Position Overview: The Development Director at Celebration Arts (CA) is a key leadership role responsible for driving the organization’s fundraising efforts and cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, sponsors, and financial partners. This role is essential in ensuring the continued success and growth of our programs, which provide vital arts opportunities to the African American community in Sacramento.

HISTORY & MISSION: Celebration Arts (CA), founded in 1986 by James Wheatley, provides training and performing opportunities in acting, dance, and music, through a theater season, dance company, Celebration Chorale, Storytelling Festival, and Kid’s Time programs (http://celebrationarts.net/about.html). These arts opportunities are provided to community residents, both adults and children, primarily aimed at African Americans. As African Americans do not often have sincere open access to arts training in the Sacramento area from mainstream theater companies, CA for over three decades has filled that gap in Sacramento County.

Title: Development Director
Status: Part-Time (20 hrs. weekly) Location: Sacramento
Compensation: Up to $38,000 annually Report to: The Board

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy: Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies, including annual giving campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, and special events.

Donor Relations: Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors, ensuring ongoing engagement and stewardship. Identify and approach potential sponsors and grant opportunities that align with CA’s mission.

Grant Writing & Management: Oversee the research, writing, and submission of grant proposals.

Manage grant reporting and compliance to ensure the fulfillment of all requirements.

Event Planning: Lead the planning and execution of fundraising events, including but not limited to galas, benefit performances, and community fundraising activities.

Budget Management: Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to establish and manage the development budget, ensuring resources are used effectively to achieve fundraising goals.

Community Engagement: Represent CA at community events, public forums, and other opportunities to enhance the visibility and impact of the organization. Engage with local and regional partners to promote the mission of CA.

Qualifications:
Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in development, fundraising, or a related field, with a proven track record of achieving fundraising goals. Experience in the arts or nonprofit sector is highly desirable.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, or a related field. A master’s degree is a plus.

Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for different audiences. Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems is preferred.

Knowledge: Understanding of the unique challenges faced by African American communities in accessing arts opportunities. Familiarity with the Sacramento nonprofit landscape is an advantage.

Personal Attributes: A passion for the arts and a commitment to the mission of Celebration Arts.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Celebrations Arts (CA) does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status. CA ensures that the evaluation and treatment of employees and applicants for employment are free of such discrimination.

TO APPLY

Please send resume and cover letter of interest to the attention of Erinn Anova, Executive Director, to: careers@celebrationarts.net. Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to provide three references and a portfolio of prior fundraising and donor building campaigns.