Vice President of Development - Indianapolis - Indyhunger

Description

About Indianapolis Art Center

The Indy Art Center's mission is to provide accessible and inclusive art experiences that inspire creativity, educate, engage and enrich our community.

The Indy Art Center envisions a community made better, stronger, healthier, and more creative through art.

Integrity. Inclusivity. Innovation. Accessibility. Stewardship. Creative expression. Discovery. Respect

Job Summary

Responsible for overall planning and execution of strategies for the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of all fundraising campaigns and activities including but not limited to Annual Fund, Membership, Major Gifts, Endowments, Planned & Deferred Giving, Capital/Major Gift Campaigns, Grants, Scholarships and Individual Gifts.

Job Responsibilities

• Orchestrate and ensure an annual strategic resource development plan…
• Serve on the Art Center's Senior Leadership Team, which directs the organization's strategic planning and goals.
• Ensure that all development staff as well as President/Executive Director build, cultivate, maintain and solicit portfolios of past, current and prospective donors.
• With staff, create and implement a personalized solicitation plan for each major donor.
• Develop, implement and manage an annual budget for the Development department to meet financial goals.
• Manage comprehensive, accurate and timely donor tracking and acknowledgement systems.
• Raise funds from individual, corporate, foundation and government donors for the Art Center's programs and operations including Annual Fund, Membership, Broad Ripple Art Fair, Sponsorships, Outreach, planned giving, capital, and special events.
• Maintain a system for tracking grant applications and decisions, and assist program staff to comply with reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with Finance department to reconcile gift entry and provide supporting documentation for auditors.
• Write content and work with marketing team to develop and maintain database of compelling impact stories for use in appeals, class catalogs, signage, videos, blog articles, and other materials.
• Work with appropriate Art Center departments, Board committees, and community partners to further the Development department's needs and goals.
• Be the lead staff person on all board development committees.
• Evaluate and if necessary change existing fundraising aspects of events to increase ROI.
• In collaboration with the Marketing & Communications Director, develop communication strategies to support funder retention, recruitment, and benefits.
• Create and nurture a culture at the Art Center to fully engage in all areas of active fund raising.
• Oversee peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives by identifying and recruiting volunteer leaders, creating the necessary structures to support them, and training them to deliver messages that are compelling, accurate, and personalized.
• Participate in peer-to-peer appeals—such as classroom appeals.
• In cooperation with the President/Executive Director, develop, implement, and periodically update an organization-wide strategic fundraising plan to increase and diversify annual operating revenues.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive program to build a pipeline of new donors and create a sustainable revenue stream of funds.
• Identify and implement activities in which the Board can engage in relationship building and increase philanthropic support.
• Provide oversight of all policies and procedures related to fund-raising.
• Manage donor cultivation, solicitation, donor recognition activities, stewardship and corporate donor fulfillment.
• Manage all aspects or a capital/major gifts campaign and ongoing planned giving campaigns.
• Develop and implement a research program that identifies potential major individual, corporate and foundation donors for a diverse array of contributions.
• Personally cultivate and solicit major gifts, restricted and unrestricted, from current and potential donors through visits, telephone calls, letters, and other methods.
• Recommend data points and benchmarks from which to evaluate the growth of fundraising appeals, donor constituencies, and donor relationship growth ("moves") over time.
• Research donor interests, involvement and relationships within and outside the organization to inform committees and solicitors of possible strategies.
• Event Support
  • Broad Ripple Art Fair
  • Summer farmers markets
  • Other events as needed

Competencies Required

• Goal Oriented: Strong project management, organizational, and critical thinking skills ...
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
• Relationship Building: Interpersonal skills to network with donors, engage with community members, and create strong team relationships.
• Time Management: Strong ability to manage multiple projects and calendars to ensure on time completion.
• Team‑Oriented: Thrives in a cooperative environment, valuing diverse perspectives and collective success.
• Collaborative: Builds strong relationships and works effectively with others to achieve shared goals.

Additional Education/Knowledge/Skills Requirements

• Must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Non Profit Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Law, Finance or other. Master's Degree with an emphasis in nonprofit management or CRFE certification preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of demonstrated success as a front‑line fundraiser, including success in closing six & seven figure gifts.
• Experience working in arts and/or cultural non‑profit environment is preferred.
• Advanced computer skills and demonstrated proficiency in donor management software, specifically Raiser's Edge.
• Ability to keep top prospects informed, interested and involved.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working at a desk and computer.
• Occasional standing, walking, and reaching to access files, office supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry light objects (typically up to 15‑20 lbs), such as files, office supplies, or event materials.