Director of Development - Lower Manhattan Cultural Council : Job Details

ABOUT LMCC

LMCC is Manhattan's Arts Council—a dynamic non-profit organization with a 50 year history of supporting and connecting artists and communities throughout Manhattan.

Founded in 1973, LMCC serves hundreds of artists and tens of thousand of audiences each year through robust Re-granting and Artist Residency Programs as well as a dynamic calendar of free public art events throughout Manhattan and at the Arts Center at Governors Island—a 40,000 square foot arts center that is activated year round with public programs and art exhibitions.

We are a 20 person team of passionate and devoted arts leaders and administrators, providing funding, studio and rehearsal space, professional development, and leadership in cultural planning and advocacy. All activities and operations are supported by a $6M budget and the leadership of an engaged Board of Directors.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

LMCC seeks a full-time Director of Development who will join our Institutional Advancement (IA) team and play a critical role in shaping the future of our arts and culture programs through innovative fundraising strategies. The Director of Development will work collaboratively to elevate the visibility of LMCC's services and programs, pursue public/private funding opportunities, and build sustainable partnerships to support our long-term growth. This position will oversee all contributed income streams including individual, foundation, government, and corporate giving as well as lead our annual gala.

The Director of Development will report to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and work closely with the President, the Board of Directors, and key stakeholders to develop dynamic strategies that increase LMCC's impact and deepen its relationships with funders. They will oversee a 2 - 3 person Development team, hire and manage independent contractors, and work collaboratively with Director-level staff across departments.

Above all, we are looking for a leader who is entrepreneurial in spirit, passionate about arts and culture, innovative in their storytelling, and committed to building a diverse and inclusive community of supporters. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the current challenges in the arts and culture sector and will be able to develop creative fundraising strategies to advance LMCC's mission.

We encourage a diverse pool of applicants to apply, including those who may not meet every qualification but are enthusiastic about growing into this leadership role. We are committed to mentoring and developing the right candidate to thrive as part of our team and positively contribute to our organizational culture.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement an integrated fundraising plan to grow individual and institutional giving.
• Set annual fundraising goals in partnership with the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, President, and Board of Directors.
• Oversee donor communications, acknowledgments, and stewardship strategies.
• Project, manage, and re-forecast the annual development department budget.

Major Events and Gala Production

• Lead the planning, production, and execution of the annual gala and other large-scale fundraising events.
• Coordinate event logistics, including sponsor relations, venue, entertainment, and auctions.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and event committees to secure high-level event sponsorships.

Institutional Funding Management

• Oversee and implement the institutional giving strategy for foundations, corporations, and government funders.
• Manage and grow the portfolio of institutional funders by identifying new prospects and cultivating relationships.
• Ensure timely submission of grant proposals and reports, working closely with the Grant Manager.

Special Donor Cultivation and Engagement

• Plan and execute special cultivation events to engage current and prospective donors.
• Develop strategies to foster meaningful, long-term relationships with individual donors, including major gifts.
• Collaborate with program staff to align funding priorities with organizational needs and goals.

Team Leadership

• Directly supervise the Grant Manager, Development Assistant, and development interns, providing mentorship and support to ensure team success.
• Supervise Independent Contractors (as needed).
• Work closely with the President, Board, and other senior leaders to align development strategies with organizational goals.

Donor Management and Reporting

• Oversee donor data management, ensuring accurate records in the CRM/database.
• Generate reports on fundraising progress and regularly present updates to leadership and the Board.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 - 7 years of progressively responsible development experience, with a track record of success in managing individual and institutional giving.
• Experience planning and executing large-scale fundraising events, such as galas.
• Strong understanding of foundation, government, and corporate grant processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Proven leadership abilities, including experience managing a team and collaborating across departments.
• Knowledge of Salesforce and/or other CRM systems and fundraising platforms.
• Proficiency using Google Workplace, Microsoft Office, especially with Excel.
• Passion for the arts and culture sector.