Director of Development

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Position Summary
The Director of Development is a key member of Cincinnati Ballet’s executive leadership team, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through strategic, inclusive, and high-impact fundraising efforts. This role leads all philanthropic initiatives, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation, and government support, planned giving, and endowment growth.

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Director oversees a team of development professionals and works closely with the Artistic Director, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership to cultivate a culture of philanthropy across the organization. This individual will build upon the momentum of a recently completed $32 million capital campaign and lead the next phase of growth, including a forthcoming endowment initiative. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, collaborative leader, and passionate advocate for the performing arts with a proven track record of fundraising success.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Cincinnati Ballet’s strategic plan and financial goals.
• Develop and manage the annual department budget, ensuring resources are allocated strategically to maximize fundraising outcomes.
• Lead all aspects of contributed revenue generation, including major gifts, annual fund, corporate sponsorships, foundation and government grants, planned giving, and endowment growth.
• Set and monitor annual fundraising goals, KPIs, and performance metrics to ensure accountability and impact.

2. Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Build and manage a portfolio of high-level donors and prospects, cultivating long-term relationships that result in sustained and increased giving.
• Oversee donor engagement strategies, including personalized stewardship plans, recognition programs, and exclusive donor events.
• Oversee and manage the organization’s grant strategy, including coordination and quality control of grant writing deliverables in partnership with the grant writer.
• Serve as a visible and articulate ambassador for Cincinnati Ballet at performances, events, and community engagements.

3. Team & Board Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and support a high-performing development team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Partner with the President & CEO, Artistic Director, and Board of Trustees to support fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to the Board’s Development Committee and other volunteer fundraising groups.

4. Campaign & Program Management

• Build upon the success of the recent capital campaign and lead the planning and execution of future fundraising initiatives, including a major endowment campaign, and other major projects.
• Oversee the development and implementation of case statements, campaign materials, and donor communications in collaboration with the Marketing + Brand Strategy team.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and best practices in donor data management.

5. Institutional Advancement & Community Engagement

• Promote Cincinnati Ballet’s mission, programs, and impact to a broad range of stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and institutional partners.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to align messaging and storytelling across fundraising and brand communications.

Key Professional Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of progressive fundraising experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably in the performing arts or nonprofit sector.
• Proven success in securing major gifts, managing capital or endowment campaigns, and building donor pipelines.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, work cross-functionally with artistic and executive leadership, and engage Board members in fundraising efforts.
• Strong planning, budgeting, and analytical skills with a metrics-driven approach to goal setting and performance evaluation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; confident public speaker and persuasive storyteller.
• Experience with Tessitura or similar CRM systems is a plus.

Flexibility

Willingness to work evenings and weekends in support of performances, donor events, and community engagements.

Educational Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, public administration, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent professional experience in fundraising, development, or nonprofit leadership may be accepted in lieu of formal education, especially for candidates with a demonstrated track record.
• CFRE certification, or additional professional certifications in fundraising, nonprofit management, or related areas (e.g., certificate programs, training), are advantageous.

Expected Work Hours and Travel:

• Must be able to work a highly flexible schedule, including weekends and some evenings, depending on events and the performance schedule. Hours will change seasonally.
• Occasional travel within the greater Cincinnati area for conferences, events, or donor meetings.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Candidates must be willing to complete a background check to be considered for this position.