Director of Development

The Director of Development is responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating all funding strategies to further the Bellforge’s mission and vision. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Development creates and oversees annual fundraising and campaigns for the Bellforge Arts Center.

The Bellforge is currently 80% complete in its capital campaign for Act 1. The center will become a multi-arts destination serving MetroWest Boston on the campus of the former Medfield State Hospital. Act 1 will be a $25M capital campaign to facilitate a build-out of a performing arts and music instruction center on the campus. Act 2 includes plans for visual artists studios and a culinary arts center. We are growing fast and committed to building an inclusive organization that encourages participation and engagement from all members of our geographic and artistic community.

The Director of Development manages two members of the Development staff and serves on the senior leadership team with the Executive Director and the Artistic Director. The Director of Development collaborates with both the Executive Director and the Board of Directors in strategic planning for the future of the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Development is responsible for campaign strategy, including establishing solicitation priorities, managing prospect lists (SalesForce), developing and executing targeted cultivation plans and solicitation strategies for a range of projects, preparing and providing support to Board Directors and volunteers for solicitation, and planning and managing cultivation events.

The Director of Development will develop their own portfolio of donors, elevate engagement and leadership of the Executive Director and Board in fundraising, and serve as the primary liaison to the Campaign Committee. The Director of Development will attend meetings of the Board of Directors and Campaign and Governance Committees and will be an integral part of Bellforge’s communications team. Some regional travel may be necessary.

The Director of Development will play a critical strategic role in preparing to operationalize the Bellforge. Once construction is complete and campaign fundraising closes, the Director of Development will pivot to a robust annual major gifts and individual fundraising program over $1M+ to complement earned revenue streams. In addition, the Director will work closely with the Marketing and Sponsorship team to drive corporate revenue across sponsorships, events and corporate grant programs.

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will be an optimistic, energetic, creative, and collaborative leader with experience implementing initiatives to cultivate a Culture of Philanthropy in the community that supports Bellforge.

• 7+ years of successful fundraising across a breadth of programs, including annual, major, campaign, foundation grants and planned giving
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and assign priority to key tasks; ability to think strategically as well as operationally
• Track record of building strong internal and external relationships and leading a full range of development programs is a must. Campaign leadership a plus.
• Openness to coaching with an aim toward achieving the campaign goals
• Firm grasp of the current trends in development and issues facing nonprofit organizations without built-in constituencies
• Experience and desire in building a nascent and growing nonprofit organization a plus

Other

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
• Experience with CRM systems and SalesForce is a plus

• Passion and a commitment for advocating for the arts and creative community a plus

• CFRE status preferred but not required
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

SALARY: Full-time 40 hours/week exempt position, with 3% contribution to retirement plan

HOW TO APPLY Candidates should email a cover letter and résumé with contact information to Jean at [email protected]. Please put the job title in the subject heading. If selected for an interview, applicants will be asked to provide 3-5 professional references.

DEADLINE TO APPLY Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications received before May 15.

ABOUT THE BELLFORGE ARTS CENTER

Bellforge is a non-profit organization established in 2015 to support artists, expand cultural opportunities and nurture the creative community. We excel at creating community spaces, arts programs and events that foster connections. Central to our mission, Bellforge now embarks on an ambitious undertaking: to create a home for aspiring and experienced artists, musicians, actors, dancers, poets and “makers” of all kinds. Bellforge has secured a 99-year lease on two signature buildings at the beautiful, expansive and historic Medfield State Hospital and is undertaking a significant capital campaign. For more information, please visit www.Bellforge.org.

Bellforge is dedicated to building a culturally diverse workforce committed to working in a multicultural environment. Qualified candidates from groups historically underrepresented in the arts are strongly encouraged to apply.