Development Director

BANG ON A CAN
Development Director

Bang on a Can is a NYC-based non-profit organization that presents, commissions, performs, curates, and produces cutting-edge classical, jazz, experimental and electronic music – rigorous, virtuosic, challenging and exciting. Through our 38+ years of Bang on a Can Marathons in NYC and around the world and our 3-day destination festivals in Brooklyn and the Berkshires (LONG PLAY and LOUD WEEKEND), we’re committed to the future of contemporary composed music with passion and overflowing optimism. With more than 300 commissions, 1500 concerts worldwide, 200 record releases, the renowned Bang on a Can All-Stars ensemble, international cultural exchange, a Summer Institute and Festival at MASS MoCA, and major productions of Pulitzer Prize winning and other big scale multi-media works – Bang on a Can exists at the center of an international rebirth for “new music.”

Bang on a Can seeks an experienced fundraising professional to join our team of exceptional artists, dedicated staff, and committed board members with a particular focus on managing and directing Events, Major Gifts, Individual Giving, and Board relations.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Development Director will lead an aggressive fundraising strategy that will be supported by all organizational staff and partners. In particular, the Development Director will oversee Board cultivation and management, individual giving, and special events — and manage broad donor communication and cultivation throughout the year with a particular eye on Bang on a Can’s upcoming 40th anniversary year, 2027. The position will often require cross-departmental collaboration in addition to working closely with the Executive Director, the Board, and the three founders who serve as Artistic Directors. The position is supported by Bang on a Can’s Grants Manager (institutional giving) and a part-time Development Associate.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Individual Giving
Manage major giving strategies for each fiscal year, establishing relationships with Bang on a Can’s top donors, inviting them to events and encouraging regular contact with members of Bang on a Can’s wider family of staff and artists.
Manage donor databases and acknowledge gifts. Plan and execute an annual appeal letter and corresponding online campaign, tracking all small gifts and brainstorming about how best to engage these donors.
Board of Directors & Board Development
Cultivate new Board members.
Support existing Board committees and the implementation of new committee structures.
Plan and attend all Board and committee meetings. Prepare reports and assist the Executive Director and Board Chair in developing agendas.
Event Planning & 40th Anniversary Campaign
Design and manage fundraising events and a targeted 40th anniversary fundraising campaign, in consultation with the staff and Board; as needed, coordinate with venue, caterer, and rentals; connect with donors to promote attendance and other participation.
Organize events for maintaining engagement with current donors and cultivating future donors, such as green room events after performances, pre- or post-concert gatherings, donor-hosted parties, and other invitation-only events.
General Operations
Supervise and assist in overall organizational budgeting, marketing, program management and communications, particularly as it relates to development and fundraising.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS
4+ years of fundraising experience, including cultivation of major donors, event (gala) planning, Board management, and execution of fundraising campaigns.
Working knowledge of nonprofit governance and procedure.
Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, strategize, and think nimbly within a small organization.
Collegial, collaborative approach to decision-making.
Broad organizational skills and a track record as a self-starter.
Familiarity with the new music field is preferred, and a performing arts background is essential.

SALARY RANGE, HOURS & LOCATION
The salary range for this position will be commensurate with experience. Position is full-time with some flexibility in scheduling hours, an expectation to attend New York City area performances and fundraising events. The position will be based out of Bang on a Can Office at 80 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217.

INCLUSION
Bang on a Can is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Bang on a Can is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all facets of the organization and welcomes recommendations, nominations, and applications from all qualified candidates

HOW TO APPLY
Please email the following materials to jobs@bangonacan.org with the subject heading DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR:
Cover Letter that describes your specific interest in Bang on a Can and describes your vision for collaborative leadership in a small performing arts organization.
Resume
2-3 professional references

*If you have strong interest in the position, a deep understanding of the field and commensurate but indirect experience in fundraising, we encourage you to reach out with any questions to: jobs@bangonacan.org
BANG ON A CAN – Core Mission and Programs

Bang on a Can is dedicated to making music new. Since its first Marathon concert in 1987, Bang on a Can has been creating an international community dedicated to innovative music, wherever it is found. With adventurous programs, it commissions, performs, presents, and records new works, develops new audiences, and educates the musicians of the future. Bang on a Can is building a world in which powerful new musical ideas flow freely across all genres and borders.