Director of Development

Director of Development

Axelrod Performing Arts Center

Reports to Executive Artistic Director

Salary : $65,000 - $90,000

About Axelrod Performing Arts Center

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) is a

leading cultural institution on the Jersey Shore, committed to producing and

presenting a diverse range of artistic performances. As a multi-disciplinary

arts organization, APAC collaborates with Broadway directors, choreographers,

and designers to produce professionally staged musicals, ballets, and cultural

programs that enrich the imaginative, intellectual, and creative soul of our

community. Our productions showcase

the talents of professional actors, dancers, and singers, delivering

world-class entertainment to audiences.

Bell Theater

In addition to our main venue, APAC proudly operates

the Bell Theater, a new cultural hub located

at the historic Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ. Opened in the spring of 2024, Bell

Theater is a state-of-the-art

facility dedicated to providing exceptional cultural programming to the

community. Our vision is to become a leading cultural institution that

celebrates diversity, creativity, and excellence in the performing arts. Bell

Theater offers a platform for emerging artists while showcasing

established acts, all within a space designed to create an immersive and

accessible experience for all guests.

Axelrod Performing Arts Academy

APAC is also home to the Axelrod Performing

Arts Academy (APAA), which offers unique and comprehensive training in dance

and theater arts. APAA emphasizes the importance of performance as an essential

part of education, ensuring that students gain both practical experience and a

deep understanding of the arts. At

APAA, we nurture the next generation of performers, providing them with the

skills and confidence to succeed on stage and beyond.

Overview

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC), a

leading and rapidly growing multi-disciplinary arts organization dedicated to

fostering artistic excellence and cultural diversity, is seeking

an experienced and dynamic Director of Development. This senior leadership

position is responsible for

planning, developing, and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to

support APAC's mission and expanding programs. As the Director of Development,

you will play a critical role in scaling fundraising activities and building a

development team to match the growth of our organization.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that

includes major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation

grants, special events,

and capital campaigns.

Identify, cultivate, solicit,

and steward major donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and

government agencies.

Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift prospects, ensuring

effective and meaningful donor engagement and communication.

Scale fundraising activities and resources as the organization

grows, ensuring that the development program meets the evolving needs of APAC.

Donor Relations and Stewardship

Build and maintain strong

relationships with current and prospective donors, sponsors, and partners.

Oversee donor recognition programs, ensuring that all donors are

appropriately thanked and acknowledged.

Create and manage programs that encourage ongoing donor involvement

and increase donor retention and loyalty.

Corporate and Individual Sponsorships

Develop and execute strategies to secure corporate sponsorships and

individual gifts to support APAC’s programs and initiatives.

Prepare and present sponsorship proposals and grant applications,

tailoring them to meet the specific interests and priorities of potential

funders.

Board Governance and Coordination :

Assist the Board of Directors in establishing

and maintaining high-functioning governance structures, including the

development of bylaws, policies, and procedures.

Plan and coordinate with the Board Secretary to create and manage

the board calendar, ensuring that all board meetings, committee meetings, and

key events are scheduled and documented effectively.

Provide strategic guidance to the Executive

Committee and support board members in fulfilling their fundraising

responsibilities.

Board and Staff Collaboration

Work closely with the Executive Committee and Executive Artistic

Director to engage them in fundraising efforts and to leverage

their networks for prospecting and donor engagement.

Collaborate with senior staff to align fundraising activities with

organizational goals and priorities.

Provide regular reports to the Executive Artistic Director and

Board on fundraising progress, challenges, and opportunities.

Event Planning and Management :

Lead the planning and execution of special fundraising events,

including annual galas, benefit performances, and donor cultivation events.

Work with event committees, vendors, and volunteers to ensure the

success of fundraising events, maximizing revenue and donor engagement.

Grant Writing and Management

Identify and pursue grant opportunities from

foundations, corporations, and government agencies.

Write and submit compelling

grant proposals and reports, ensuring compliance with all grant requirements

and deadlines.

Track and manage grant progress, reporting on outcomes to funders

and the Executive Artistic Director.

Marketing and Communications :

Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and implement

fundraising communications, including appeals, newsletters, and online

campaigns.

Ensure that the organization’s brand and mission are effectively

communicated in all fundraising materials.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree required;

advanced degree preferred.

Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in fundraising,

preferably within the performing arts or non-profit sector.

Proven track record

of securing major gifts and managing successful fundraising campaigns.

Skills and Competencies

Strong understanding of fundraising principles, strategies, and

ethics.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability

to engage and inspire donors, board members, and staff.

Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute complex

fundraising plans.

Highly organized, with strong project management skills and

attention to detail.

Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems

e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, e-Tapestry,

etc.).

Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Capacity to scale development activities and

manage growth within the department.

Personal Attributes

Passion for the performing arts and commitment to the mission of

Axelrod Performing Arts Center.

Energetic, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented, with a

strong sense of integrity and professionalism.

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Application Process

To apply, please submit

your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest

in the position to Jess Levy, [email protected].

The start date of the position is October 1, but the position will remain open until filled.