Development Manager Job Description

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

About Chesapeake Arts Center 

Opened to the public in 2001, Chesapeake Arts Center (CAC) serves more than 50,000 residents each year, delivering its mission to “foster creativity, create connections, and inspire joy by delivering innovative and accessible arts and education programs for all.”  CAC’s 58,000 square-foot multidisciplinary arts facility is located in Northern Anne Arundel County, just inside the Baltimore beltway. The facility houses the 751-seat Hammonds Lane Theatre, a 120-seat Studio 194 Theatre, two exhibit galleries, three ceramics studios, 2 dance studios, several classrooms, and the Michael Stanley MakerSpace. 

CAC seeks an enthusiastic Development Manager who is passionate about how the power of arts can facilitate community connections and bring people of diverse backgrounds, ages, and cultures together. This is a full-time, (40 hours/week), exempt position. At CAC we encourage and promote open-minded thinking and honest dialogue and utilize the arts as a catalyst for cross-cultural collaborations that celebrate and embrace our community’s rich diversity. We also believe in providing equal opportunity to all qualified persons in our recruitment and hiring practices.

About The Position

In consultation with the Executive Director, the Development Manager plans and implements a comprehensive fundraising program that includes securing grants from private and public sources, individual gifts solicitation, and fundraising event management. The Development Manager will build on the development efforts CAC has implemented in the past 5 years and will solidify and expand the development capacity in support of our mission.   

The Development Manager will implement CAC’s existing fundraising plan and will continue to refine and improve it by bringing their own ideas. The Development Manager will collaborate closely with the Executive Director and other CAC team members to expand contributed revenue to CAC from varied funding streams.  

The successful candidate will have: 

• BA or BS degree; or experience in development in grant writing, annual fund, or major gift solicitation
• 2-4 years of grant writing or other fundraising success in a previous nonprofit organization 
• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills and attention to detail 
• High degree of initiative and ability to adapt to change 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency and familiarity with databases; knowledge of Photoshop/InDesign, social media, and email platforms helpful
• Ability to manage multiple tasks; work independently and as part of a team; self-starter; creative thinker; flexible and adaptive; sense of humor
• Maturity and sensitivity to confidentiality 
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and creativity in an environment with limited resources.
• Ability to work evenings or weekends if needed 

Position Responsibilities

Grants Management:

• Study and understand CAC’s history, structure, objectives, programs, and financial needs and research grant opportunities from government, private, and public agencies and organizations that align with CAC priorities.
• Work with the Executive Director to add to CAC’s qualified and prioritized grant prospect list.
• Draft and submit grant proposals and supporting documents based on the funding requirements of each funding entity.
• Maintain positive relationships with grantors and other stakeholders.
• Maintain records and submit reports related to approved grants.

Gift Cultivation:

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward potential and current major donors and maintain ongoing relationships 
• Assist the Executive Director in mobilizing the Board of Directors to support organizational fundraising and provide staff support to the Board Development Committee.
• Provide support to the Executive Director to plan and execute fundraising special events that engage donors and meet fundraising targets.  
• Develop and solicit sponsors for CAC community-based events. 
• Monitor and analyze fundraising data using the CRM database to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed.
• Collaborate with colleagues and marketing team to develop and execute effective donor communications and marketing materials.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Position requires occasional travel in and around sites within Anne Arundel County and Baltimore with reliable transportation.
• May require occasional standing, cleaning, organizing, walking, lifting, and bending.

Salary: Mid to high $50s depending on experience.

Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. No phone calls please.

CAC Benefits (eligible after 90-day probationary period):

• Flexible daytime work schedule; 20-40% remote option.
• Eligible for medical benefits.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Eligible for retirement plan once minimum requirements are met.
• Life insurance equal to $50,000 and $100,000 for accidental death based on salary.
• Up to 15 paid holidays including paid leave for the week between Christmas and New Year

CAC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship, family status, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected for this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Work Location: Chesapeake Arts Center; 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park, MD 21225

December 2024