Armory Center for the Arts based in Pasadena, California, seeks an exceptional and experienced Vice President of External Relations to lead the organization’s development and marketing/communications departments (contributed revenue of approximately $1.9 million or 66.5% of total operating budget and includes 4 staff) and will play a critical role within the institution’s leadership team as the organization enters its next phase of growth and further positions itself for long-term success. 

This executive-level position reports to the President/Executive Director and will work with a dynamic team of advancement professionals, program directors, board members, development committee, and advisory board members to meet annual and long range contributed income goals. Serving as the organization’s chief development officer, the Vice President of External Relations will conceptualize, plan, and execute a strategic and coordinated program to both communicate the organization’s overall story and identify and tap opportunities to increase contributions through major and planned giving, membership, annual fund, direct response/e-philanthropy, corporate and foundation support, government funding, and special events.  

Organizational Overview 

Armory Center for the Arts nurtures our community and its young people by creating, learning, and presenting art to advance equity and social justice. Deeply committed to cultural equity and community empowerment, the Armory presents contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and educational experiences at its main facility in Pasadena and offsite throughout the City of Pasadena and Greater Los Angeles. For more information on the Armory, visit armoryarts.org/about.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and hands-on oversight for the External Affairs team including budgeting, assessing the department, defining short- and long-term goals, objectives, methods, quantifiable outcomes, and timelines that will achieve budgeted goals and ensure accountability.
• Play a major role in board relations and experience including leading the Development Committee and providing reports to the Board, Finance, and Development Committees. 
• Play a strong leadership role integrating development considerations and effort across the organization. Collaborate with Program Directors to identify funding needs to further the organization’s efforts to reach and engage new diverse audiences and enhance member & donor experience.
• Develop and analyze data-driven research to help inform organization-wide initiatives. 
• Develop and execute the organization’s overall development strategy to meet short-term and long-term fundraising goals through corporate, government and foundation, individual giving, membership, and planned giving to meet and then increase current fundraising goals.
• Build and cultivate a portfolio of high net-worth donors including personally identifying and soliciting funding prospects; ensure the President/Executive Director, Board Members and Development staff are actively and consistently meeting with donors and potential funders.
• Oversee institutional giving providing strategic oversight and working directly on larger grant opportunities and grants management in collaboration with programs staff.
• Oversee the annual fundraising benefit in partnership with a volunteer committee and staff.
  Supervise the day-to-day functioning of the Development Team, including the Development Assistant, Development Manager and Grants Writer.
• In partnership with the Director of Communications, oversee development and execution of organization-wide marketing plan. 
• With a goal of expanding diverse participation as well as the Armory’s brand/identity awareness, the organization’s integrated marketing communications strategy includes advertising, public relations, digital and social media efforts as well as strategic partnerships.

Qualifications

The Armory is seeking an exceptional leader who will contribute to the overall strength and future impact of the institution. Applicants should have at the minimum an undergraduate degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience, with a minimum of 3 years in a managerial role. 

The ideal candidate will have: 

• A background in institutional development at various levels, proven fundraising record of achievement soliciting major gifts, building and cultivating relationships, and utilizing a strong network of contacts, and capacity to formulate both traditional and entrepreneurial strategies. 
• Experience with Capital Campaign is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership in cultural equity and inclusion and a passion for the Armory’s mission
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to contemporary art and community-based arts education and its funding landscape, locally and nationally is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to direct and execute effective strategies and tactics for marketing, social and traditional media, and public relations.
• Experience in developing and managing budgets and establishing clear direction, operating against objectives, and meeting deadlines. 
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills – ability to build consensus across internal and external constituents and work successfully and collaboratively with diverse board members, volunteers, senior management, and professional colleagues. 
• Demonstrated ability to select, train, motivate, and inspire staff, while holding them accountable for their performance. 
• Strategic thinker who has superior organization and attention to detail and the ability to creatively problem solve.
• Energetic and enthusiastic leader, comfortable with both the creative elements and technical components of the role and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Working mastery of computer programs including G (Google) Suite, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s degree or Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) accreditation preferred.
• Availability to periodically work evening hours or weekend days.

Compensation/Benefits

This position is a full-time exempt position. The annual salary range is $98,000-120,000 and will be based on experience and track record of results. The Armory offers a health plan, generous vacation package and 17 days of holiday, free parking, flexible spending plan opportunities for professional development, and tuition-free Armory classes.

COVID Vaccination Policy

For the safety and well-being of the entire community, Armory Center for the Arts requires that all staff, students, and visitors be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus before they will be allowed in an Armory facility, exhibit space, classroom, or office.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to careers@armoryarts.org. In the subject line of the email, please write “Vice President of External Affairs.” No phone calls, please. 

The Armory will receive applications until the position is filled.

An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of the Armory Center for the Arts to provide all persons with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran or marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.