Gage Academy of Art is committed to excellence in visual arts education and leadership in building a vibrant visual arts community in the Northwest. Gage seeks an experienced fundraising professional with a strong interest in developing the vision of the school while working with a team of dedicated colleagues committed to its cultural mission.
The Development Manager works with and is responsible to the Executive Director (ED) of Gage Academy of Art for the creation of an Annual Development Plan and to successfully strategize and coordinate the overall fundraising efforts of the school. The annual development budget of the school for 2010 is $350K.
The Development Manager position is full-time (40 hours/week). The Development Manager works with the Executive Director as well as the Development Committee to execute the fundraising strategy. The Development Manager works with the Communications team to create powerful written and visual materials for solicitation of funds. Administrative details of donor/foundation research, thank you letters, filing and donor communications are included in the scope of the Development Manager’s job responsibilities.
Specific Responsibilities in Prioritized Order:
1.   Development Strategy – Meeting Annual Development Goals
Work closely with ED to establish Strategic Plan to meet Gage Development Budget
2.   Major Giving – Cultivating & Stewarding Donors
Work closely with ED to create and manage solicitation plan for consistent stewardship of major donors; work with Development Committee to maintain plan for donor prospects.
3.   Fundraising Events
Develop, coordinate and execute fundraising events such as art auctions, fundraising dinners and luncheons, receptions, and other events as necessary. Work directly with all vendors (i.e. catering, rentals, etc.) to execute successful outcome.
4.   Annual Fund Appeal – Direct Mail Campaigns
Prepare and oversee two direct mail appeals annually to new students and past Annual Fund donors in stratified mailings.
5.   Administration – Data Entry & Donor Recognition
Keep donor record keeping up to date, write and generate thank you correspondence, maintain files and create reference materials for development desk.
6.   Grants – Corporate & Foundation
Work with ED, committee members & staff to complete, record and report successful grant applications; solicit local businesses for in-kind donations and sponsorship support of Gage events.
7.  Volunteer Coordination
Work with Community Events Coordinator to organize Gage corps of volunteers to run development events; co-organize one key volunteer appreciation event each year.
Professional Experience:
3+ years proven experience managing complex fundraising program (experience with event planning, grant writing, strategic planning and major donor solicitation preferred)
Demonstrated experience in managing people & budgets
Ability to work in hands-on environment with limited resources
Computer literate with Word, Access & Excel
Successful track record of personally identifying, cultivating and soliciting individual donors, corporations and foundations
Record of measurable results in organizing and implementing development activities
Track records as an effective communicator
Bachelor’s degree with fine art background preferred
Personal Qualities:
Committed and enthusiastic about Gage Academy mission and programs
Highly resourceful & flexible
Strategist adept at planning, prioritizing, multi-tasking, organizing and following through
Energetic and focused
Team builder with strong skills in management and leadership
Straightforward, self-motivated and diplomatic
Willing to work hands-on developing and executing fundraising activities
Benefits:
Benefits include fully paid health insurance; partial dental insurance; life insurance; two weeks vacation, six sick days & six national holidays each year; tuition-free art programs at Gage Academy of Art.
Reviews:
New employees reviewed after three to six months
Performance reviews scheduled annually
Compensation:
Mid-range compensation
To apply for the position:
Submit a cover letter and resume to Pamela Belyea, Executive Director, at Pamela@GageAcademy.org. No calls.
Submission closes Wednesday, July 15 at 5:00pm PST.
Deadline: July, 16, 2009
Organization: Gage Academy of Art
1501 10th Ave. E
Seattle, WA 98102
Phone: (206) 323-4243
Fax: (206) 526-5153
Email: info@gageacademy.org
Website: www.gageacademy.org
