Since 1965, The Ark has been Michigan's nonprofit home for folk and roots music. Considered one of the top music clubs in the world, The Ark is renowned for the quality and breadth of its programming, featuring 300 live performances a year, including the annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival. The intimate 400-seat venue presents performers ranging from emerging artists to classic figures of folk and roots music. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, The Ark is part of a vibrant community and college town, which is consistently named as a top place to live in America.
The Ark is seeking an experienced, dynamic Development Director to lead the Development Department and direct all of The Ark's fundraising and donor engagement activities. This position requires skill and experience that includes high-level strategic planning, management of day-to-day operations, and hands-on involvement in the areas of major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, special events, grants, corporate sponsorship, and capital campaigns. This team member has an exciting opportunity to advance a solid development program to the next level.
The most qualified applicants will have a demonstrated understanding of the full spectrum of development, a history of progressively responsible development experience in nonprofit settings, and a proven track record of fundraising success. Though prior music-related experience is not required, ideal candidates will have a strong interest in music and/or the creative arts sector and a desire to play a key role in expanding this historic organization's capacity to evolve and innovate as we focus on diversifying our music and audiences.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director supervises the Annual Giving Manager (1 FTE), co-supervises the Office & Development Administrator (.25 FTE), and collaborates closely with Programming, Marketing, and Finance staff. This position also works with a volunteer Development Committee. Primary work location is The Ark's office with some work from home flexibility. Occasional evening or weekend hours are required.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES
Leadership and Collaboration
Work directly with the Executive Director, providing counsel on development issues and fundraising strategies
Participate as an essential member of the Ark Directors leadership group
Assist the Executive Director and others in translating The Ark's mission, vision and strategic plan into clear and compelling fundraising messaging and strategy
Lead and collaborate with a talented Development team that includes Development staff (Annual Giving Manager and Office & Development Administrator) and a volunteer Development Committee
Foster an environment of collaboration, effective performance, and work-life balance among members of the Development staff
Work in partnership with volunteer Development Committee Chair(s) to set a strategic and productive direction
Participate in identification, recruitment, and stewardship of Development Committee members and ensure their effective engagement
Report on development activities regularly to the Executive Director, and monthly to the Board of Directors
Advance The Ark's collective efforts to build a diverse, equitable, and fully inclusive organization through transformative learning and leadership, and by actively seeking and welcoming diverse voices and perspectives that will shape the organization's future
Fundraising and Stewardship
Work with the Annual Giving Manager, Development Committee and others to develop and manage plans for the annual fund program, including membership, special events, corporate sponsorship and fundraising appeals
Expand and refine the major gifts program, with direct responsibilities for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of contributing at an annual level of $5,000 and above
Expand the planned giving program, with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequests
Maintain a portfolio of major and planned giving prospects along with engagement plans for each
Grow and maintain donor relationships by arranging and participating in meetings with current and prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis
Develop and maintain gift recognition programs
Conduct grant seeking, including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements
Direct capital campaigns and other major fundraising drives
Provide expertise in all areas related to the fundraising/CRM database (Abila)
Coordinate creation of materials to support fundraising activities
Planning, Assessment, and Budgeting
Participate in The Ark's ongoing strategic planning process, working with the Executive Director and Development staff to plan, implement and monitor short-term and long-term fundraising strategies, goals and tasks
Work with Development staff to assess and update fundraising systems and processes
Collect, analyze and interpret fundraising-related data; create reports; communicate results
Formulate recommendations and develop strategies based on data and constituent feedback
Develop, manage, and monitor the annual fundraising budget, as well as budgets for campaigns and special fundraising initiatives
Salary and Benefits Information
This is a full-time, exempt position
Annual salary range is $75,000 - $90,000 with starting pay based on prior qualifications and prior experience
Benefits options include: generous paid time off, health insurance (Priority Health HMO with premium currently 100% employer-paid), retirement (SIMPLE IRA with up to 3% employer match)
Application Information
Please note that a cover letter is required for consideration and should address how your experience, values and interests align with The Ark and its mission.
Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Frequently cited statistics display that communities of color, women, and other marginalized groups apply to positions only if they completely meet qualifications. The Ark encourages you to upend those statistics and apply to this position. We excitedly anticipate your application.
The Ark is an Equal Opportunity Employer, offering equal opportunity for employment or advancement to all qualified applicants or employees without regard to age, religion, color, race, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, height, weight, or non-job-related medical condition or disability, or any unlawful criterion or circumstance.
Position will remain open until filled. Preference will be given to qualified candidates who apply by February 13, 2023. Targeted search timeline:
January 26 onward: Phone screenings for applicants of interest will occur on a rolling basis
Week of February 20, 2023: First Round Interviews (by Zoom)
Week of February 27, 2023: Second Round Interviews (on-site)
April, 2023: Anticipated start date
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
Bachelor's degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 5-7 years of professional fundraising experience in nonprofit settings, including a demonstrated success across a broad range of fundraising activities
Enthusiasm for and commitment to The Ark's mission of enriching the human spirit through the power of music
Commitment to The Ark's organization-wide focus on encouraging and welcoming diversity
Collaborative, team-oriented approach to professional responsibilities
Proven track record of success in securing major gifts
Demonstrated managerial leadership and experience with recruiting, supervising, and developing a successful and collaborative work team
Proven track record of recruiting, supporting, motivating and working effectively with volunteers
Demonstrated ability to formulate strategic plans, develop and implement programs, and evaluate the success of these initiatives
Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze and interpret data; create reports; and communicate results and recommendations
Highly effective and engaging communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Excellent writing skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Effective planning and organizational skills
Proficiency in fundraising software, Microsoft Suite, Outlook and Google Workspace
Preferred:
Demonstrated interest in or experience with music and/or creative arts is preferred
Familiarity with and appreciation of the types of music The Ark presents a plus
Direct experience with writing grant proposals and managing grants
Considered one of the top music clubs in the world, The Ark is renowned for the quality and breadth of its programming. The Ark is an intimate 400-seat club presenting performers who fall into the wide-ranging genres of folk and roots music.
