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GAGE ACADEMY OF ART
Director of Advancement and Fund Development
Job Description
Job Title: Director of Advancement and Fund Development
Status: Full-Time, Exempt, Onsite
Salary: $65,000-$70,000 annually
Benefits: Subsidized medical and dental, vacation & sick days
Department: Development
Reports To: Executive Director
ABOUT GAGE:
Gage Academy of Art is one of the region’s most innovative and unique nonprofit arts organizations,
offering a rich drawing, painting, and sculpting curriculum. The Gage staff is the most important asset
in creating this rich environment for learning and experiencing art. Our staff, faculty, and instructors
receive outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities in an environment of passion,
community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and urban vibrancy.
Gage has locations in the north end of Capitol Hill in Seattle and in Georgetown. Gage touches more
than 8,000 arts-lovers every year through youth and adult classes, workshops, retreats, tours, and
various community events – both in-person and online. Guided by a small executive team and a
volunteer Board, Gage Academy of Art is reimagining the organization for growth as it enters its next
30 years and a post-COVID world.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Gage is looking for a personable, creative Director of Advancement and Fund Development to play a
pivotal role in the institution’s fiduciary development; as we transition, implementing viable and
resilient fundraising strategies. This unique post offers endless opportunities for a forward thinker to
make a mark and flex their entrepreneurial strengths. The role will report to the Executive Director and
perform essential development functions including individual and institutional giving campaigns,
fundraising and event planning, grant submissions, budget and data management, as well as share
stories to galvanize new donors, alumni, and community partners. The ideal candidate is excited to
expand contributed income streams, and assess funder relations to impact executive decision-making.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Fund Development 80%
§ Collaborate with the Executive Director to construct a comprehensive development plan
aligned with organizational goals and priorities
§ Oversee planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of fundraising events and campaigns
§ Foster new relationships and sustain interactions with individual donors
§ Solicit foundation, government, corporate, and sponsorship prospects
§ Cultivate diverse partnerships with city, state, and federal funding sources
§ Proactively pursue new grants and advance relationships with grant funders
§ Manage and track grant process – application, stewardship, reimbursement, and reporting
§ Collaborate with contracted Grant Writer to complete and submit grant applications
§ Organize and review campaign procedures – e.g., timely correspondence, donor engagement,
connecting with lapsed donors, approaching donors to boost support, etc.
§ Coordinate in-kind donations – contracts, receipts, and fair market value statements
§ Supervise and train development staff and interns
§ Oversee the management of Gage’s Membership and Scholarship programs
§ Produce fundraising materials for Gage’s staff, board, and key stakeholders
§ Work directly with the Board of Trustees to ensure their full participation
§ Comply with all institutional, local, state and federal fundraising regulations, and ensure all fund
activities are compliant with nonprofit policies and ethical practices
§ Stay current on fundraising trends – individual gifting, grant-making, digital crowd funding,
community centric fundraising, and social impact investing
Annual Art Auction and Gala
§ Develop fundraising goals and logistics for Gage’s Annual Art Auction and Gala – in conjunction
with ED, Board of Trustees, Gala Committee, Finance Committee, and Marketing department
§ Co-produce event including location, entertainment, refreshments, décor, art donations, live
and silent auction, procurement, etc.
§ Co-produce with Marketing event messaging, promotions, PR, and communications
§ Coordinate direct asks and matching gifts from board and major donors
§ Prepare event forecasts and summary reports for the Gala Committee and Board of Trustees
Administration 20 %
§ Serve as a development partner to the Executive Director on the organization’s contributed
income, fundraising, budgeting, and administrative processes – with an eye to continuously
analyzing and improving systems
§ Develop and gain approval for departmental income and annual budget expenditure
§ Spearhead the selection of strategic fundraising tools – database software, digital records, and
data management solutions
§ Prepare timely periodic reports and attend Finance Committee, Executive Committee and
Board Meetings as requested by the Executive Director
§ Supports financial components of student, instructor, donor, and Board events as needed,
including meetings, Best of Gage, Drawing Jam, and Auction & Gala, among others.
§ Performs other duties as requested
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
We place high value on commitment, trustworthiness, diversity, and a growth mindset coupled with
professional experience. We’re looking for a candidate with:
§ A bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational background in development, nonprofit
leadership, fund management, or art/gallery business administration
§ Proven experience as a Development Manager or Director (3+ years of experience in
fundraising, managing events, or donor engagement)
§ Experiential understanding of corporate/government/foundation structures, grant writing and
submission processes, and nonprofit organizations and regulations
§ Experience with Capital Campaigns and Endowments is a plus
§ Feels deeply tied to issues/policies impacting social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
§ Committed to racial equity and advancing anti-racist practices in fundraising systems
§ Attention to detail, and ability to organize funder data into actionable information
§ A team player ready to collaborate with the executive team and other internal stakeholders
§ Skilled at managing day-to-day institutional advancement and operations in tandem with
understanding the broader strategic landscape
GAGE MISSION:
Guided by the belief that artists are made, not born, Gage Academy of Art strives to educate, enrich,
and engage artists and the community in the visual arts. Gage offers instruction in principles of
drawing, painting, and sculpting and is dedicated to helping students of all ages and skill levels realize
themselves as artists in contemporary society.
HOW TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter and resume to hr@gagaeacademy.org. The position is
open until filled.
Gage Academy of Art is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression,
national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
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https://gageacademy.org/opportunities

Opportunity Website

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