Director of Development
Advancement New York, New York Los Angeles, California
Description
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).
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 be responsible for building AMDA's first comprehensive advancement
program, including developing strategy, establishing a donor pipeline, and
driving 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.
Working in close partnership with executive leadership, the Director of
Development will develop and present fundraising strategies, incorporate
leadership input and direction, and lead the execution of advancement
initiatives. This role will focus on cultivating donor relationships, building
a sustainable pipeline, and driving consistent fundraising activity in
alignment with institutional priorities.
The Director of Development will leverage existing tools, including Little
Green Light CRM and Alumni360, to support donor tracking, engagement, and
reporting, and will contribute to establishing the structure and processes
that will guide AMDA's long-term philanthropic efforts. This is a hands-on,
individual contributor role that requires both initiative and collaboration,
with responsibility for driving strategy forward, refining it in partnership
with leadership, and executing against defined fundraising goals. This role
requires a results-oriented approach, with the ability to translate strategy
into execution and drive forward measurable fundraising activity.
Primary Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
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
Donor Cultivation & Solicitation
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
Pipeline Development & Fundraising Goals
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
Events & Donor Engagement
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
Systems, Reporting & Operations
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
Growth of Advancement Function
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.
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