions
• Working with the entire Bemis staff, lead the design and execution of the organization's annual Benefit Art Auction
• Work closely with the Executive Director, Campaign Chair and Committee, and various internal departments to assist in the successful launch and execution of the organization’s forthcoming capital campaign
• Serve as the liaison between the Executive Director and the Board of Directors regarding all development activities, and oversee the creation and management of all development-related materials and reports for meetings with the Board and its Development and Executive Committees; work closely with and serve as the staff liaison to the Board’s Development Committee
• In coordination with the Executive Director and Operations Director, create and manage annual departmental budget and negotiate contracts with related vendors
• Monitor and update monthly projections based on actual revenue and expenses and prepare updates for the Finance Committee
• Provide Development staff with guidance, direction, and continuous feedback through regular meetings
• Supervise Development staff in management of the donor database to ensure accurate record keeping, regular correspondence with donors, and donor acknowledgment

Requirements

• Successful candidates will have 5-10 years experience as a development professional, preferably in a small-to-medium-size arts organization or other non-profit organization
• At a minimum, hold a Bachelors degree in business management, finance, communications/public relations, or related field
• Enthusiasm for and knowledge of contemporary art is beneficial
• Demonstrated experience creating and implementing effective fundraising strategies for a non-profit organization with a minimum annual operating budget of two million dollars
• Proven ability to secure major contributions from individual donors, foundations, government agencies, and businesses
• Demonstrated experience with database management and ability to organize and analyze data towards implementation of strategic objectives
• Excellent verbal, analytical, and interpersonal skills a must
• Flawless command of written language with editor’s attention to detail and the ability to craft compelling requests for support
• Creative and strategic thinker with the capacity to take initiative and to work independently and as a team player in a fun, yet demanding arts organization
• Excellent leadership and management skills, with the capacity to inspire and motivate staff and volunteers

Working Conditions

• Office-based role with standard hours, typically Monday to Friday
• Some evenings and weekends may be required for public programs and special events
• May involve some physical activity, such as lifting boxes or setting up for events

Compensation

This is a salaried position, based on knowledge, skills, and experience. The salary range is $85,000–$95,000 and includes our standard benefit package, including medical, dental, life insurance, retirement plan, 12 paid holidays, and paid vacation.