Director, Foundation and Government Relations

Lincoln Center - New York, NY
Development /
Full-Time /
On-site
The Director oversees all aspects of fundraising and meeting financial goals for Foundation and Government general operating income and for occasional special projects, including managing a grants calendar, writing proposals, end-of-cycle reporting, and stewardship. This position has one direct report.  

Primary Responsibilities

    • Direct the activities of all foundation and government giving, including identifying, cultivating, and soliciting new sources of support, while managing annual grants.
    • Prepare grant proposals and reports; follow up on requests and report requirements related to grants and manage other correspondence with funders and prospects on a timely basis.
    • Manage communication with designated relationships through meetings, site-visits, conference calls, personal cultivation and event invitations, steward existing donors.
    • Manage administration of department, including tracking income and expense budgets; and creating and maintaining annual solicitation, acquisition and reporting calendars.
    • Oversee the maintenance of all foundation and government records.
    • Ensure proper fulfillment of funder benefits and contractual obligations, ensuring proper crediting in all print and digital materials.
    • Entertain and cultivate current and prospective funders during the season; attend select functions and special events.
    • Liaise with all departments across the Met, including Development, Finance, Media, Legal, Marketing, Education, Operations, Artistic, and House Management.

Skills and Qualifications

    • Minimum of 7+ years of development experience, with an emphasis on institutional fundraising and proven track record of securing large gifts
    • Broad knowledge of foundation giving; solid understanding of government contracts, cycles and reports
    • Superior writing skills, with the ability to create persuasive and descriptive written materials.
    • Ability to manage a campaign within the constructs of an overall development operation, coordinating all campaign efforts with other institutional priorities and goals.
    • Excellent oral, written and computer skills; knowledge of Excel and Tessitura preferred.
    • Experience fundraising for the performing arts/cultural sector; knowledge of opera preferred.
    • Undergraduate degree; graduate degree in related field preferred

Physical Demands

    • Diplomacy, tact and ability to skillfully handle donor situations.
    • Superior organizational/time management skills
    • Ability to work quickly and adapt readily to changes in priorities.
    • Requires some evenings/weekends for cultivation activities.
$105,000 - $115,000 a year