Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Powerhouse Arts (PHA) is a not-for-profit organization committed to creative expression. Located in a purpose-built facility in Brooklyn, PHA convenes an extended network of art and fabrication professionals and educators who co-create and share artistic practices vital to the well-being of artists and the communities to which they belong. PHA offers fabrication programs in ceramics, print, and public art; alongside membership studios in ceramics and at MGC Community Print Studio, textile workshop, The Alpha Workshops; and spaces for education, events, and public engagement.

To support this exciting chapter, we are seeking a VP of Institutional Advancement who will be responsible for devising, managing, and administering a multi-channel development strategy for PHA’s annual operating needs and future capital plans. Reporting to the President, this role demands a broad strategic vision and strong leadership, reflecting the critical importance of financial stability to PHA’s long-term sustainability. The ideal candidate will bring a strong record of accomplishment in strategic fundraising for non-profits in the arts, operating at an executive, organization-wide level, and supporting a diverse group of stakeholders. A core requirement of this role is the ability to create and drive a short-term and long-term strategic development plan that is specific to PHA’s needs in close partnership with the President, Senior Management Team, and the PHA board. The successful candidate will have broad existing connections to other arts organizations, individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and government agencies.

Areas of responsibility include:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, strategic fundraising plan to support PHA’s annual operating and capital needs, both immediate and long-term
• Execute a comprehensive fundraising plan, once such a plan is approved by PHA’s Senior Management Team (with input from PHA’s Board), translating strategy into fundable priorities
• Lead and direct the implementation of PHA’s fundraising efforts to build relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and government agencies
• Serve on PHA’s Senior Management team to set and execute mission-based goals
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Shop Directors (across fabrication and membership), Curatorial, Learning & Engagement, and Marketing, to understand the full spectrum of PHA’s programmatic goals and initiatives, and help to set strategy for specific program-related fundraising efforts
• Champion thoughtful change management to ensure that development strategies are devised and implemented with alignment to PHA’s mission
• Oversee, manage, and mentor a three-person Development team, and assess future hiring needs
• Help to define clear fundraising goals by setting specific fundraising KPIs for the Development team, and work to ensure that such goals are achieved

Fundraising

• Devise an action plan with specific targets for the President and other members of the Senior Management team, providing strategic and consistent support to have all parties act as Development ambassadors, including facilitating introductions and coordinating meetings with prospective supporters, preparing briefing materials, and sharing follow-up strategies
• Offer guidance on how best to approach, engage, and manage prospective and current supporters, including the refinement of fundraising and marketing materials
• Create a systematic method of donor moves management and oversee the Development team in moving potential funders up the patron ladder
• Lead the process of articulating major gift goals, building relationships with new and longstanding donors to solicit major gifts
• Lead the process of identifying corporate sponsors for innovative sponsorship opportunities and cultivating relationships with new sponsors
• Lead the process of identifying foundations and agencies for strategic partnership opportunities, providing oversight over the building of relationships with such funders
• Identify and implement innovative opportunities for fundraising, including, without limitation, Donor-Advised Funds and non-cash assets (including crypto)
• Supervise the development of donor cultivation and sponsorship opportunities (including, without limitation, for the Annual Celebration Dinner and other programmatic opportunities)
• Oversee the research, writing, and preparation of all foundation, corporate, and government grant proposals/sponsorships, and oversee grant administration and reporting
• Oversee the formation and maintenance of necessary development reports and records
• Prepare and manage the development team's annual budget
• Oversee the planning and execution of a future capital campaign to roll out in FY 2031 or 2032

Board Development

• Motivate and strengthen PHA’s Board in its development role and actively partner with the Board as they spread awareness about PHA through their networks
• Serve as the staff liaison to the Board on development topics, including implementation of cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Help to identify, cultivate, recruit, and onboard new Board members

Qualifications

The requirements listed are guidelines; you don't have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If 80% of what you read fits you, or if you have skills that are transferable, please apply.

• 15+ years of experience in non-profit development, with successive growth in leadership roles over that period
• Record of accomplishment in having successfully raised funding for other non-profits (USD 100 million+ over the course of career) through the cultivation and solicitation of individuals, corporate sponsors, foundations, and agencies
• Genuine interest in contemporary fine art and PHA’s mission
• Awareness of fundraising strategies, principles, and opportunities in art and cultural non-profits
• Extensive knowledge of the shifting landscape of fundraising for art and cultural non-profits
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective leader, with solid experience in managing and motivating executives (i.e., peers) and team members
• Highly well-organized and able to plan strategically, set priorities, and focus on details while not losing sight of the big picture
• A commitment to creativity and problem-solving, with the flexibility to welcome change and challenges inherent in a dynamic environment
• Personable and relishes taking an active, public role in the cultivation of donors as a PHA front-facing executive; low ego but positive energy

To Apply: Please apply with a thoughtful cover letter and resume. Qualified candidates will be contacted for virtual interviews.

Compensation & Benefits: The salary range is $200,000 to $230,000, commensurate with experience. We offer excellent benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, an employer-sponsored retirement plan, and professional development opportunities. Time off includes vacation, holidays, personal days, and a week off at year’s end. 

Powerhouse Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants receive consideration without regard to race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Powerhouse is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace and recognize the positive value of diversity.

For more information, visit www.powerhousearts.org