Desert X, a non-profit organization that produces an international, site-specific art exhibition, is seeking a Development Manager. The organization, founded in 2015 in Palm Springs, California, has produced four successful biennial exhibitions in the Coachella Valley. These exhibitions garner vast international media attention and critical acclaim and are funded by an active board, local and national philanthropists, local municipalities and businesses, and corporate sponsors. The organization offers free admission to the exhibition, which runs for a period of ten weeks. Additionally, it has a robust public and education program.

As the Development Manager you will be responsible for the organization’s annual major donor programs, focusing on maintaining and growing a portfolio of individual donors and prospects to meet immediate and long-term revenue goals.

This position is accountable for donor research, gift recognition, donor communications and outreach, special events, database management, and all necessary activities to successfully cultivate a range of major donors.

The Development Manager will steward current donors and identify qualified prospects through relationship-based fundraising strategies, with an emphasis on individual and digital communication, curated experiences, private trips, and site visits.

The ideal candidate for this job will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, will be a confident fundraiser who is passionate for contemporary art and will contribute to advancing the mission and goals of Desert X.

The candidate will have excellent organizational expertise in maintaining a broad spectrum of relationships. A strategic and entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and sense of humor will ensure success.

The successful candidate will join a small full-time team and report to the Executive Director. They will work closely with both the Executive Director and the board of directors. The development team includes a visitor experience and events coordinator and a full-time development assistant.

This is a perfect position for someone in their mid-career interested in a senior position that oversees a growing donor program and a strong potential for success.

Skills & Requirements:

· Bachelor’s degree, master’s preferred.
· 5 years’ experience in a non-profit setting, preferably an arts organization, with proven ability at fundraising, special events and team management.
· Demonstrated track record in cultivating and closing individual gifts up to five -figures.
· Superior judgment, professional initiative, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
· Strong interest or background in contemporary art.
· Ability to lead and take direction as part of a team.
· Excellent administrative and organizational abilities.
· Knowledge of E-Tapestry or another database/CRM.
· Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Adobe suite an asset.
· Ability to effectively interact with and manage external vendors and personnel who support the department.
· Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
· Must work well under pressure and possess high levels of tact and diplomacy.

Desert X is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, Desert X encourages you to apply for this role.

This position is in Palm Springs, California. Some travel is required.

Salary will be commensurate with experience, salary range offered is $60,000 – $70,000 plus benefits.