Assistant Director of Development

Assistant Director of DevelopmentThe Assistant Director of Development at Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists' Residency is a key position in the growth and stabilization of this 116-year-old art school and residency program. A member of a development team that includes a fractional Development Director and a part-time Events Manager, the Assistant Director of Development manages grant research, writing and reporting, handles donor communications, board of directors' administration, database management and works collaboratively on stewardship activities.The Assistant Director of Development is a personable leader, who excels at engaging individuals in the mission of the organization. They are adept at translating the visual arts, in particular the value of time and space for artists to strengthen their research and craft, to a donor base. The Assistant Director prides themselves on their curiosity and ability to dig deep into the complexity of an art community, understand its history, its values, its stakeholders and its impact. They are quick to recognize synergy between the organization's site, programs, participants, and experience with the right partners and stewards to support those assets.With strong organizational and supervisory skills, the Assistant Director of Development can translate strategy into action with the flexibility to manage multiple streams of fundraising activity. They see opportunity readily and are motivated to action from a place of passion and commitment to the arts and education.An active member of their arts community, the Assistant Director of Development participates in their local arts ecosystem. Is visible at events and programs and is comfortable advocating for Ox-Bow within appropriate contexts.This role oversees a part-time events manager and any contracted grant writers. They work closely with the Executive Director on board administration, grant writing narratives and patron communication. They partner regularly with the communications and programming teams on donor focused communication, data compilation and identifying need.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Fundraising ImplementationManage execution of annual fund campaigns, including appeals, acknowledgements, and stewardship.Oversee preparation and submission of grant proposals and reports, and when applicable, with the Contractual Grant WriterSupport major gift cultivation by preparing research, donor briefings, and follow-up materials.Events OversightSupervise the Events Manager in planning and executing fundraising events, including the summer Field of Vision benefit and fall Harvest Dinner in Saugatuck as well as other campus ticketed/cultivation events.Collaborate on the design of and manage Chicago based donor eventsOversee off-site stewardship events, including building attendee list, communicating with partners and building itineraries in partnership with Development Director and Executive DirectorContribute to events advancing Ox-Bow's fundraising and donor engagement goals.Guide sponsorship outreach, donor recognition, and event follow-up.Donor Communications & StewardshipDraft donor correspondence, acknowledgements, and stewardship materials.Maintain consistent communication with donors, ensuring timely follow-up and recognition.Collaborate with the communications team to produce donor-facing materials and event messaging.Travel to campus in Saugatuck-Douglas, Michigan regularly to meet donors, prospects and engage with the program and stakeholders with a significant presence June-August.Database & ReportingManage Ox-Bow's development database, ensuring accurate data entry, gift processing, and reporting.Track moves management activity and provide pipeline updates to the Development Director.Generate regular fundraising reports to inform leadership and board decisions.Board & Committee SupportSchedule committee meetings via BoardableEnsure Board completion of contact information, contracts, minutes and other administrative tasksPrepare agendas, materials, and reports for Development Committee meetings.Provide support attending meetings and creating minutes when requiredSupport follow-up on committee action items.Help engage Board members in fundraising activities and provide staff support.Supervision & CollaborationSupervise the Events Manager, ensuring alignment of events with overall development strategy.Supervise and coordinate with Contractual Grant Writer(s) to meet proposal and reporting deadlines.Work closely with the Development Director to implement strategic initiatives and align staff resources.Relationship Building/CommunicationBe present in the visual arts community at major events, openings, talks or other events that align with Ox-Bow's history, mission and stakeholder interestsIdentify opportunities for partnershipsMaintain and develop relationships with community organizations and individualsMaintain and develop strong relationships with artists, with an emphasis on Ox-Bow staff, faculty and alumResearchKeep abreast trends in the arts, education, residency programs, environmental stewardship and historic sites.Education/Job Experience/Certification46 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills.Experience managing events, grants, and donor communications.Familiarity with fundraising databases and reporting.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with attention to detail.Professional, collaborative, and donor-centered mindset.Demonstrated interest in and passion for the visual artsSpecial Knowledge and QualificationsProficient with donor databases, Ox-Bow utilizes BloomerangKnowledge in and passion for contemporary artAbility to work independently and across project teams with a strong attention to detailExcellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, ability to translate contemporary art to diverse audienceHighly organized and motivatedPositive & optimistic outlookProven skills and attention to detailCreative, out-of-the-box thinkerComfortable taking creative risksThrives in dynamic environmentsResilient & flexible project managerPhysical Demands and Work Environment:Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time and be able to move about in an indoor environment.Operate computer, tools, and vehicles and must have the ability to use hands to move, set up, adjust, assemble, control, operate, or feel objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms.Constantly communicate and exchange information with team members and must be able to effectively communicate correct information with partners, donors and vendors.Read/comprehend, write, communicate orally, reasoning, and analytical abilities, and mental flexibility.Frequently move objects up to 25 pounds.The employee will occasionally climb, bend, squat, kneel, crouch, and reach above shoulderSpecific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus to compare and distinguish administrative data.Hearing ability to perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking level with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make discriminations in sound.Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly working in an indoor office work environment.Position may involve extended work hours, weekends and holidaysTravel: Approximately 30% time on site in Saugatuck-Douglas, MichiganAdditional occasional travel for cultivation as directedWorking At Ox-BowOx-Bow School of Art & Artists' Residency, founded in 1910, offers a wide range of opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers. Our campus is nestled on a peninsular interdunal wetland in Saugatuck, MI. With programs that target degree-seeking students, professional artists and those new to the field, Ox-Bow builds a supportive frame in