American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is one of the greatest dance companies in the world. Since its founding season in 1940, ABT's mission has been to create, present, preserve, and extend the incredible repertoire of classical dancing for the widest possible audience. Headquartered in New York City, ABT is the only cultural institution of its size and stature to extensively tour, enchanting audiences for eight decades in 50 U.S. states, 45 countries, and over 480 cities worldwide. ABT's repertoire includes full-length classics from the nineteenth century, the finest works from the early twentieth century, and acclaimed contemporary masterpieces. In 2006, by an act of Congress, ABT was designated "America's National Ballet Company®."
The Chief Advancement Officer is a key member of the senior leadership team of American Ballet Theatre. He/she/they will be a highly organized, proactive development executive with significant successful fundraising experience, particularly in the cultural/performing arts. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship at the principal and major gift level and experience actively managing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals. The candidate is expected to reach or exceed annual fundraising goals and should possess leadership skills to motivate a team focused on individual giving, events, corporate and foundation giving, and government support.
The CAO will lead the advancement strategy and programs that enhance the existing culture of philanthropy and greater public awareness of American Ballet Theatre.
This position is expected to be present in the offices four days a week with the option to work from home one day per week. The CAO reports to and works closely with the Executive Director. He/She/they will also work closely with the Artistic Director and the Board of Trustees as well as the leadership team. Currently reporting to the CAO is a team of 17.
Specific Expectations

• Leadership/Strategy
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director, Artistic Director, and trustees on philanthropy and fundraising.
• Develop and lead a comprehensive fundraising plan that supports ABT's vision and its mission meeting annual targets.
• Ability to manage department budgets with an eye on generating increased revenue over time and demonstrating resourcefulness with expenses.
• Identify innovative approaches and tactics to build upon existing success to expand philanthropic support.
• Foster collaborative partnerships with colleagues across the entire organization that encourage institution wide initiatives in support of philanthropy.
• Serve as an ambassador for ABT in the community.
• Board Relations
• With the Executive Director, advise the Chair and the Board of Trustees on the recruitment and orientation of prospective board members.
• Advise the Chair on the appointment of officers, committee chairs, and assignments.
• Work with Board members to maximize their philanthropic commitments to ABT.
• Provide reports for committees and brief the Chair.
• Attend all Board and Executive Committee meetings and provide support as needed.
• Ensure that the Board receives important information about ABT prior to public announcements and regularly receives timely communications regarding noteworthy ongoing happenings.
• Advancement/Philanthropy
• Provide strategic and tactical direction for the advancement program, including capital, operating, and endowment fundraising strategies.
• Work with the Executive Director on principle and major donor giving strategies and solicitations.
• Cultivate, close, and steward principal and major gifts.
• Oversee contributed income and projection tracking across the department.
• Supervise and manage the integrity of data in Salesforce and Raisers Edge for the ABT team members, including gift entry and acknowledgements, VIP ticketing, and other box office transactions, and the master list for invitations and major announcements.
• Team Leadership
• Lead, motivate, mentor, and manage a team of 17.
• Set clear, ambitious but attainable performance goals for team members.
• Develop and monitor the advancement budget.
• Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure that revenue is tracked, expenses are managed, and resources are maximized.
• Collaborate effectively with Marketing team on materials for events and galas, ensuring all written communications and brochures are aligned with ABT's brand.
• Institute and encourage best practices in advancement through training and professional development.
• Serve as an advocate for the team, acknowledging their accomplishments.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in development strategy for not-for-profit institutions, with a decided preference in theater and other performing and/or visual arts.
• A successful history of soliciting and closing principle and major gifts at the six-figure level and above.
• Experience working with organizational leadership and an engaged board.
• Able to cultivate and manage donor relationships at all levels.
• Experience launching and leading a capital or comprehensive campaign.
• Willingness to incorporate new modes of fundraising techniques and strategies.
• Knowledgeable about the New York City philanthropic, social, and business communities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to craft persuasive proposals and donor correspondence as well as engaging effectively and appropriately in person.
• Results oriented and self-motivated with effective "roll-up sleeves" work ethic.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to building and leading a diverse team.
• Working in Raisers Edge and Salesforce or similar software.
• Knowledge of ticketing software is a plus.
• Deep appreciation and enthusiasm for classical ballet and contemporary ballet and the mission and culture American Ballet Theatre.
• Flexible and able to pivot when priorities shift.
• Sound judgment and discretion to maintain the strictest confidentialities of donor information.
• Able to multi-task and prioritize efforts in a fast-paced environment.
• Possess the highest level of personal integrity.
• Ability to attend ABT performances and events on a regular basis to cultivate/steward key donors and prospects including evenings and weekends with some travel.
• Entrepreneurial, creative, and strategic thinker is a must.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Additional non-profit or fundraising certification is a plus.

$275,000 - $300,000 a year
American Ballet Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status.