Hiring: Director of Development

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina 

Position Type: Full-Time 

Reports To: President & CEO

ABOUT THE ARTS COUNCIL

For more than 75 years, the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County has championed the arts as an essential part of a thriving community. Through grantmaking, advocacy, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, we support artists and cultural organizations while expanding access to meaningful arts experiences throughout Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

As we look toward our next chapter, we are strengthening our fundraising capacity, deepening community relationships, and pursuing new opportunities to advance the arts.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Arts Council seeks an experienced, motivated, and results-oriented Director of Development to lead fundraising initiatives, expand philanthropic support, and advance the organization's mission.

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Director will provide leadership for the Arts Council's development function while maintaining a significant hands-on role in institutional fundraising, grant research, and writing. Responsibilities also encompass individual giving, corporate sponsorships, membership development, workplace giving campaigns, donor stewardship, and fiscal sponsorship coordination.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer, strategic thinker, proactive relationship builder, and highly organized development professional with a demonstrated record of securing grant funding and advancing successful fundraising initiatives.

This is a hands-on leadership position requiring initiative, independent judgment, strong project management skills, and the ability to translate fundraising opportunities into measurable results.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising, Donor Relations & Membership

• Develop and implement annual fundraising strategies and contributed-revenue initiatives in collaboration with the President & CEO.

• Coordinate donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, acknowledgments, and philanthropic partnerships.

• Lead membership recruitment, renewals, retention, and engagement efforts in collaboration with the Director of Marketing & Strategic Engagement.

• Coordinate workplace giving campaigns, including employer outreach, campaign participation, and ongoing stewardship.

• Support corporate sponsorship development, agreements, renewals, and partner relationships.

• Develop fundraising appeals and donor communications in collaboration with marketing and communications staff.

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board's Development Committee, including meeting coordination, reporting, and follow-up.

• Support donor engagement and fundraising activities associated with major Arts Council events and campaigns.

  
  

Grant Writing & Institutional Fundraising

• Research and pursue funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other institutional sources.

• Lead the development and writing of compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, funding narratives, and related materials.

• Manage grant development calendars, deadlines, renewals, and coordination of funder reporting.

• Cultivate relationships with institutional funders and identify opportunities for expanded philanthropic investment.

• Collaborate with leadership, program staff, and finance to develop competitive grant proposals, budgets, and supporting documentation.

• Monitor grant submissions, awards, and funding opportunities to assess results and strengthen the institutional funding pipeline.

  
  

Fiscal Sponsorships & Development Operations

• Coordinate fiscal sponsorship onboarding, agreements, required documentation, and communication with sponsored partners.

• Collaborate with finance staff to ensure appropriate handoff of executed fiscal sponsorship and corporate sponsorship agreements for financial administration.

• Work with the designated Raiser's Edge database specialist to support accurate donor, membership, sponsorship, and fundraising records.

• Monitor fundraising progress, maintain development calendars, and prepare regular reports for organizational leadership and the Board of Trustees.

• Coordinate with the Director of Marketing & Strategic Engagement on fundraising messaging, membership campaigns, donor communications, and sponsor recognition.

• Evaluate development processes and recommend improvements to strengthen fundraising effectiveness, donor engagement, and organizational sustainability.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, grant writing, or a related field.

• Demonstrated success personally developing competitive grant proposals and securing institutional funding.

• Experience developing and implementing fundraising initiatives, cultivating donor relationships, and supporting philanthropic partnerships.

• Exceptional writing, communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.

• Strong project management abilities, including the capacity to independently manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Experience with donor management systems and fundraising operations.

• Sound professional judgment, strong attention to detail, accountability, and a results-oriented approach.

• Commitment to the Arts Council's mission and the role of arts and culture in strengthening communities.

Preferred

• Experience in arts, cultural, educational, or community-based nonprofit organizations.

• Experience with membership programs, corporate sponsorships, and workplace giving campaigns.

• Familiarity with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge or comparable fundraising software.

• Experience supporting board development committees and fundraising initiatives.

• Knowledge of the Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and North Carolina philanthropic communities.

WHY JOIN THE ARTS COUNCIL?

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of arts and culture in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

The Director of Development will work closely with organizational leadership, community partners, and philanthropic supporters to strengthen the Arts Council's financial sustainability, expand opportunities for artists and arts organizations, and help ensure a vibrant cultural community.

We are seeking someone who brings both strategic perspective and the ability to execute.  An individual who is energized by building relationships, securing resources, and making a measurable difference.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter.

Application Submissions: careers@intothearts.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is an equal opportunity employer.