Director of Development

About Storm King Art Center

Storm King Art Center is one of the largest and most celebrated outdoor sculpture parks in the United States, nestled in a stunning 500-acre landscape and showcasing over 100 contemporary sculptures by world-renowned artists. Here, art and nature converge to create unique experiences for visitors and staff alike. At Storm King, we are committed to supporting artists and creative expression, preserving our inspiring landscape, and fostering a community rooted in inclusivity and collaboration.

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.

Role Summary

The Director of Development is an experienced and visionary leader expected to drive Storm King’s fundraising efforts and ensure long-term financial sustainability. This is an exciting opportunity to join a world-renowned arts institution and play a pivotal leadership role in shaping its future. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Development will lead a dynamic team in overseeing all aspects of fundraising, including Major Gifts, Membership, Corporate and Institutional Giving, Planned Giving, Special Events, 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 will collaborate closely with the Board of Trustees and Executive Director, as well as cross-departmental teams in curatorial, 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.

This is a rare opportunity for a strategic, relationship-driven, and results-oriented leader to make a lasting impact on a globally celebrated cultural institution. The ideal candidate is a proven fundraiser with a passion for the visual arts, an inspiring team leader, and a creative thinker who thrives in a collaborative environment.

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, celebrates diversity, and fosters a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration.
• Professional Growth: With a focus on innovation, we support your development through ongoing training, mentoring, and opportunities to enhance your skills.
• Flexibility and Balance: Enjoy a hybrid work environment that promotes work-life balance, with flexibility to meet both professional and personal needs.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We offer a generous benefits package that reflects our commitment to the well-being of our team.

Primary Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development

• 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, Special Events, and exhibition/program-related fundraising.
• Actively engage in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations, including Board of Trustees.
• Lead the annual fundraising campaigns for Exhibition support, creating, planning and executing campaigns for current and future year support and carrying a personal portfolio of major gift donors. Ensure successful implementation of fundraising efforts through efficient processes, including gift reporting, finance integration, donor tracking and prospecting, and strategic cultivation.

Strategic Leadership

• 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, and Board Committees including but not limited to External Affairs, Governance and Nominations, Finance, and Collections and 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.
• Partner with the Communications team to develop marketing and communications strategies to enhance Storm King’s visibility and fundraising efforts.

Trustee Relations & Board Development

• 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 and events 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

Special Events

• Oversee and collaborate on the vision and planning of fundraising events to align with Storm King’s brand, mission, and donor engagement strategies.
• Oversee the Fall Annual Gala, ensuring it meets revenue and engagement goals.
• Ensure seamless collaboration between the special events team and all departments, integrating stewardship plans for donor cultivation and retention.

Team Management and Operational Oversight

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing development team of seven, 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.

Financial Management

• With COO, and overseeing development team, prepare annual development budget goals approved by the Board, remaining accountable to approved goals.
• Oversee donor reporting and compliance with fundraising best practices.
• Oversee transparency and accuracy in financial records related to contributed income.

Core Competencies for Success

• Fundraising & Development: Strong ability to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies across multiple revenue streams to expand donor support and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Team Management: Strong leadership in building and managing a high-performing development team while overseeing the planning and execution of large-scale fundraising events that enhance donor engagement.
• Board & Stakeholder Engagement: Experience cultivating, engaging, and stewarding relationships with Trustees, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional donors to maximize fundraising potential and organizational impact.
• Financial Oversight & Operations: A deep understanding of budget creation and management, fundraising compliance, and financial reporting to ensure transparency, accuracy, and the effective allocation of resources.
• Leadership & Strategic Vision: A strategic mindset with the ability to shape and execute long-term plans that align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities while driving growth and innovation.
• Commitment & Flexibility: The ability to travel, engage in NYC-based donor activities, and work evenings and weekends as needed to support fundraising initiatives and special events.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of 10-15 years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising and development; experience leading individual gifts and at least 3 years managing or co-managing the fundraising and development function within an arts/cultural institution is strongly preferred.
• College Degree in art-related field preferred. Masters Degree in Arts Administration, Nonprofit management, or another similar field is ideal.
• 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.
• Experience developing strategic marketing and communications initiatives.
• 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 planning and executing 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.
• A flexible work approach, with at least three days per week in the office and time spent on NYC-based development activities.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work in an office environment
• Sit for long periods of time
• Frequently speak, read, write and use a computer keyboard
• Must be able to work and walk outside in a variety of weather conditions
• Requires standing, lifting, stooping, or bending
• Works on weekends and evenings during the season for special events

Hours/Schedules

This position is full-time, exempt.

Diverse and Inclusive Work Environment

Storm King is dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects our core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect for all. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including people of color, gender-diverse individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants with work authorization, and people from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer and make employment decisions based on merit, without regard to protected characteristics.

How to Apply

To be considered for Storm King’s Director of Development, submit your cover letter and resume to Cindy Pallman-David at [email protected]. We’re excited to meet individuals who are passionate about creating a positive impact in the workplace and contributing to Storm King’s legacy of art and nature. Only those being considered will be contacted. No phone inquiries, please.

05/31/2025