Development Director

Organizational Relationships:

The Development Director reports to and receives supervision from the Executive Director. The position works closely with Evidence’s Board of Directors.

Position Overview:

To coordinate and implement a comprehensive development program. To assist in securing major gifts, government, corporate and foundation funding in support of the mission of Evidence, A Dance Company. Develop and implement annual campaign and fundraising plan.  Organize and coordinate the cultivation and solicitation efforts of Evidence.  Research, develop and complete grant applications to foundation, corporate and governmental organizations. Meet with funders to solicit funds and sets up events and activities, introducing funders to the organization.  Prepare letters and other materials needed for effective cultivation and solicitation of prospects.  Organize and coordinate a program of donor services and stewardship.  Ensure that the development database is current.  Prepare monthly reports of development activity and assist in the evaluation of the effectiveness of Evidence’s development program.  Create additional development activities such as web-site page or development collateral as needed.  Serve as a representative of the organization before public audiences as requested.  Prepare timelines and work closely with Board development and Special Events Committees.

 

Some evening and weekend activities required.  Must be able to perform other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Education and/or Experience Required:Bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University.Five or more years of development experience with individual and institutional donors, or demonstrated track record in annual campaign planning, major donor fundraising, donor services, stewardship, corporate and foundation giving and special events.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Strong organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple tasks and meet or exceed deadlines.Strong computer and database management skills.Demonstrated knowledge of the development process and understanding of all stages of the relationship with donors (research and identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship).Excellent interpersonal and team building skills.

 

Salary:

Negotiable depending on experience.  Full medical and dental benefits are included.

 

Organizational History:

Evidence, A Dance Company is a professional dance company based in Brooklyn, New York.  Led under the artistic leadership of founder and choreographer Ronald K. Brown, Evidence was created in 1985 to promote understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling and to provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement, and spoken word. During its 23 year history, the company toured throughout North America and the world, providing educational programs and outreach activities to participants of all ages.  The company has four major program areas:

 New Works - A program that charts the creative process from initial idea to final presentation; it includes research, development, long term residencies, and premier performances.

 Community Engagement Programs – Activities include master classes, workshops, lecture/demonstrations, informal discussions, etc.  The company has partnerships with Medgar Evers College, Hunter College, and New York University in providing community workshops and master classes for university students and adults.  The company also supports an apprentice program, in collaboration with Howard University.

 National Tour – Evidence tours 20 – 30 weeks a year to various communities across North America.  On tour activities include public performances, educational and community outreach activities, serving 25,000 individuals annually.

 New York City engagements - Evidence presents new and retrospective looks at our repertory for arts enthusiasts and local communities of New York City, including an annual self-produced season at the Joyce Theater.  Other local New York City sites have included s Central Park SummerStage, Aaron Davis Hall, Celebrate Brooklyn, 651 Arts and Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater.