Earl R. Merrill: Development Director @ The Watermill Center

Nonprofit arts organization seeking individual to spearhead development initiatives.

The Watermill Center seeks a Development Director to lead our advancement initiatives. This position is responsible for the strategic planning and leadership of the development department and all of its
fundraising efforts including individual, institutional, Board giving, special events, and corporate. The Development Director will be responsible for executing the development plan and holding themselves and the team responsible for their goals.

Founded in 1992 by avant-garde visionary and theater director Robert Wilson, The Watermill Center is an interdisciplinary laboratory for the arts and humanities situated on ten acres of Shinnecock ancestral territory on Long Island’s East End. With an emphasis on creativity and collaboration, Watermill integrates performing arts practice with resources from the humanities, research from the sciences and inspiration from the visual arts. The Center is unique within the global landscape of experimental artistic practice and regularly convenes the brightest minds from across disciplines to do, in Wilson’s words, “what no one else is doing.”

LOCATION
Primary | NYC Office & Studio, 115 West 29th Street, New York, NY 10001
Secondary | The Watermill Center, 39 Watermill Towd Road, Water Mill, NY 11976

RESPONSIBILITIES+ DUTIES include, but are not limited to:

Fundraising Strategy Development

With the Managing Director, Trustees, and other directors on staff, build a comprehensive strategy to expand philanthropic and external support, both domestically and internationally, and create a thriving, sustainable culture of philanthropy in support of The Watermill Center’s programming and operations.
Execute fundraising plans with precision and report regularly on progress, identifying development goals, ensuring the team works effectively and cohesively towards these goals, and devising and implementing adjustment strategies where needed
Work with development staff to evaluate data from past fundraising efforts and from the organization’s donor database, and develop strategies accordingly

Individual Giving

With the Director of Individual Giving & Special Events, oversee and plan strategies and activities for donor cultivation, solicitation, and ongoing relationship management
Develop and implement a planned giving program and strategy for the Foundation

Institutional Giving

With the Director of Institutional Giving, identify and secure multi-year funding opportunities

Board Development

Participate in board development efforts, including the research and identification of strong, diverse board candidates

Special Events

With Director of Individual Giving & Special Events, oversee the planning and organization of special events, including the annual summer Gala

Management and Operations

Provide leadership for the Development department staff, creating short-term and long-range plans to meet goal-oriented outcomes
With leadership and colleagues, prepare annual operating budget revenue and expense forecasts, manage departmental expenditures to budget, and track quarterly cash flow against contributed income projections
Prepare financial reports for senior management

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 5 years development experience and strong track record in all areas of development, from individual, institutional and corporate fundraising to special events
Established networks with leading arts funders and New York philanthropic circles
Strong management skills with proven ability to motivate and lead
Aware of innovations and new trends in philanthropy, and willingness to implement best practices and think outside the box
Strategic, analytical and detail-oriented with excellent writing skill, interpersonal skills in small and large groups, and public speaking skills
Flexible in multi–tasking, managing several projects concurrently, and functioning under the pressure of deadlines
A good sense of humor, high energy, and “can do, will do” roll up your sleeves spirit
A demonstrated commitment to supporting artists and the arts
The ability to work evenings and weekends, and to travel when necessary
Bachelor’s degree required, advance degree a plus

Compensation with be commensurate with experience and includes a competitive benefits package.

All inquiries and materials will be confidential. The Watermill Center is operated by The Byrd Hoffman Water
Mill Foundation, which is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in its workforce.

Interested candidates should email cover letter and resume to:
Linda Jackson, Managing Director of The Byrd Hoffman Water Mill Foundation
linda.jackson@watermillcenter.org