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Rockport Center for the Arts Announces Search for Development Director
A challenging yet rewarding opportunity awaits the right individual with a passion for fundraising and advancing the arts.
Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA), a vibrant and prestigious multi-disciplinary arts organization celebrates 56 years of operation in 2025. Poised for continued growth, the organization recently opened a brand-new campus in the heart of Downtown Rockport that features state-of-the-art education, exhibition, as well as new culinary arts, performing arts and conference space. The campus is transforming downtown while significantly increasing operations for the Center, particularly with the addition of a venue center that is now the home for new RCA cultural arts programming as well as available to rent to the public. In support of continued growth, the organization seeks a creative, energetic, and inspired individual to join the staff team and lead fundraising efforts.
Position Announcement: January 6, 2025
Title: Development Director
Reports To: Executive Director
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Status: Full-time
Timeline: Open until Filled
Position Overview
The Development Director (DD) of Rockport Center for the Arts plays a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission by leading and managing all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and development strategy. Working closely with the Executive Director, the DD will design and execute comprehensive fundraising initiatives that enhance RCA’s financial health, expand its donor base, and build long-term relationships with supporters. This role requires an inspiring, resourceful development professional with a passion for the arts, expertise in fundraising, and a commitment to community engagement.
Key Responsibilities
1. Fundraising Strategy and Execution
• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that aligns with RCA’s mission, vision, and financial goals.
• Lead all fundraising efforts, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, major gifts, planned giving, and special events.
• Establish revenue targets and create a roadmap to achieve and exceed fundraising goals.
2. Donor Cultivation and Stewardship
• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors, ensuring high levels of donor engagement and satisfaction.
• Implement effective donor recognition and stewardship practices to build long-term loyalty and increase donor retention.
• Oversee development of targeted communication strategies for different donor segments to keep supporters engaged with RCA’s work and impact.
3. Grant Writing and Management
• Identify, research, and pursue new grant opportunities that align with RCA’s strategic priorities and programming needs.
• Oversee grant writing, reporting, and compliance, ensuring timely submission of applications and thorough reporting on awarded grants.
• Maintain relationships with foundations and other grant-making entities to build partnerships and increase funding opportunities.
4. Corporate and Foundation Partnerships
• Develop a corporate sponsorship program to engage local and regional businesses in supporting RCA’s programming and events.
• Cultivate relationships with foundations and corporate partners to secure sponsorships, grants, and other forms of support.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure visibility and recognition for corporate sponsors.
5. Special Events and Campaigns
• Plan and oversee RCA’s annual fundraising events, ensuring they align with RCA’s mission and serve as effective tools for donor engagement and revenue generation.
• Launch targeted campaigns, such as annual appeals or capital campaigns, to support RCA’s growth and special initiatives.
• Work with the events and communications team to create meaningful and engaging events that resonate with donors and the community.
6. Board and Volunteer Engagement
• Collaborate with the Board Development Committee to engage board members in fundraising activities, including donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Equip and support board members with tools, training, and resources to assist in donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Recruit and manage volunteers to assist with development activities and special events, leveraging community interest and support.
Core Competencies
• Relationship Builder: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners.
• Strategic Fundraiser: Deep knowledge of fundraising best practices and proven success in implementing comprehensive development plans to reach ambitious revenue goals.
• Effective Communicator: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate RCA’s mission and vision in a compelling manner.
• Grant and Proposal Writer: Proficient in researching, writing, and managing grants, with a successful track record of securing funding from foundations and government sources.
• Event Planning and Management: Experience in planning and executing successful fundraising events, from conception to execution.
• Team Collaborator: Ability to work closely with the Executive Director, board members, and staff to create a collaborative fundraising culture.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, Communications, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including individual giving, grant writing, and event management.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding fundraising targets.
• Familiarity with donor database software and CRM systems.
• Strong understanding of the Rockport-Fulton community and an appreciation for the arts.
Success Measures
• Fundraising Goals: Achievement of annual revenue targets through successful execution of fundraising strategies.
• Donor Growth and Retention: Increase in donor base and retention rate, with a specific focus on major gifts, annual fund donors, and corporate sponsors.
• Grant Success: Successful identification, application, and management of grant funding, with regular reporting and compliance.
• Event Success: Positive outcomes from special events, both financially and in terms of donor engagement and satisfaction.
• Board and Staff Engagement: Increased board and staff involvement in development activities, with clear roles and contributions to fundraising efforts.
Other Duties
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Working conditions
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Regular workweek schedule is Monday through Friday with periodic evenings and weekends, particularly tied to signature events and exhibit openings.
Physical requirements
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands and arms to handle, reach, or feel; and talk and hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Compensation:
Full-time position. Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid time off and employee health insurance provided and covered at 100% with option to add Vision and Dental coverage at employee’s expense. Employer will provide professional development opportunities. Employment is at will with a six-month evaluation/introductory period.
To Apply:
For more information about Rockport Center for the Arts, please visit https://www.rockportartcenter.com. No phone calls, please.
To apply please submit a letter of interest, a resume, three professional references (no personal references), and salary requirements to karen@rockportartcenter.com.
Rockport Center for the Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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