Department: Development
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Salaried, Exempt
Starting Salary: $130,000–$150,000
Schedule: Full time; Occasional evenings/weekends required.
About Headlands Center for the Arts
Headlands Center for the Arts is a multidisciplinary, international arts center dedicated to supporting artists, the creative process, and the development of new, innovative ideas and artwork. Situated amidst artist-rehabilitated military buildings, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge at historic Fort Barry in the Marin Headlands, it is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Mission
Headlands Center for the Arts provides an unparalleled environment for the creative process and the development of new work and ideas. Through a range of programs for artists and the public, it offers opportunities for reflection, dialogue, and exchange that build understanding and appreciation for the role of art in society.
Position Description
The Director of Development (DoD) plays a pivotal role in the senior leadership team, directing fundraising strategy and execution for institutional advancement efforts at Headlands Center for the Arts. The DoD supervises three Development staff members, cultivates relationships with the Board of Directors and related Committees, and leads major donor fundraising initiatives. This includes building capacity for the organization to sustain and grow a $4M budget through solicitation of major gifts and grants, special events, and corporate and foundation support. There’s a specific focus on a comprehensive campaign to enhance and expand the campus. The DoD will also manage a portfolio of high net-worth individuals and secure six-figure or above, multi-year contributions to support Headlands’ mission and campaign goals.
Responsibilities
Strategy and Leadership
- Develop the long-term strategic direction for development in collaboration with the Executive Director.
- Provide visionary leadership that aligns with Headlands’ core values and sets the standard for staff behavior.
- Set departmental objectives and priorities in the context of the comprehensive campaign.
- Create tactical fundraising and membership plans, establish annual goals, and forecast multi-year fundraising projections.
- Articulate Headlands’ mission and vision compellingly to potential donors.
Board Work
- Engage effectively with individual Board members for their giving and fundraising portfolios.
- Lead the Advancement Committee and collaborate on fundraising strategies.
- Contribute to shaping the composition of the Board in collaboration with the Board Chair, Executive Director, and Governance Committee.
Fundraising
- Meet or exceed multi-million dollar fundraising goals as part of Headlands’ comprehensive campaign.
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 125 qualified major donors and prospects.
- Oversee special events program, corporate partnerships, and communications strategies to support fundraising.
- Manage major donor communications and ensure effective use of donor engagement systems.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker who inspires passion for Headlands’ mission, adept at managing major donors and prospects, enthusiastic about external engagement, and demonstrates persistence, integrity, and creativity in fundraising efforts.
Qualifications:
- Visionary leadership skills
- Strategic thinking and results-oriented
- Enterprising and innovative
- Inspirational and mission-driven
- Three or more years of major donor fundraising experience
- Track record of securing six- and seven-figure major gifts
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent organizational and supervisory skills
- BA degree in related field or equivalent experience
- Willingness to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- Reliable vehicle access due to Marin Headlands location
How to Apply
Headlands Center for the Arts is committed to a diverse and pluralistic workplace. People of Color and members of the LGBTQIA community are strongly encouraged to apply. To apply, please send a single PDF attachment with your cover letter and resume to jobs@headlands.org. Use “Director of Development/your name” as the subject line. Applications will be reviewed starting Monday, September 25, 2023. Only selected candidates will be contacted.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Headlands Center for the Arts is dedicated to promoting diversity and equal employment opportunity. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications and merit.


