Director of Development
Reporting to: Peter Palermo, Executive Director
The Director of Development brings together friends and supporters, and deepens their connection to the inspiring mission of The Sheldon. The Director of Development creates and implements a comprehensive development program to advance The Sheldon’s mission and goals as outlined in the Strategic Plan. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Board of Directors, the Director of Development leads the development team to assess, re-design as needed, and implement a comprehensive, results-oriented development plan that includes annual fundraising, major and planned gifts, campaigns, grants and special events. The Director of Development will work with the Executive Director to advance the fundraising vision of The Sheldon – overseeing and adapting goals, strategies, benchmarks and timetables – to identify new donors and deepen relationships with families and individual, corporate and foundation leaders.
About The Sheldon
For over 100 years, The Sheldon has been dedicated to enriching the greater St. Louis region and beyond with a wide range of music, visual arts and educational programs of the highest quality, diversity and educational impact; and to the preservation and operation of the historic Sheldon Concert Hall and the adjoining Sheldon Art Galleries. Built in 1912, The Sheldon consists of a 700-seat concert hall, a 300-seat ballroom, a 500-seat banquet room and a 7,000 square foot art gallery. With a committed board, The Sheldon has positioned itself as a financially stable artistic gem in the heart of St. Louis’ Grand Center Arts District.
Roles and Responsibilities
Fundraising
Directs the integrated functioning of a comprehensive development program, implements short- and long-term development plans, regularly re-assesses The Sheldon’s fundraising potential and adapts plans as needed.
Promotes and guides the adoption of best practices and innovative approaches to individual major giving, corporate and foundation grants, planned giving initiatives, annual appeals and events.
Establishes and monitors key metrics to make forecasts and evaluate ongoing performance, ensuring the department will meet and exceed annual fundraising goals.
Manages existing portfolio of donors and prospects.
Secures major gifts at the $5k to $100k level with the goal of raising $2 million annually.
Makes direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assists the Executive Director, board and other staff with their solicitations (e.g., provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel and help with donor communications).
Acknowledges major donors through public and private recognition.
Articulates and promotes a compelling case for support that grows the donor base and giving levels and fosters pride and excitement in fundraising efforts.
Department Leadership
Builds, motivates, leads and retains a development team that currently includes two members: aligning structure with fundraising and organizational strategy.
Establishes annual goals, provides regular performance reviews and recognition, and supports ongoing professional development opportunities.
Manages a thorough and wide-ranging prospect research program that maximizes opportunities to engage new donor communities.
Manages a best-in-class moves management and donor stewardship program designed to strengthen relationships with donors.
Evaluates and manages policies and procedures for gift processing and donor. acknowledgement, Raiser’s Edge NXT database management and financial reporting.
Manages department budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and return on investment.
Board and Staff Engagement
Creates and sustains a culture of philanthropy that ensures an optimal fit between the development program and the programs of the Sheldon Concert Hall and Galleries and anticipates opportunities to expand these program services through donor and sponsor collaborations.
Works collaboratively with the communications and marketing team to position advancement opportunities and integrate messages in news articles, publications, grant submissions, reports and collateral materials.
Serves as the development department’s liaison to the Board of Directors and Development Committee; engaging members in the fundraising process, overseeing ongoing training, and supporting and managing their philanthropic activities.
Develops and implements a plan to leverage the Board chair, senior leaders and staff in the identification, qualification and cultivation of strategic, high-value prospects, ensuring that all participants understand their roles and are fully briefed for meetings with prospects and donors.
Demonstrates teamwork and support of The Sheldon’s mission and values.
Complies with all organizational policies and procedures.
Other duties as required or assigned.
Requirements
To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with varying abilities to perform the essential functions.
Experience and Education
Bachelor’s Degree or comparable work experience required; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in a comprehensive non-profit fundraising program, including at least two years in a position with staff management responsibilities. Experience in gift solicitation, supervision and staff training.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated ability to set and monitor the strategic direction of a complex development office and to ensure its alignment with organizational goals.
Experience establishing strong relationships with executive leaders and volunteer boards/committees and leveraging them effectively in the fundraising process.
Track record of personally securing five-figure gifts from all constituencies, including individuals, corporations and foundations.
Working knowledge of non-profit development best practices, emerging trends, and tools and technologies to support a variety of initiatives, including prospect research and digital campaigns.
Ability to effectively utilize database systems within a data-driven and evidence-based organization; experience with Raiser’s Edge is preferred.
Familiarity with the philanthropic and arts and cultural communities of St. Louis is useful.
Ability to use standard office equipment, computers and software applications.
CFRE certification preferred.
Personal Characteristics and Work Style
Commitment to excellence consistent with The Sheldon’s best-in-class approach to presenting arts and educational experiences for all.
Sincere passion for, and understanding of, The Sheldon’s mission and position in the arts community; ability to be a compelling ambassador for the organization’s values.
Collaborative and engaging communication style in working with people of many backgrounds, including leaders, staff, volunteers and donors.
Ability to multitask and balance multiple priorities in a complex and multi-faceted fast paced environment.
Unfailing discretion in dealing with sensitive material about donors.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This position supervises the Assistant Director of Development, Annual Fund and Data Manager, and Manager of Institutional Giving (currently vacant).
Travel is required for meetings in private homes, office buildings, restaurants, and/or other community settings to work directly with donors. A valid driver’s license and a car are essential.
This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
35-hour work week plus frequent nights and weekends. Competitive benefits package includes health insurance, retirement match and paid time off.
The Sheldon is an equal opportunity employer. People of Color, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]. Please no telephone inquiries.