Director of Development

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About Weeksville Heritage Center

Weeksville Heritage Center (WHC) is a historic site and cultural center in Central Brooklyn dedicated to preserving, documenting, and inspiring engagement with the history of Weeksville. This community was one of the largest free Black communities in pre-Civil War America and home to the Historic Hunterfly Road Houses. Founded in 1838, Weeksville became the second-largest independent African-American community before the Civil War.

In 1968, a group of community activists rediscovered the last three original homes. They purchased, rehabilitated, and restored the Hunterfly Road Houses, opening them as the Weeksville Heritage Center in 1973. In 2014, WHC expanded with a new Cultural Arts and Education Center, including a visual arts gallery, performance space, resource center, and administrative offices. Now, WHC stands on the brink of a new era, well-equipped to activate its history and expand education, preservation, and public programming.

Recently designated as New York City’s newest Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) member, WHC is a cultural treasure dedicated to preserving and celebrating the story of the 19th-century African-American community of Weeksville. This community is a nationally significant and exceptionally well-documented example of an independent African-American community organized by Black entrepreneurs and land investors promoting economic, social, and political rights.

Opportunity

The Director of Development is a new executive team position responsible for fundraising, marketing, and communications. WHC is at a pivotal moment, with new senior staff, ongoing programs, and diversified revenue. This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate to build a team and shape fundraising at Weeksville Heritage Center. Working with the CEO, the Director will craft a vision of a progressive arts, culture, and historical organization focused on engaging the public through programs, education, preservation, and collections.

Primary Responsibilities

Development Strategy

Create and execute annual fundraising strategy for program, education, collections, and operating expenses.
Develop institutional giving strategy for major gifts, foundation, and government grants.
Lead and support President and CEO fundraising efforts, engaging the Board of Trustees and donors.
Manage existing institutional, corporate, and individual donor relationships.
Identify, cultivate, increase, and renew grants and contributions from institutional partners.
Plan and supervise special events for solicitation and cultivation.
Oversee fundraising database updates and maintenance.
Coordinate, edit, and approve proposals and correspondence to funding sources.
Support strategy and business plan development for new funding sources.
Oversee government funding at all levels.
Collaborate with Marketing Manager to enhance development initiatives.
Project annual revenue and develop income streams.
Provide strategic support for corporate giving.
Activate corporate membership program and build relationships with corporate partners.

Administration & Supervision

Supervise, mentor, and advise development staff.
Manage portal submissions.
Delegate responsibilities and guidance to department staff.
Supervise outside consultants.
Conduct prospect research for potential funding sources.
Attend interdepartmental and department meetings.
Set department goals and track progress.
Review staff performance and deliver feedback.
Review and approve employee time sheets.
Participate in management meetings and industry gatherings.

Board Management

Build strong relationships with Board of Trustees and supporters.
Support Nominating & Governance and Development Committees.
Run board committee meetings and compile reports for Board meetings.

Budget & Finance

Consult on annual budget and project budgets.
Monitor and update projections based on revenue.
Present fundraising updates and projections to the Board of Trustees.

Data Management

Manage key data sources/tools, including CRM systems.

Qualifications

Five to seven years or more of development experience, including leadership in a non-profit.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications/Public Relations, or equivalent experience.
Knowledge of local, state, and national fundraising opportunities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Google Workspace, and CRM systems.

Core Competencies

Initiative, resourcefulness, and creative problem-solving.
Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
Alignment with Weeksville Heritage Center’s mission.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: $110,000 – $120,000 per year based on experience.
Competitive benefits package: medical, dental, vision, retirement account, pension, paid vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter to: inquiries@weeksvillesociety.org with “Director of Development” in the subject line. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

Weeksville Heritage Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates are considered without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected basis under applicable federal, state, or local law.