Director of Development

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

The internationally renowned Mark Morris Dance Group (MMDG) has received “highest praise for their technical aplomb, their musicality, and their sheer human authenticity.” (Bloomberg News). Founded in 1980, the Dance Group performs the repertory of choreographer Mark Morris, hailed as the “the most successful and influential choreographer alive, and indisputably the most musical” (The New York Times), whose work is acclaimed for its ingenuity, musicality, wit, and humanity. Live music and community engagement are vital components of the Dance Group. It has toured with its own musicians, the MMDG Music Ensemble, since 1996, and regularly collaborates with orchestras and opera companies around the world. In addition to 12 full-time dancers, the organization currently employs approximately 200 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees.

In the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District, the Mark Morris Dance Center, founded in 2001, is the hub of dance and music education in Brooklyn. The nine-studio building provides affordable classes in multiple genres for people of all ages, levels, with and without disabilities, accompanied by live music. The studios, a performance space, a Wellness Center, and ancillary spaces are all available to the community and to nonprofit organizations at subsidized rates. MMDG’s Community Education Programs partner with public and private schools and community centers to provide customized classes. MMDG also offers customized dance workshops for persons with Parkinson’s disease.

MMDG programs in NYC and worldwide engage over 100,000 people annually. Propelled by core values of community, access, excellence, and creativity, MMDG is committed to ongoing equity, diversity, and inclusion work to ensure its programs are welcoming and accessible to all.

As the Mark Morris Dance Group (MMDG) celebrates its 45^th anniversary it seeks a dynamic, strategic and visionary Director of Development to lead and elevate its fundraising efforts in support of its mission to engage and inspire communities through the transformative power of dance and music. A $10M organization, MMDG comprises the renowned Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble, the inclusive programs of the Mark Morris Dance Center, and the internationally acclaimed Dance for PD®. This role partners closely with the Executive Director, Artistic Director, and Board of Directors to drive contributed revenue growth and advance the organization’s long-term vision.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Director collaborates with the Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Marketing & Communications to align fundraising with MMDG’s artistic and programmatic goals. The Director also serves as an ambassador for the organization, cultivating philanthropic partnerships and expanding MMDG’s visibility and impact.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director leads all aspects of fundraising strategy and execution, managing a talented team of four: Major Gifts Officer, Institutional Giving Associate, Database Administrator, and Development Assistant. The ideal candidate brings creativity, leadership, and a proven track record of success in nonprofit fundraising.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive annual $4M fundraising plan that supports general operations, programming, and special initiatives.
• Manage and direct special campaigns including the upcoming Dance Center and Dance for PD’s 25^th Anniversary, as well as capital projects, endowment growth, and program-specific initiatives.
• Design and implement personalized donor engagement strategies to retain and grow a diverse base of individual, institutional, and corporate support.
• Develop and implement digital fundraising strategies, including email campaigns, social media appeals, and crowdfunding initiatives.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner with the Executive Director, Artistic Director, and Board of Directors to drive strategic fundraising initiatives aligned with MMDG’s mission and vision.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the development team to achieve departmental goals and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally with marketing, education, and artistic teams to align fundraising messaging with programmatic storytelling.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Oversee a calendar of impactful donor cultivation and stewardship events, both on- and off-site, to deepen engagement with current and prospective supporters.
• Represent MMDG at performances, donor gatherings, and community events with professionalism and authenticity.
• Ensure fundraising strategies reflect the organization’s values and resonate with a broad and diverse

Board & Community Engagement

• Support the Executive Director and Board leadership in identifying, recruiting, and onboarding new Board members with fundraising capacity and networks.
• Provide support to Board members to enhance their effectiveness as fundraisers and ambassadors.
• Support organizational efforts to build meaningful relationships across a broad spectrum of communities and constituencies.

Data, Compliance & Innovation

• Establish and track fundraising performance metrics; evaluate progress to inform future strategies and ensure continued growth.
• In collaboration with the marketing team leverage data analytics and Customer Relationship Management tools to optimize donor segmentation, engagement, and retention.
• Incorporate ethical practices in the use of AI and automation to enhance fundraising effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations and ethical standards, including donor confidentiality and gift acceptance policies.
• Stay current with best practices in fundraising and nonprofit leadership through ongoing professional development and industry engagement.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:  

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with a strong record of success in individual giving, major gifts, institutional funding, and donor engagement.
• Advanced degree or Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification a plus.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing strategic fundraising plans and meeting/exceeding revenue goals
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience supervising staff and/or consultants
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate MMDG’s mission and impact to a range of stakeholders
• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with donors, board members, and community partners
• Knowledge of and appreciation for the performing arts; experience in dance or nonprofit arts organizations preferred
• Proficiency with fundraising database, Salesforce, preferred and data-informed fundraising strategies

You will be successful in this role if you: 

• Thrive in both strategic planning and hands-on execution of fundraising initiatives.
• Bring a proactive, donor-centered approach to relationship building.
• Effectively lead and mentor a team with empathy, accountability, and shared purpose.
• Communicate the mission and impact of MMDG with clarity and passion to a range of stakeholders.
• Collaborate across departments and with external partners to align fundraising with institutional goals.
• Are excited by the opportunity to contribute to an internationally renowned dance organization with deep community roots.
• Are comfortable managing complex projects and shifting priorities while maintaining focus on long-term objectives.
• Are a data-informed fundraiser who uses metrics to drive decisions and optimize outcomes.

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, exempt position that requires on-site work. A flexible hybrid schedule may be considered after the successful completion of a six-month on-site introductory period. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends based on MMDG’s NYC performance and touring calendar, as well as donor and staff needs.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:  

• Paid vacation, sick/personal leave, holidays and bonus days
• Employee Health and Life insurance covered 100%, Flexible Spending Plan, Voluntary vision and dental coverage, Pre-tax commuter benefit, 403(b) retirement plan
• Access to special events and MMDG performances
• Access to free and discounted classes at the Dance Center and online
• Invitations to cultural events are extended to staff members by community partners.  

To join our team, please include a cover letter addressed to Nancy Umanoff, Executive Director, with your resume submission. Your cover letter must highlight relevant experience; resume submittals without a cover letter will not be considered. 

EEO STATEMENT:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or veteran status. It is the policy of MMDG to comply with all the relevant and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). MMDG does not discriminate against any qualified employees or job applicants with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person’s physical or mental disability. MMDG makes reasonable accommodation wherever necessary for all employees or applicants with disabilities, provided that the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform the duties and assignments connected with the job and provided that any accommodations made do not require significant difficulty or expense.