Director of Development

DESCRIPTION

About the Folksbiene: Founded in 1915, the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF) is the longest-running Yiddish theatre company in the world and one of New York City's most distinctive cultural institutions. For over 110 years, NYTF has kept Yiddish language and culture alive on stage, from intimate cabarets to landmark productions like its Tony Award–winning run of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish. Today, NYTF presents a full season of mainstage productions, digital programming, and educational initiatives that reach audiences across New York, the United States, and the global Jewish diaspora. NYTF has recently adopted an ambitious three-year strategic plan, charting a course toward organizational growth, expanded programming, and a more diversified funding base. The Director of Development will play a central role in making that vision a reality.

Position Summary: NYTF seeks an experienced, entrepreneurial development professional to serve as its Director of Development; a senior leader who will build and own the organization's fundraising infrastructure at a pivotal moment in its history. This position is fully remote with on-site presence required at NYTF programming and events in the New York City metro area and beyond. Light travel may be required.

This is a newly structured role designed for a seasoned professional who thrives in a small, mission-driven environment. The Director will provide consistent, embedded leadership over NYTF's contributed revenue portfolio: managing grants, stewarding individual donors, developing the board's fundraising capacity, and directing the development team. NYTF's artistic directors and managing leadership are deeply engaged with the donor community and represent an exceptional resource; the Director's job is to organize and accelerate that work.

This engagement is structured as a 12-month commitment, with the expectation of renewal based on mutual satisfaction and organizational growth.

NYTF currently raises between $1.5 and $2 million annually in contributed revenue. Individual giving and foundation support each represent more than 40% of that total, making strong relationships with both major donors and institutional funders central to this role.

Reports To:

Managing Director & Artistic Director

Key Responsibilities:

Development Leadership & Planning

• Design and manage NYTF's annual fundraising plan, calendar, and reporting framework
• Set clear revenue goals across contributed income streams and track progress against them
• Serve as a strategic thought partner with board and staff leadership on development strategy and priorities
• Prepare regular reports for leadership and the board on fundraising progress and pipeline
• Oversee donor and fundraising events planning, driven by the Operations Manager

Institutional Giving

• Oversee the full institutional giving portfolio: foundations, government agencies, and corporate funders
• Direct relationships with institutional funders and oversee prospecting for new grant opportunities; grantwriting support is to be provided through an external specialist
• Cultivate relationships with program officers and maintain compliance across active grants
• Identify opportunities to expand NYTF's reach into new philanthropic communities, including the broader Jewish philanthropic sector

Individual Giving & Major Gifts

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and current donors, working in close partnership with the Managing and Artistic Directors
• Oversee management protocols and donor stewardship practices
• Support cultivation and solicitation of gifts from NYTF's Florida and national donor communities
• Build the infrastructure for a sustainable major gifts program, including prospect identification and research

Board Development & Fundraising

• Partner with leadership to develop and support board members as active fundraising ambassadors
• Prepare board members with talking points, cultivation materials, and stewardship tools
• Support recruitment of new board members with development and philanthropic expertise

Team & Operations

• Supervise the Operations Manager, providing direction, accountability, and professional support
• Coordinate with and provide guidance to any additional development staff or consultants engaged by NYTF from time to time
• Ensure no grant deadlines, donor follow-ups, or stewardship touchpoints are missed

Qualifications:

Required

• 7 or more years of progressive nonprofit development experience, with a track record of success across institutional and individual giving
• Demonstrated experience in a management or leadership role, with direct supervision of development staff
• Fluency in, and genuine passion for, Jewish cultural and philanthropic communities
• Exceptional written communication skills, including grant writing and donor correspondence
• Strong organizational and project management abilities; this person builds and holds systems
• Based in New York City or the New York metro area; able to attend NYTF events and meetings in person

Preferred

• Experience in performing arts, theater, or Jewish cultural organizations
• Existing relationships within the Jewish philanthropic community in New York and/or South Florida
• Familiarity with Yiddish language, culture, or history – or genuine curiosity about it
• Experience with donor CRM systems

Compensation & Engagement Period:

This opportunity is structured as a 12-month commitment with the expectation of renewal. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Benefits package to be discussed.

Application Instructions:

To apply for this role, please send the following to [email protected] with the subject “Director of Development.”

• Your resume
• A brief personalized cover letter describing why you’re interested in NYTF and our work

Equal Opportunity Employer:

NYTF is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristic.

SALARY

$100,000.00 – $125,000.00 per year