Director of Development

Why You Should Apply

Where else can your fundraising leadership bring world-class art to life? As Director of Development, you’ll lead a talented team, work closely with executive and artistic leadership, and drive initiatives that support creativity, education, and access. Your work will inspire dance that moves our community.

Position Summary

The Director of Development is a key member of Cincinnati Ballet’s executive leadership team, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through strategic, inclusive, and high-impact fundraising efforts. This role leads all philanthropic initiatives, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation, and government support, planned giving, and endowment growth.

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Director oversees a team of development professionals and works closely with the Artistic Director, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership to cultivate a culture of philanthropy across the organization. This individual will build upon the momentum of a recently completed $32 million capital campaign and lead the next phase of growth, including a forthcoming endowment initiative. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, collaborative leader, and passionate advocate for the performing arts with a proven track record of fundraising success.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Cincinnati Ballet’s strategic plan and financial goals.
• Develop and manage the annual department budget, ensuring resources are allocated strategically to maximize fundraising outcomes.
• Lead all aspects of contributed revenue generation, including major gifts, annual fund, corporate sponsorships, foundation and government grants, planned giving, and endowment growth.
• Set and monitor annual fundraising goals, KPIs, and performance metrics to ensure accountability and impact.

2. Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Build and manage a portfolio of high-level donors and prospects, cultivating long-term relationships that result in sustained and increased giving.
• Oversee donor engagement strategies, including personalized stewardship plans, recognition programs, and exclusive donor events.
• Oversee and manage the organization’s grant strategy, including coordination and quality control of grant writing deliverables in partnership with the grant writer.
• Serve as a visible and articulate ambassador for Cincinnati Ballet at performances, events, and community engagements.

3. Team & Board Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and support a high-performing development team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Partner with the President & CEO, Artistic Director, and Board of Trustees to support fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to the Board’s Development Committee and other volunteer fundraising groups.

4. Campaign & Program Management

• Build upon the success of the recent capital campaign and lead the planning and execution of future fundraising initiatives, including a major endowment campaign, and other major projects.
• Oversee the development and implementation of case statements, campaign materials, and donor communications in collaboration with the Marketing + Brand Strategy team.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and best practices in donor data management.

5. Institutional Advancement & Community Engagement

• Promote Cincinnati Ballet’s mission, programs, and impact to a broad range of stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and institutional partners.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to align messaging and storytelling across fundraising and brand communications.

Key Professional Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressive fundraising experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably in the performing arts or nonprofit sector.
• Proven success in securing major gifts, managing capital or endowment campaigns, and building donor pipelines.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, work cross-functionally with artistic and executive leadership, and engage Board members in fundraising efforts.
• Strong planning, budgeting, and analytical skills with a metrics-driven approach to goal setting and performance evaluation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; confident public speaker and persuasive storyteller.
• Experience with Tessitura or similar CRM systems is a plus.

 

Flexibility

Willingness to work evenings and weekends in support of performances, donor events, and community engagements.

Educational Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, public administration, or a related field preferred.

• Equivalent professional experience in fundraising, development, or nonprofit leadership may be accepted in lieu of formal education, especially for candidates with a demonstrated track record.
• CFRE certification, or additional professional certifications in fundraising, nonprofit management, or related areas (e.g., certificate programs, training) are advantageous.

Expected Work Hours and Travel

Must be able to work a highly flexible schedule, including weekends and some evenings, depending on events and the performance schedule. Hours will change seasonally. Occasional travel within the greater Cincinnati area for conferences, events, or donor meetings.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Candidates must be willing to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities are subject to change at any time, with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Cincinnati Ballet, boundless creativity! We believe every dancer, dreamer, and doer brings something extraordinary to our organization, regardless of background, ability, or pointe shoe size. We provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identification, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. We invite you to join us!

 

Job Type: Full-time

 

About Cincinnati Ballet

Cincinnati Ballet is a dynamic and inclusive organization where creativity thrives, and individuals are supported in their artistic journey. As a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape since 1963, we are committed to enriching, expanding, and excelling in the art of dance through exceptional performances, a renowned academy, and impactful education and community engagement that extend from local to global audiences.

We are a vibrant community where people of all backgrounds come together to collaborate, learn, and create, guided by our mission to inspire through the art of dance. As the region’s premier professional ballet company, we showcase a bold and adventurous repertoire that includes both classical full-length ballets and innovative contemporary works. Beyond the stage, our diverse programs provide opportunities for everyone to be part of the evolving dance world.

At Cincinnati Ballet, our collective creativity and commitment to excellence are reflected in the work of our talented team—both on and off the stage. Join us as we continue to lead and shape the future of dance in our community and beyond.

 

Apply here: https://cballet.org/employment/