Associate Director, Individual Giving

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Associate Director, Individual Giving drives fundraising success by implementing and refining development strategies to reach a $7M+ annual revenue target. This role involves cultivating and managing strong, long-term relationships with a portfolio of approximately 100 current and prospective major gift donors. The Associate Director also provides strategic leadership and direct supervision to a small team of year-round employees to secure significant financial contributions aligned with our mission and values.

Working closely under the Director of Development, the successful candidate will manage their time, resources, and workload effectively to stay productive and meet fundraising goals. This role requires discretion in navigating complex relationships and a proactive approach to supporting multiple fundraising campaigns.

This full-time position may work remotely from within any of our operating states. Preference will be given to candidates based in the greater New York City, NY; Los Angeles, CA; or Boulder, CO area. This position works full time and at times will be expected to work extended hours at key points throughout the year. Travel to other Institute offices and events will be required during the annual Sundance Film Festival, the annual Catalyst Forum, and other events throughout the year as needed.

Top priorities include but are not limited to…

• Partnering with the Director of Development to implement, refine, and evaluate fundraising strategies, encompassing major gifts, annual giving, and planned giving.
• Strategically initiating, cultivating, and stewarding relationships with a portfolio of prospects and donors
• Developing and executing a strategic annual fund strategy that aligns with overall fundraising objectives and maximizes donor participation.
• Providing team leadership and coaching through regular feedback and performance management, aligning priorities to meet revenue and goals, and appropriately delegating tasks to ensure a high-performing team that regularly meets and exceeds goals.
• Implementing a new planned giving program in collaboration with the Director of Development and other relevant partners.
• Overseeing portfolio and pipeline strategy and development, driving team growth and ongoing engagement.
• Maximizing the impact of senior leaders to effectively and efficiently advance major gift opportunities through clear communication and strong partnerships.
• Partnering with Artist Program teams to engage and solicit major and prospective donors for program-specific gifts, including the Catalyst program.
• Reporting on major gift revenue to identify fundraising trends.
• Supporting on the ground operations and facilitating meaningful donor meetings at the annual Catalyst Forum and other institute events.
• Overseeing major donor engagement strategy and implementation for the Sundance Film Festival, including donor meetings and cultivation events.
• Managing employees and volunteers as needed, including selection, training, and delegation of tasks while offering guidance and support.

You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:

• 7+ years of direct fundraising experience, preferably within an arts nonprofit organization.
• Strong leadership skills including experience coaching and mentoring employees.
• Experience developing and implementing specific fundraising strategies with timeliness and success while maintaining flexibility as the needs of donors and the priorities of the organization change.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to initiate and cultivate strong relationships that are beneficial to all parties.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize and manage processes.
• Excellent customer support skills including a proactive approach to address donor needs and concerns.
• Demonstrated experience working with prospect research and customer relationship management databases.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

You will be successful in this role if you...

• Implement fundraising strategies that align with the Institute’s work and donor funding priorities.
• Adopt a mindset focused on growth, results, and accountability.
• Coach and mentor your team in fundraising best practices and provide professional development guidance.
• Build and execute successful personalized engagement and solicitation strategies for major donors.
• Meet established fundraising metrics through consistent donor engagement, including personal visits, solicitations, and stewardship activities.
• Foresee fundraising gaps, anticipate leadership needs, and multitask efficiently.
• Communicate clearly and prioritize work effectively to ensure time-sensitive responses and deadlines are met.

In addition to an annual salary of $100,000.00 to $120,000.00*, this position is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package, highlights include:

• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• 25 paid Institute holidays plus accrued vacation time
• Paid sick, family, and medical leave
• Employee Wellness initiatives
• 401(k) with automatic 3% employer contribution after one year of employment
• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

*Final rate of pay is determined based on the applicant's geographic location, relevant experience and skills, and internal equity among similar positions within our organization.