Director of Development & Community Engagement - Position filled
The Director of Development & Community Engagement is responsible for the strategy, design, implementation, and management of all fundraising efforts for Hochstein, with the goal of building the School’s contributed resources through individual, foundation, government, and corporate support, as well as the strategy and development of mutually beneficial partnerships to address community needs.
Major Responsibilities:
- Manage all development activities in keeping with Hochstein’s values, brand, mission, vision and plans.
- With the President & Executive Director and the Board’s Development Committee, develop strategies to meet fundraising goals, including major gifts, annual campaign, special events, public and private grants and, as needed, capital funds.
- With direction from the President & Executive Director, establish priorities for funding requests for Hochstein programs and services; work with Hochstein senior staff and faculty department/program chairs to develop compelling opportunities for major gifts and to develop partnerships with donors/sponsors; increase awareness of Hochstein’s need-based scholarship program and partnerships with other organizations, especially around program priorities serving those in need.
- With support from the Development Coordinator, plan and implement the School’s annual campaign, foundation and other institutional grant seeking, and special events fundraising, to meet annual goals.
- Establish a comprehensive planned giving program.
- Develop fundraising training and education including current trends, issues, and obstacles/opportunities for the Board of Directors, senior staff, and appropriate volunteers.
- Develop and implement cultivation events, solicitations, stewardship, and recognition of current and prospective donors.
- Oversee donor and gift record-keeping, databases, gift processing, pledge reminder, and acknowledgement programs.
- Prepare, manage, and monitor a fundraising expense budget approved by the President & Executive Director for the Development Office.
- Provide regular progress reports on fundraising goals and expenses.
- With support from the Development Coordinator, oversee and conduct research on prospective private, corporate, foundation, and government funders. Prepare and track grant proposals. Write and submit letters of inquiry, proposals and reports; coordinate site visits as needed; maintain detailed records of contacts, activity, deadlines, and other pertinent information.
- As a member of the School’s senior staff, contribute to the School’s strategic and operational planning to set goals and identify priorities; assist with development of publications and other communications to support donor cultivation and stewardship.
- Staff the Board of Directors Development Committee. Community Engagement Committee, and Governance Committee.
- Manage other duties as requested by the President/Executive Director.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- At least 5 years of direct experience in non-profit fundraising
- Knowledge of and successful experience with implementing fundraising principles, strategies, practices, and techniques
- Knowledge of the individual and institutional funding community
- A record of success in developing and sustaining productive working relationships with constituents including board members, donors, volunteers, and staff
- Superior management, organization, and communication skills, both written and oral; professional presentation skills
- Ability to think strategically about the needs of the School and the interests of prospective funders/donors
- Strong skills in donor database and Microsoft Office; analytic thinking
- Demonstrated ability to work at a fast pace and manage multiple projects simultaneously; flexibility, persistence, attention to detail
- Friendly, accessible personality; a sense of humor
- Able to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately
- Passionate interest in Hochstein mission and programs
- Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license required
- CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) a plus
The Director of Development reports to the President & Executive Director.
Salary Range & Benefits:
- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000, depending on qualifications and experience
- Benefits: School contribution to health insurance plan, life insurance, paid vacation and sick/personal time, discount on Hochstein tuition for self/immediate family
To apply, please send cover letter and résumé to:
The Hochstein School
Attn: Dr. Margaret Quackenbush, President & Executive Director
50 N. Plymouth Avenue
Rochester, NY 14614
director@hochstein.org
The Hochstein School provides music and dance instruction and music, dance, and art therapy services to students of all ages, levels, and abilities. Each year as many as 4,000 students from toddlers to senior citizens participate in lessons, classes, ensembles, and music/dance/art therapy program led by an exceptional 120-member faculty.
June 2020