Director of Institutional Giving

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, one of the world’s premier dance institutions, seeks a motivated and personable team player to strategically lead the organization’s institutional giving efforts. Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation is a nonprofit organization comprised of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, The Ailey School, and Ailey’s Arts in Education Programs.

The organization’s mission is to further the pioneering work of Alvin Ailey by establishing an extended cultural community which provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. As important as its artistic and educational mission, the Ailey organization plays a social role, using the beauty and humanity of the African American heritage and other cultures to inspire and unite people of all races, ages and back grounds.

Named “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” by a United States Congressional Resolution, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater numbers 31 of the most talented dancers in the world, and its diverse repertory is unparalleled in modern dance. A typical season includes engagements in its home base of New York City: 5 weeks each winter at New York City Center and 2 weeks each spring at Brooklyn Academy of Music, a 20 city United States tour and extensive international touring. Annually, nearly 500,000 people experience Ailey performances and programs.  

A multifaceted organization, the Ailey family also encompasses Ailey II, a second company dedicated to the development of young artists and community outreach; The Ailey School, a world-class dance academy which provides instruction to a diverse group of students aged 3-25; and Ailey Arts in Education and Community Programs which provide young people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds the opportunity to explore dance, build self-esteem and develop life skills.

The Director of Institutional Giving is a dynamic and strategic leader with a proven track record of identifying, securing, and stewarding major foundation, corporate and government gifts. Under the direction of the Managing Director of Development, the Director is responsible for managing and planning activities that increase, diversity and sustain funding from foundation and government entities for Ailey’s program and initiatives. The incumbent will work closely with colleagues’ organization-wide to develop the planning and implementation of the Institutional Giving program which supports the efforts of the Companies, Ailey’s Arts in Education and Community Programs, The Ailey School, and general operations.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Solicitation & Strategy:

• In collaboration with the Managing Director of Development, create and implement a strong fundraising strategy and plan targeting foundations, corporations, and government agencies
• Initiate, cultivate, manage, and steward relationships with current foundation, corporation and government funders, expanding an existing portfolio with the goal of increasing revenue from institutional funders
• Grow and maintain active pipelines and manage communications with existing and potential institutional donors by researching, identifying, evaluating and cultivating prospects
• Identify fundraising opportunities, including program areas for funding aligned to organizational goals
• Monitor and implement best practices and understand fundraising trends to advise on strategy

Grant Writing & Reporting:

• Conceptualize and write compelling case statements and proposals for institutional funders, including complex proposals that require working closely with Ailey staff and Board
• Ensure all application materials (e.g. narrative and attachments) are of the highest quality and all deadlines are met
• Generate accurate and timely responses for all due diligence requests and/or grant reports during and after the grant agreement
• Maintain the highest levels of accountability and compliance standards for donors and funding sources

Other Development Activities:

• Work closely with the Finance, Arts in Education, Ailey School, Operations and other departments to develop fundraising strategies, budgets, and proposals
• Manage and maintain calendar of proposal and report deadlines
• Ensure timely submission to funders, and that deliverables and milestones are tracked appropriately for all grants
• Develop and implement grant contract review processes
• Lead and execute site visits for current and potential funders
• Complete other assignments, duties special projects as needed to meet the needs of the department/institution.
• Supervises Associate Director of Institutional Giving and Grants Officer

Skills/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of 6+ years of fundraising experience, including 3+ years as a frontline fundraiser and supervisor.
• Successful track record obtaining six and seven figure grant awards.
• Able to work independently, manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously, and work effectively with diverse internal and external constituents.
• Exemplary written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work across teams.
• In-depth knowledge of institutional fundraising landscape and trends locally and nationally
• Successful in financial oversight and management of grant award funding.
• Demonstrated analytical, planning, and goal setting skills, with the ability to establish and manage deadlines, work both independently and collaboratively.
• Database experience with Salesforce preferred

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel as needed
• Candidates with an intimate knowledge and appreciation for dance and/or the performing arts are preferred.

Compensation:

$140K-$150K. Benefits include health (including EAP services), dental insurance, flexible spending account, 403(b) retirement plan, and commuter benefits.

The advertised pay rate is not a promise of a particular wage for any specific employee. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, special licensing or qualifications, and other factors.

How to Apply:

Click on the apply link below and upload a file for each application requirement (accepted formats include .doc, .docx, or .pdf). Please include your name in the file names of each document. Only applicants who submit the following will be considered:

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing your interest in this position
• Contact information for two professional references

Applications will not be considered without these items. No phone calls, please.