Director of Development

About AMDA College of the Performing Arts AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the foremost post‑secondary performing arts colleges in the country. AMDA offers various pathways for students to receive unparalleled performing arts education taught by world‑class industry professionals, including Professional Conservatory Certificates as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Occupational Studies, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts). Position Overview AMDA is seeking a Director of Development to lead the development and execution of the institution’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This role will build AMDA’s first comprehensive advancement program, develop strategy, establish a donor pipeline, and drive consistent, measurable fundraising activity. In close collaboration with executive leadership, the Director will play a central role in achieving a multi‑year goal to grow philanthropic support into the multi‑million‑dollar range through engagement with alumni, families, and industry partners. Primary Responsibilities Develop and present fundraising strategies and plans aligned with institutional priorities. Partner with executive leadership to refine strategies and incorporate feedback and direction. Lead the execution of approved advancement initiatives, including major gifts and donor engagement efforts. Contribute to the development of cases for support and donor‑facing materials. Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and current donors. Identify, cultivate, and lead donor engagement and solicitation efforts in partnership with executive leadership. Conduct consistent donor outreach, including meetings, calls, and written communications. Prepare for and support donor solicitations, including strategy, materials, and follow‑up. Lead the development and ongoing management of a structured donor pipeline across alumni, parents, foundations, corporations, and industry partners. Track and manage donor movement through all stages of engagement. Contribute to achieving annual and multi‑year fundraising goals through consistent activity and relationship development. Lead the planning and execution of donor cultivation, stewardship, and engagement events in New York and Los Angeles. Coordinate with leadership on donor‑facing opportunities and engagement strategies. Support relationship‑building within arts, entertainment, and philanthropic communities. Utilize systems such as Little Green Light and Alumni360 to track donor activity and maintain accurate records. Monitor and report on fundraising activity, pipeline development, and engagement metrics. Establish and maintain organized processes for donor tracking, follow‑up, and reporting. Contribute to building foundational development processes and practices. Support the long‑term growth of the advancement function, including potential expansion of staffing as the program develops. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum 5–8+ years of progressively responsible fundraising or advancement experience. Demonstrated experience developing fundraising strategies and leading or supporting execution. Demonstrated success supporting or directly contributing to closing gifts, including five‑figure and higher commitments. Experience cultivating donor relationships and participating in gift solicitations. Experience building or managing a donor pipeline and tracking fundraising activity. Proven ability to manage multiple donor relationships and priorities simultaneously. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow‑through. Ability to work independently while incorporating feedback and direction from leadership. Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or arts organizations preferred. Performance Expectations Develop and present clear, actionable fundraising strategies. Maintain a high level of consistent donor outreach and engagement activity, including meetings, calls, and follow‑up. Build and grow a qualified donor pipeline with measurable movement over time. Demonstrate progress toward defined fundraising outcomes through pipeline development and donor engagement. Actively contribute to and support donor cultivation and solicitation efforts. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions. Provide regular reporting on fundraising activity and outcomes. Contribute to achieving defined fundraising goals and establishing sustainable development practices. Initial Priorities Develop and present an initial fundraising strategy and implementation plan. Establish a qualified donor pipeline and outreach cadence. Initiate donor engagement and begin building relationships across key constituencies. Implement consistent tracking, reporting, and follow‑up processes. Position Information Full‑time, exempt position. Salary range: $120,000 – $125,000 annually, commensurate with experience. This position is based in New York or Los Angeles; candidates must reside in the local area. Hybrid work environment, with a combination of remote work and in‑person responsibilities. Availability for on‑campus meetings, events, and donor engagements is required. Travel between campuses may be required. Occasional evening and weekend work required for events. Equal Opportunity Employer AMDA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. #J-18808-Ljbffr