Director, Board Relations

Position: Director, Board Relations

Department: Advancement & Innovation

Role Overview:  

The Director, Board Relations is responsible for developing Lincoln Center’s Board of Directors as engaged philanthropic leaders, strategic partners, and ambassadors for the institution. Reporting to the Senior Director, Individual Giving, this role leads a high-touch engagement and stewardship strategy that enables sustained giving, thoughtful governance, and Board growth. The Lincoln Center Board brings together a distinguished and accomplished group of leaders—spanning business, culture, and philanthropy in New York and beyond—whose collective vision and generosity have shaped a world-class campus, championed extraordinary artists, and positioned Lincoln Center as the leading performing arts organization in the world.

The Director is the primary relationship manager for trustees, partners closely with Senior Leadership, and supervises the Board Relations Manager, to develop a deep understanding of the power and impact our Board has on the next chapter at Lincoln Center and what drives them each individually and then collectively to do so. Through this comprehensive strategic approach, you will ensure a seamless, best-in-class experience for Board members across engagement, storytelling, stewardship, and philanthropy. 

What you’ll get to do here:  

Board Engagement, Stewardship & Philanthropy 

• Drive Board stewardship, ensuring a responsive, personalized, and meaningful trustee experience 
• Develop and oversee individualized engagement and stewardship plans that support long-term trustee retention and fulfillment and philanthropic growth 
• Partner with the SVP, Advancement and Innovation, to develop Board giving strategies that inspire philanthropic support beyond annual Board dues, encouraging trustees to champion new artistic programs, institutional initiatives, and capital priorities

Strategic Board Growth & Leadership Pipeline 

• Lead development of the Board prospect pipeline in partnership with the President, SVP of Advancement and Innovation, Board Chair, and Nominating & Governance Committee 
• Manage Board recruitment, onboarding, and orientation to build early connection and momentum 
• Strengthen long-term Board sustainability through meaningful engagement and recognition 

Board Operations, Logistics & Governance 

• Oversee the planning and execution of Board and key committee meetings, including agendas, materials, presentations, scheduling, and logistics, in collaboration with Senior Leadership and cross-department colleagues
• Analyze and report on Board engagement metrics, attendance, participation, and giving to identify opportunities for deeper involvement, and guide future cultivation and recruitment efforts
• Attend Board and committee meetings, take notes as needed, and work with General Counsel & Corporate Secretary onaccurateandtimelymeeting records 
• Support governance processes and compliance, including preparation and distribution of materials, and familiarity with bylaws and policies 

Integration with Advancement & Institutional Priorities 

• Coordinate the flow of timely, relevant institutional updates from across Lincoln Center to Board members, tailoring communications to individual interests and engagement levels 
• Ensure Board activity is closely aligned with campaign strategy, major gifts, corporate engagement, and the executive office operations and outreach
• Represent the organization at fundraising events, meetings, and other activities to build awareness and support for Lincoln Center 

You’ll be a fit if you bring: 

• At least 7 years of experience in advancement and board relations, preferably within a large nonprofit or cultural organization 
• Prior experience in board cultivation, development and stewardship and/or individual major gifts fundraising (six-figures )  
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and impact working with senior executives, including high-net-worth individuals 
• Strong strategic instincts paired with meticulous attention to detail 
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with an eye for clarity and presentation 
• High levelof professionalism, judgment, and the exercise of discretion and confidentiality  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills  
• People management experience 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience  

You’ll be a great fit if you bring:    

• Enthusiasm for the performing arts  
• Knowledge of and experience with non-profit governance

We are:  

1. The manager of the 16-acre Lincoln Center campus

-We are one of eleven amazing resident arts organizations  

2. A leading Arts Presenter.   

-We curate numerous programs and performances, showcasing music, dance, and more

3. An Education Hub.   

-We have reached 20 million students, educators, principals, and community members   

Who are our people?  

LCPA is a team of dreamers, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who use unique platforms in the heart of New York City and beyond to advocate for the transformative impact of artistic experiences.   

Lincoln Center People imagine and create in concert with this mission by founding President John D. Rockefeller III - "The arts are not for the privileged few, but for the many. Their place is not on the periphery of daily life, but at its center."   

We welcome applicants from all sectors who agilely solve problems, show up as they are, and can't stop innovating.  

What’s the news? 

Recent and Upcoming Programming

• Lincoln Center Reveals 25/26 Season Featuring Jeanine Tesori as Visionary Artist
• Kyle Abraham's 20 Years of Urgency at Lincoln Center Rose Theatre

Campus Happenings

• Lincoln Center Gets $50 Million Gift to Promote Contemporary Dance
• The new JFK terminal will show iconic artworks from MoMA, the Met and Lincoln Center

Legacies of San Juan Hill

• WNYC: Lincoln Center Celebrates 'Legacies of San Juan Hill
• Lincoln Center Launches San Juan Hill Project Digital Hub To Remember the Lost Urban Neighborhood

Who is our President and CEO?  

Dr. Mariko Silver

Join us! 

It is the policy of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, marital or civil partnership/union status, familial or caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, military or veteran status, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, unemployment status, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. LCPA is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.

If you require reasonable accommodation in locating open positions, completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Abigail Worsnip at (212) 875–5324.