Advancement Strategy Manager

Position Summary:

The Advancement Strategy Manager is a key member of the Development team. Responsible for creating fundraising plans and managing their execution, this employee ensures the overall success of Nashville Ballet’s comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including but not limited to individual donors, prospects, corporate donors, and foundation/grant data. Working closely with the Director of Development, Director of Operations, and Artistic Director/CEO, the Advancement Strategy Manager collaborates and coordinates with other departments, team members, and volunteer leadership, and will be a frontline fundraiser responsible for identifying and securing new sources of revenue, as well as strengthening existing relationships through targeted stewardship efforts.

Essential Function and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategies that will grow annual revenue.

• Primary responsibility for the cultivation, appeals, engagement, and stewardship of annual fund

donors, including individuals, corporations, and Relevé Society campaigns – including managing

an appropriately sized portfolio.

• Work collaboratively across departments to support execution of development strategy.

• Work with external partners to grow Nashville Ballet’s brand and cultivate ongoing

support and contributions.

• Track and assess fundraising progress; monitor campaign goals and make

changes/additions to campaigns as necessary.

• Identify, engage and steward new donors and prospects to grow Nashville Ballet’s support base.

• Responsibilities to include prospecting from internal and external sources (e.g.

Tessitura, School of Nashville Ballet, newspapers, etc.), incorporating lead lists into

campaign efforts, spearheading solicitation efforts.

• Engage volunteers in new donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.

• Oversee the planning and creation of development solicitation and print materials, including

letters of appeal, corporate proposals, annual report, and development brochures.

• Work closely with the Director of Development, DoO, CEO/Artistic Director, and Board of

Directors in cultivation and solicitation of gifts.

• Assist in the creation of each fiscal year fundraising calendar.

• In conjunction with the DoD, DoO, and CEO/Artistic Director, attend and represent the

development team at appropriate meetings, including board meetings, development

committee, nominating and governance, etc.

• Support and collaborate event fundraising efforts, including Ballet Ball.

• Connect fundraising to other Nashville Ballet projects: Hold an understanding of the work and

timelines of other departments (marketing, community engagement, School of Nashville Ballet)

to incorporate fundraising whenever possible.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Relevé Society

• Support corporate partnerships and explore growth opportunities for new and increased

philanthropic support from corporations.

• Participate in foundation/grant related meetings and manage the department data collection

for grant reporting.

• Monitor revenue and expenses related to fundraising efforts.

• Assists development team in data entry/management during peak times.

General Responsibilities:

• Represent Nashville Ballet at performances, School events, community events, and local

business organizations as needed.

• Strong ability to craft solicitation and appeal messages suitable for a variety of communication

vehicles (mailed, electronic, and telephonic)

• Operate with a virtual 100% accuracy and data-entry integrity.

• Possess desire and ability to self-check work.

• Possess desire and ability to contribute to a positive and effective team.

• Regularly demonstrate sound judgment and discretion with confidential information

• Maintain exceptional customer service skills.

• Work as part of a team to engage in strategic and purposeful use of Tessitura database to

strengthen development practices.

• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to all staff regarding data availability, manipulation and

extraction from Tessitura.

• Keep all documentation organized to be easily accessible by all users.

Work Requirements and Qualifications:

1.    Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent writing and editing skills

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills

• Effective project management skills, including setting and meeting deadlines

• Ability to make decisions and creatively solve problems

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Attention to detail

• Aptitude with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and database management, preferably

Tessitura

• Above-average knowledge of Excel

• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the organization

3. Experience:

• 5 years development experience required

• Experience working with major databases and confidential information

• Experience in a nonprofit arts setting preferred

4. Requirements:

• Ability to work evenings and weekends for events and performances