Development Director

Sarasota, FL
December 18, 2023
Full Time
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Job Description

We are seeking a Development Director who will report directly to our Executive Director. The Sarasota Ballet’s rise in national and international recognition is driven by the strength, expertise, and vast experience of its leadership. From their ties with many of today’s greatest choreographers to their direct experiences working with and performing with many of the icons of 20th century classical ballet, Director Iain Webb, Executive Director Joseph Volpe, and Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri bring powerful resumes to the Company and a shared vision of excellence on and off the stage. This combined powerhouse trio has continued to advance The Sarasota Ballet’s 30+ year mission of enriching lives, captivating emotions, and strengthening its community through the art of dance.

In the summer of 2024, The Sarasota Ballet will embark on its first international residency in London at The Royal Opera House after accepting an invitation from Kevin O’Hare, Director of the Royal Ballet. Nationally, the Company has toured regularly during Webb’s tenure with highlights including twice at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., at New York City Center, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and three times at the Joyce Theater in New York – most recently in August of 2022. The Sarasota Ballet’s expansive repertoire provides both audiences and its dancers a rich and varied look at the art form through choreographers including Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, Sir David Bintley, Sir Matthew Bourne, Dame Ninette de Valois, Johan Kobborg, Jessica Lang, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp, Christopher Wheeldon, and Sir Peter Wright.

Along with the professional Company, The Sarasota Ballet has several education programs ranging from youth and adult classes at The Sarasota Ballet School, to pre-professional training at the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory. In addition, each year the Summer Intensive brings hundreds of ballet students from around the nation to study with the elite faculty of The Sarasota Ballet Education department. The extensive community engagement programs, including Dance – The Next Generation and Dance for All, works with partners in Sarasota and the surrounding areas to expand the impact of the art form through numerous low-cost and no-cost opportunities for enrichment through the art, beauty, and hope of dance.

Impact and Reach

The Sarasota Ballet is an economic driver in the greater Sarasota-Bradenton region serving an audience of over 23,000 people locally while maintaining an audience of between 3,000 and 5,000 individuals in the Northeast through touring engagements. The Sarasota Ballet supports jobs, generates local business, and is a cornerstone of the cultural landscape in Southwest Florida. The Ballet operates on an annual budget of approximately $9.5 million and directly supports 83 full-time employees. The Sarasota Ballet is the sole arts organization from Sarasota that tours out of state regularly, making it a cultural ambassador for the city.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Development Director is a management position responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the annual fundraising plan in support of The Sarasota Ballet’s mission and strategic plan. This position provides both strategic expertise and operational support in all areas of development, including annual, major gifts, planned giving, institutional grants, and fundraising events. They develop dynamic fundraising and revenue strategies to deepen donor relationships and expand the base of support which contribute to a successful annual fund and long-term sustainability of the mission. The Development Director leads and manages the development team, building and developing a talented staff to support both the strategic fundraising goals and the operational needs. Additionally, the Development Director plays a critical role in terms of supporting board development and recruitment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create, direct, and manage all programs for annual and capital fundraising for The Sarasota Ballet.
  • Create short-term and long-term goals for the organization in collaboration with leadership, Board of Trustees, and staff.
  • Develop and implement annual income generating strategies for contributed revenue, including annual operating support, charitable estate giving, education programs and capital needs.
  • Research, identify, and solicit prospective individual, major gifts and institutional donors.
  • Oversee contributed income gift solicitation and processing, recognition, prospect management, subscriber/donor retention, and cultivation.
  • Oversee the development of all fundraising materials, including annual appeals, annual report, direct mail campaigns, solicitation, and gift acknowledgement.
  • Implement and manage an ongoing patron engagement strategy to increase donor participation and strengthen donor retention.
  • Oversee the annual fundraising Gala to ensure that it meets revenue goals while showcasing The Sarasota Ballet as one of Sarasota’s leading cultural organizations.
  • Oversee donor relations to ensure that annual donors are recognized and informed.
  • Develop and oversee online giving platforms for annual and special fundraising campaigns.
  • Oversee giving program for charitable gift planning.
  • Maintain a portfolio of planned-giving donors to ensure that they are engaged, informed, and stewarded throughout the season.
  • Develop innovative strategies for presentations and campaigns to grow membership in the Martucci Legacy Society.
  • Oversee and lead the Development department’s staff establishing clearly defined goals, outcomes, and expectations.
  • Ensure all department staff maintain department systems and database(s) accurately and efficiently.
  • Create, execute, and manage the annual Development department budget.
  • Develop and oversee all reporting as requested.
  • Oversee planning for all fundraising/development events.
  • Attend all The Sarasota Ballet performances and events as required.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, fundraising, or related area preferred.
  • 5+ years’ experience in development and fundraising.
  • CFRE and/or CFRM certification preferred.
  • Extensive knowledge of fundraising strategies and principles.
  • Experienced manager with demonstrated leadership in supervising and developing employees.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills as a leader and team player, at ease with a wide range of constituents.
  • Strong organizational skills, time management and prioritization.
  • Proficient using Microsoft Office 365 and Zoom.
  • Experience utilizing Tessitura software strongly preferred.
  • Able to work frequent evenings and weekends when required to meet with donors and attend performances and events.
  • Strong interest in the performing arts.

Position Status:

This is an exempt full-time position. Weekends and evenings will be required to meet the operational needs of the company and position.

The Sarasota Ballet values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran’s status, or any other protected category. The Sarasota Ballet is an equal-opportunity employer. Applications from populations underrepresented in the arts are strongly encouraged to apply.

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