Director of Development

BalletX is seeking a visionary and results-oriented Director of Development to join our innovative team. This full-time role is essential to advancing BalletX’s mission by leading a comprehensive fundraising strategy that spans major gifts, corporate partnerships, and large-scale events. The ideal candidate will bring both strategic expertise and an inspiring approach to building meaningful donor relationships, driving revenue diversification, and enhancing BalletX’s impact. If you are a forward-thinking professional with a passion for the arts and a commitment to excellence in philanthropy, we would love to hear from you!

BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company, blends artistic innovation with technical mastery to create groundbreaking works of athleticism, emotion, and beauty. Founded in 2005 and led by Artistic & Executive Director Christine Cox, the company has commissioned nearly 80 choreographers worldwide to produce over 140 world premieres, showcasing diverse perspectives and fresh narratives. BalletX’s ensemble of 16 dancers, recognized as “among America’s best” by The New York Times, continually pushes the boundaries of classical ballet. As a global incubator for artistic talent, BalletX captivates audiences at prominent venues such as The Kennedy Center, Vail Dance Festival, The Joyce Theater, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Through powerful performances, international touring, and impactful community engagement, BalletX creates extraordinary dance experiences that foster human connection. Learn more at www.BalletX.org.

Reporting to the Managing Director and the Artistic & Executive Director, the ideal Director of Development is a strategic, organized, and mission-aligned professional, adept at inspiring both internal teams and external stakeholders. This role requires an experienced leader with a collaborative spirit and the vision to drive BalletX’s long-term fundraising goals in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Position Overview:

The Director of Development leads the organization’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, focusing on major gifts, corporate partnerships, and high-impact events. Reporting to the Managing Director and the Artistic & Executive Director, the Director of Development drives revenue diversification, oversees large-scale philanthropic initiatives, and spearheads BalletX’s long-term fundraising vision. The Director also supervises the development team, providing strategic direction and ensuring alignment with BalletX’s goals.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Fundraising Strategy & Leadership: Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan focused on BalletX’s financial sustainability and growth. Oversee major giving, planned giving, and corporate sponsorship, ensuring a robust and diversified pipeline. Establish strategies to increase donor retention and long-term engagement.
• Major Gifts & Donor Relations: Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects. With support from the Chief Advancement Officer, lead the qualification, cultivation, and stewardship efforts for high-impact donors, developing personalized strategies for deepening their commitment to BalletX’s mission. Collaborate with the Development Manager to transition Annual Fund and Premiere Circle donors into major gift prospects, guiding them through cultivation and stewardship.
• Prospect Research & Development: Drive major gift prospecting, directing research and qualification efforts to identify individuals, foundations, and corporations with the capacity and affinity to support BalletX. Develop innovative strategies to cultivate, engage, and convert prospects into committed donors, partnering with the Chief Advancement Officer and Development Manager to advance key relationships.
• Corporate Sponsorship Program: Create and manage a comprehensive Corporate Sponsorship program, developing tailored sponsorship packages and building strategic partnerships with corporations that align with BalletX’s mission. Ensure sponsor deliverables are met, and track engagement metrics to strengthen these relationships over time.
• High-Impact Event Leadership: Plan and execute BalletX’s large-scale fundraising events, including The Premier Party and other high-profile donor gatherings. Serve as the lead on event committees, managing logistics with support from the Development Manager and Development & Marketing Coordinator for smaller-scale events. Design creative event strategies that engage both major donors and corporate partners.
• Marketing & Communications Strategy: Oversee the strategic messaging for major fundraising campaigns, collaborating with the marketing team to ensure alignment with BalletX’s goals. Provide direction on high-level donor communications, sponsorship packages, and donor recognition programs that reinforce BalletX’s impact.
• Community Networking: Act as an ambassador for BalletX, representing the organization at community events, networking functions, and industry gatherings. Build strong partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and stakeholders to enhance BalletX’s visibility, outreach, and impact, with a focus on expanding philanthropic relationships and community engagement.
• Budget and Financial Management: Develop and manage the annual development budget, tracking fundraising performance and providing regular financial reports. Evaluate return on investment for major campaigns and adjust strategies based on financial outcomes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, with a focus on major gifts and corporate partnerships.
• Proven track record in successfully managing donor portfolios and securing major gifts ($5,000+), corporate sponsorships, and planned giving commitments.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies and meeting revenue goals.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to develop personalized engagement strategies that inspire long-term donor commitment.
• Experience in event planning and management, particularly large-scale, high-profile fundraising events.
• Strong understanding of donor databases and CRM systems; experience with PatronManager or similar tools is a plus.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret fundraising metrics to inform decision-making.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Team leader with a collaborative, motivational approach to managing and mentoring development staff.
• Passion for the arts and a commitment to advancing BalletX’s mission, values, and community impact.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is $80,000-100,000, commensurate with experience. BalletX offers a benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.