Director of Development
About The Position
Idyllwild Arts seeks an entrepreneurial Director of Development to build the next generation of its philanthropic program. As the senior operational partner to the Senior Vice President, Advancement, the Director will turn strategy into results by deepening donor and family relationships, strengthening major and leadership giving, guiding an effective annual-fund program, and building a disciplined fundraising pipeline that supports immediate priorities and long-term institutional resilience. This is a hands-on, externally oriented leadership role focused on frontline fundraising and collaborative management. The position is based in Southern California and is hybrid, with regular on-campus presence in Idyllwild and regional and national donor travel. The Director will work closely with the Senior Vice President, Advancement, development colleagues, institutional departments, school leadership, the President, and trustees. Success includes growing qualified major-gift opportunities and donor retention, executing fundraising and stewardship plans, coaching colleagues, and ensuring philanthropic commitments align with approved priorities, donor intent, and long-term sustainability.
Requirements
- Typically eight or more years of progressively responsible development experience.
- Demonstrated success personally soliciting and securing significant gifts and managing relationship-based fundraising programs.
- Experience leading, coaching, or mentoring development colleagues and translating revenue goals into actionable plans, portfolios, and measurable results.
- Strong writing, presentation, financial fluency, and proposal-development skills, including the ability to explain artistic vision and the practical financial case for support.
- Fluency with donor CRM systems, prospect management, pipeline forecasting, segmentation, and ethical stewardship of confidential data.
- Ability to engage donors and families across cultures, geographies, artistic disciplines, and giving capacities.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience and education.
- Ability to travel and periodically work evenings or weekends for campus and donor commitments.
Nice To Haves
- Arts, education, independent school, or cultural-sector experience is valued but not required.
Responsibilities
- Personally manage a qualified portfolio of major- and leadership-gift prospects through identification, cultivation, solicitation, negotiation, closing, and stewardship; maintain timely donor contact and document next steps.
- Lead execution of the annual fundraising plan with the Senior Vice President, Advancement, including prospect strategy, solicitation calendars, renewal and upgrade campaigns, donor retention, and appropriate use of unrestricted and restricted giving opportunities.
- Develop parent and family philanthropy in partnership with Enrollment, school leadership, and relevant staff, with sensitivity to the residential and internationally diverse school community.
- Guide fundraising activity of assigned development and engagement colleagues, including the Junior Gift Officer and Alumni & Community Engagement Coordinator, by setting plans and priorities, coaching, and maintaining performance accountability.
- Prepare donor strategies, briefings, case materials, proposals, and stewardship plans for the Senior Vice President, Advancement, President, and trustees; coordinate executive involvement while respecting confidential donor relationships.
- Partner with Development Services to maintain accurate CRM activity, portfolios, gift documentation, donor segmentation, monthly forecasts, and reporting that distinguishes cash, commitments, recurring support, and restricted gifts.
- Coordinate with Foundation Relations, Marketing & Communications, the Office of Research & Impact, and Finance so proposals and gift opportunities are compelling, evidence-informed, feasible, accurately costed, and stewarded as promised.
- Identify future planned, endowed, capital, and transformational-gift opportunities aligned with approved institutional priorities and sustainable ongoing costs; contribute to campaign readiness as strategy evolves.
- Represent Idyllwild Arts at student performances, exhibitions, donor visits, regional events, and advancement activities, demonstrating sound judgment, discretion, inclusion, and donor-centered service.
- Travel and periodically work evenings or weekends for campus and donor commitments.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
