Director of Institutional Giving

JOB TITLE: Director of Institutional Giving

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time Equivalent (FTE), Exempt

SUPERVISED BY: Chief Advancement Officer

ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: June 2019

LAST REVISION DATE: January 2024

SALARY RANGE: $60,000-70,000, inclusive of a comprehensive benefits package

Job Overview:

The Director of Institutional Giving holds a pivotal role as a frontline fundraiser, overseeing a portfolio of corporate, foundation, and government donors to bolster Atlanta Ballet's core artistic, educational, and community engagement programs, capital needs, and other requisite projects. Tasked with crafting and executing a strategic plan for institutional support, the Director is dedicated to optimizing and expanding revenue from institutional funders. While much of the fundraising responsibilities are managed autonomously, the Director's success hinges on their inclination to collaborate with the Advancement team and other Ballet departments. Additional administrative duties may be assigned by departmental and institutional management, potentially involving oversight of existing or new fundraising programs and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the strategic direction of the Ballet's institutional giving program, collaborating with the Executive Director, Chief Advancement Officer, and other leadership in executing a comprehensive institutional fundraising plan.
  • Manage a dynamic portfolio of corporate, foundation, and government donors throughout the entire gift cycle.
  • Cultivate, maximize, and potentially reimagine relationships with existing corporate and foundation funders, leveraging connections to explore and expand the network of potential new funders.
  • Achieve approved annual revenue goals for institutional support and manage related expenses.
  • Develop compelling solicitation proposals, including custom proposals and government grant applications, for entities such as the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, Cobb County, Georgia Council on the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts.
  • Regularly prospect for and solicit general operating, project, and in-kind support using tools like the Foundation Center.
  • Create tailored sponsorship proposals for corporate partners, collaborating with corporations to maximize returns on investment.
  • Work closely with Ballet colleagues on corporate sponsorship packages to enhance relationships with corporate partners.
  • Ensure timely acknowledgment of sponsorships, gifts, and grants, adhering to best practice timeframes.
  • Document institutional giving activities within the Tessitura database, encompassing proposals, contact reports, plan steps, relationships, moves management, etc.
  • Conduct regular analyses of local and global business and economic trends, identifying opportunities to engage new institutional funders.
  • Coordinate all Institutional Giving donor benefit programs, including sponsorship packages, pre-performance receptions/dinners, and print and digital recognition.
  • Collaborate with Ballet colleagues to develop and write reports, including quantitative and qualitative outcomes, lessons learned, compelling narrative, and budget vs. actuals, demonstrating effective use of funding.
  • Host donor visits, attend functions, and participate in Ballet performances to welcome donors and advance relationships.
  • Engage and cultivate relationships with funder and advancement professionals through industry events, seminars, webinars, and conferences.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
  • Comfortable operating as a frontline fundraiser.
  • Demonstrated success in securing and increasing significant institutional fundraising.
  • Management experience and success in a complex fundraising environment.
  • High personal and professional integrity in interactions with colleagues, Trustees, and donors.
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage competing priorities and sensitive deadlines.
  • Proficient in interpreting financial information and managing data.
  • Ability to work with confidential information.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of multitasking.
  • Proficiency with CRMs like Raiser’s Edge or Tessitura.
  • Availability for evening donor hosting, attendance at evening cultivation events and performances, and weekend work during the season (September to May).

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
  • Minimum of five years of successful frontline fundraising experience, preferably with organizations with annual operating budgets of $10 million or more.
  • Proven track record of managing donor portfolios and achieving fundraising goals.
  • Previous experience in other fundraising areas (planned giving, annual fund, major gifts, etc.) is advantageous.
  • Knowledge of and experience with the Atlanta-area philanthropic community and its leadership is a plus.
  • Knowledge of or strong interest in ballet and the performing arts is also beneficial.

The annual salary range is $60,000-70,000, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to HRinfo@atlantaballet.com for consideration.

Atlanta Ballet is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for success and growth. We aim to attract, develop, and retain uniquely qualified and talented candidates from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the audiences we engage both onstage and off. Atlanta Ballet is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing a mutually respectful environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any other protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.