Director of Development

Director Of Development

Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre outdoor museum located in New York's Hudson Valley, where visitors experience large-scale sculpture, site-specific commissions, and groundbreaking temporary exhibitions under open sky. Storm King's unique landscape offers opportunities for the public to experience time outdoors and engage with art in an open and accessible environment, while artists create some of their most ambitious works in conversation with the natural world.

As a member of the Storm King team, you will be part of our mission to protect and celebrate both the creative and the natural world around us. Our team is committed to fostering a diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace, where every employee can thrive and grow.

The Director of Development drives Storm King's fundraising efforts and ensures long-term financial sustainability, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, with a dotted line to the Executive Director, and leading a dynamic team in overseeing all aspects of fundraising, including Major Gifts, Membership, Institutional Giving, Planned Giving, and exhibition and program-related fundraising. A key responsibility of this role is to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that expands Storm King's donor base, strengthens long-term financial stability, and supports both operational and capital needs.

As a senior leader, the Director collaborates closely with the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and Chief Operating Officer, as well as cross-departmental teams in curatorial, partnerships & events, education, finance, and marketing to ensure that fundraising initiatives align seamlessly with Storm King's mission and programming. This role also plays a critical part in Board development and engagement, working to build strong relationships that enhance the organization's philanthropic network.

Responsibilities

The Director of Development responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy across diversified income streams, setting ambitious yet achievable financial goals to expand Storm King's donor base and ensure financial sustainability.
• Oversee and integrate all development efforts, including Major Gifts, Membership, Government, Corporate, and Foundation Giving, Membership, Annual Fund, Planned Giving, and exhibition/program-related fundraising.
• Carry a personal portfolio of major gift donors and actively engage in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations, including the Board of Trustees.
• Lead the annual fundraising campaigns for exhibition support, creating, planning and executing campaigns for current and future year support.
• Ensure successful implementation of fundraising efforts through efficient processes, including gift reporting, finance integration, donor tracking and prospecting, and strategic cultivation.
• Collaborate with the Partnerships & Events team on donor-facing events to ensure seamless collaboration between departments, achieve financial goals, and align on donor engagement strategies.
• Shape and implement long-term strategies to build Storm King's financial strength and donor engagement.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Staff, Development Team, Partnerships & Events Teams, and Board Committees including but not limited to External Affairs, Governance & Nominations, Finance, and Collections & Acquisitions to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with leadership, senior staff, and the Board of Trustees to advance fundraising priorities and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Align marketing, communications, and educational programs with fundraising efforts to maximize engagement and donor participation.
• Cultivate and steward relationships within the New York and national art and philanthropic community to enhance fundraising opportunities.
• Represent Storm King externally to strengthen partnerships and elevate its profile within the arts and donor communities.
• Collaborate with the Board Chair, Governance & Nominations Committee, Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer and other key stakeholders on Board development and stewardship.
• Partner with the External Affairs Committee to generate development strategies.
• Ensure up-to-date communications with the Board, strengthen fundraising efforts, and strategically cultivate new Board members.
• Work closely with Trustees to maximize their involvement in fundraising initiatives and expand Storm King's network of supporters.
• Oversee timely trustee giving receipts and summaries.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing development team of five, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Manage budgets effectively and ensure financial goals are met across all fundraising initiatives.
• Work cross-departmentally to ensure smooth execution of development activities in coordination with curatorial, education, marketing, and finance teams.
• With Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, and the Development Team, prepare annual development budget revenue and expense goals for approval by the Board; remain accountable to approved goals and report periodically throughout the year on progress.
• Oversee donor reporting and compliance with fundraising best practices.
• Oversee transparency and accuracy in financial records related to contributed income.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in art-related field preferred. Master's Degree in Arts Administration, Nonprofit Management, Art History, or another similar field is ideal.
• Existing network of relationships with the donor community in visual arts, performing arts, botanical garden, higher education, or related field, and strong history of securing philanthropic support and building long-term financial sustainability.
• Proven experience in development operations and programming, including membership, annual giving, proposal writing, corporate and foundation relations, and special events.
• Strong writing and communication skills for crafting compelling pitch letters, marketing collateral, and funding proposals.
• Deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape, with existing relationships in the New York art and funding communities.
• Ability to create compelling storytelling and brand messaging for donors, visitors, and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated passion for the arts and a commitment to advancing Storm King's mission.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to problem-solve and balance long-term goals with diligence.
• Experience managing and building high performing teams.
• Experience working with and engaging high-level Boards and committees to advance fundraising initiatives.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively with key stakeholders and cultivate leadership-level relationships.
• Experience working on large-scale fundraising events with proven revenue success.
• Strong project management and cross-departmental coordination skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling fundraising pitches and donor materials.
• Proficiency in Altru and Microsoft Office to track fundraising efforts and manage donor relations.
• Ability to travel to engage with donors and stakeholders.

Working Environment

• A flexible work approach with time regularly spent both at Storm King and in NYC. Time typically spent in NYC will be for donor meetings, Storm King events, board meetings, and art-world events. Time typically spent onsite at Storm King will be for required staff meetings (departmental, senior staff, and all-staff meetings); donor tours; trustee meetings; fostering community and mentoring staff; and gaining familiarity with Storm King's landscaping and artworks.
• Works in an office environment.
• Ability to maneuver outdoors, in all weather conditions, on 500 acres of hills, grass, and gravel pathways.
• Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time during events and tours.
• Frequently sits for long periods of time.
• Frequently speaks, reads, writes and uses a computer keyboard.
• Works on weekends and evenings for meetings and events.
• Potential national and international travel required.

Hours/Schedules

This position is full-time, exempt.

Typical work hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Schedules may vary based on seasonality and organizational needs.

Benefits and Salary

Storm King Art Center offers a collaborative and supportive environment where employees can thrive. Our benefits package reflects our commitment to work-life balance and includes comprehensive health benefits, retirement savings, and resources to support your well-being.

• Salary Range: $140,000 - $180,000 annually
• Work Environment: Hybrid

Why Join Us?

At Storm King, we believe in nurturing our people as much as we do our art and land. Here's what you can expect:

• Collaborative and Inclusive Culture: Work in an environment that values each team member's perspective and fosters a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration.
• Professional Growth: With a focus on innovation, we support your development through ongoing