The Chocolate Factory Theater (CF) seeks a full-time Director of Development (DoD) to join our leadership team and support the next phase of our growth as we renovate and open a new 7,500 sq. ft performing arts space in Long Island City, Queens. In partnership with the Executive Director and Artistic Director, the DoD will lead institutional and individual fundraising strategies, oversee and expand our existing funder portfolio, manage major donors and board member relations, and oversee major fundraising campaigns / events, including our first-ever Capital Campaign project. More than just a fundraiser, the DoD is an ambassador who inspires and leads others and amplifies our mission by sharing the stories of the artists we support and the communities we serve.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE: The CF is an artist-founded, artist-led and artist-focused organization. We embrace artistic practice as an integral part of the artist’s whole life and an essential component of the life of our community. While we seek to make big ideas possible, we commit to working at a small, intimate and personal scale, with few artistic compromises.

The CF is driven by the principle that being good neighbors means being part of a community. We connect with and contribute to the civic health of our neighborhood, its residents, and small business owners in flexible and resilient ways. We serve on our local community board, provide space and support for community activities, and organize large scale community events including the annual Taste of LIC.

We work with people who challenge the concept of a “good fit”—an overly broad term that does not actually contain meaning outside of white supremacist culture—and strive to create an environment where all our staff can bring their authentic self to the greater CF community. We are especially interested in people with untraditional journeys whose background and experience reflect the wealth of diversity in NYC and Queens.

To nurture a safe and supportive work culture, The Chocolate Factory invests in anti-racism training for its staff and board. We consider diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all decision-making, and as a white-led organization, we acknowledge it is our responsibility to undo historic systems of oppression which have been present within our own practices and the greater dance / performance field.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES: This position will entail a mixture of in-person work in the administrative office and at-home remote work, as well as attendance at special events (including nights and weekends, as needed).

Individual & Board Giving:

• Plan, implement, manage, and evaluate fundraising campaigns and activities.
• Oversee a Capital Campaign project for the renovation of our new building.
• Produce / manage special events, including an annual gala.
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with major donors. 
• Identify and steward prospective donors
• Oversee Board communications and giving.
• Provide support to Board Committees.

Institutional & Corporate Giving:

• Secure financial support from current and new foundations and corporations.
• Develop and write grant proposals, budgets, and final reports.
• Research / prospect new institutional funders and strategize on approaches for adding new funders and increasing gifts for current funders.
• Ensure CF is compliant with all institutional giving requirements.

General Development Responsibilities:

• Manage a comprehensive development calendar. 
• Manage the existing CRM system and oversee gift processing.
• Stay up to date on fundraising trends in the field.
• Support other development functions as needs emerge.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and Artistic Director.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS: The Chocolate Factory does not require a minimum degree or education and encourages applicants to apply who have transferable skills and experience in other fields. The DoD is not a “hit the ground running” position, and we plan to invest time and resources in the development of any new hire to ensure their long-term success.

Experience (recommended but not required):

• 3-5 years of professional work experience in a frontline fundraising role for a nonprofit or arts organization, directly interfacing with and engaging individual and institutional donors.
• A track record of building strong networks and relationships that lead to direct philanthropic support and ability/comfort to make mid-range gift asks.
• An ability to prep and coach executive leadership in best practices around donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Demonstrated experience in donor prospect research and developing well-researched internal memos.
• Demonstrated experience in database management or content management systems.
• Excellent attention to detail, especially as it relates to handling sensitive information and tracking down data.
• An ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Previous experience on capital fundraising campaigns and with public funding from the City of New York preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Starting salary $70,000, plus Major Medical and 401K match.

In addition, we will support the DoD’s growth with an annual stipend for professional development and wellness intended to aid each staff member’s ability to show up as their authentic self and bolster their career development at The Chocolate Factory and beyond.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants may choose to apply in one of two ways:

1. Send a CV and Cover Letter; or
2. Send a CV and one (1) unedited one-minute max video answering the questions: Why the DoD position? Why The Chocolate Factory? Why now?

Send all materials to Moe Yousuf, Development Consultant, at admin@chocolatefactorytheater.org

ABOUT THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY THEATER: The Chocolate Factory Theater is an artist-centered organization, built by and for artists. Co-founders Sheila Lewandowski and Brian Rogers began making work together in 1995 and quickly saw the need for a creative home to support their work and the work of fellow experimental performance-based artists. The Chocolate Factory therefore has grown and developed within and through a creative process that centers the development of new work, as guided by makers.