New York, NY

Managing Director of Development, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

The Organization

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation (“Ailey”) was founded and built on a key premise: no limitations.

For more than 60 years, the Ailey organization has furthered the pioneering vision of the choreographer, dancer, and cultural leader Alvin Ailey by building an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and education, and community programs for all. Since its founding, the Ailey organization has been widely recognized for its unparalleled artistry and commitment to social change.

More than a dance company, this performing arts community plays a crucial social role, using the beauty and humanity of the African American heritage and other cultures to unite people of all races, ages, and backgrounds.

Position Overview

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, one of the pre-eminent and most beloved dance institutions in the world, seeks a dynamic leader to oversee all fundraising for its unique and diverse range of artistic and educational programs. Reporting to the Chief External Affairs Officer, the Managing Director of Development will manage a staff of 12 and work closely with the Board of Trustees. This position will oversee a diversified fundraising portfolio comprised of leading foundations, major corporate sponsors (both domestic and international), individual philanthropists, and high-profile fundraising Galas. The successful candidate will have at least 10 years of senior-level management experience, a proven track record in top-tier fundraising, an understanding and appreciation of dance, and the ability to work creatively and collaboratively with other members of the senior management team.

The Managing Director of Development plays a key role in developing the funding strategies and campaigns to support Ailey’s initiatives while also managing and participating in the organization’s complex day-to-day fundraising operations.

The Managing Director of Development leads the strategy, development, and implementation of a broad-based funding program to support the Ailey organization’s ongoing programs as well as new projects and initiatives.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Developing and managing plans for achieving the annual fundraising goal for the organization’s operating budget through contributions from individuals, corporate sponsors, foundations, government agencies, and fundraising Galas.

• Assuming a hands-on, creative, leadership role with the Major Gifts program, focusing on the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of individual donors.

• Working together with the Board Chairman and other Board leadership to manage and maximize fundraising efforts, particularly with regard to Gala fundraising events which currently comprise 1/4 of the organization’s annual contributed income.

• Working closely with the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee to identify and recruit new Board members.

• Working closely with the Co-Chairs of the Development Committee to create and implement a strategy for donor and prospect engagement and cultivation.

• Launching special campaigns to support new initiatives, including potential capital projects.

• Taking an active leadership role in targeted fundraising efforts, including the Parents Annual Fund for The Ailey School, the Young Patrons Circle, the Ailey Worldwide Virtual Membership program, and the Ailey & Atlanta program.

• Developing and expanding fundraising through digital and social media.

• Overseeing numerous events and ensuring that they are creative, well-planned, efficiently executed, and cost-effective, with strategies for follow-through and solicitation.

• Recruiting, training, and motivating a high-performing team of fundraising professionals.

• Managing outside consultants on an as needed basis.

• Working collaboratively, especially with colleagues in marketing and public relations, to find synergies whenever possible and ensuring the continuation of the organization’s holistic approach to engaging and communicating with its patrons.

In addition, strong candidates will bring:

• A minimum of 10 to 15 years of significant leadership experience in fundraising with a track record of working with a diverse range of major funders, preferably with a cultural organization.

• In-depth experience working in close partnership with senior management and trustees on major philanthropic initiatives, including capital campaigns.

• A strong track record in Major Gifts with emphasis on identifying, cultivating, and soliciting high-level individual donors.

• Experience in managing a team of highly skilled fundraising professionals.

• Established networks in New York philanthropic circles, preferred.

• Understanding of need to work evenings and weekends, and travel when necessary.

The salary range for this role is $220,000 – $245,000. The Ailey organization’s benefits include an employer-provided health/dental insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), retirement plan, and savings on transit/parking.

How To Apply

Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Chartise Clark and Tracy Michelle León of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. The full job description can be found here: https://apptrkr.com/3956527.

To express interest in this role please submit your resume and cover letter here: https://talent-profile.diversifiedsearchgroup.com/search/v2/19405. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

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