Director of Development

About AMDA College of the Performing Arts

AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the foremost post‑secondary performing arts colleges in the country. AMDA offers various pathways for students to receive unparalleled performing arts education taught by world‑class industry professionals, including Professional Conservatory Certificates as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Occupational Studies, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts).

AMDA is seeking a Director of Development to lead the development and execution of the institution’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This role will build AMDA’s first comprehensive advancement program, develop strategy, establish a donor pipeline, and drive consistent, measurable fundraising activity. In close collaboration with executive leadership, the Director will play a central role in achieving a multi‑year goal to grow philanthropic support into the multi‑million‑dollar range through engagement with alumni, families, and industry partners.

• Develop and present fundraising strategies and plans aligned with institutional priorities.
• Partner with executive leadership to refine strategies and incorporate feedback and direction.
• Lead the execution of approved advancement initiatives, including major gifts and donor engagement efforts.
• Contribute to the development of cases for support and donor‑facing materials.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and current donors.
• Identify, cultivate, and lead donor engagement and solicitation efforts in partnership with executive leadership.
• Conduct consistent donor outreach, including meetings, calls, and written communications.
• Prepare for and support donor solicitations, including strategy, materials, and follow‑up.
• Lead the development and ongoing management of a structured donor pipeline across alumni, parents, foundations, corporations, and industry partners.
• Track and manage donor movement through all stages of engagement.
• Contribute to achieving annual and multi‑year fundraising goals through consistent activity and relationship development.
• Lead the planning and execution of donor cultivation, stewardship, and engagement events in New York and Los Angeles.
• Coordinate with leadership on donor‑facing opportunities and engagement strategies.
• Support relationship‑building within arts, entertainment, and philanthropic communities.
• Utilize systems such as Little Green Light and Alumni
  360 to track donor activity and maintain accurate records.
• Monitor and report on fundraising activity, pipeline development, and engagement metrics.
• Establish and maintain organized processes for donor tracking, follow‑up, and reporting.
• Contribute to building foundational development processes and practices.
• Support the long‑term growth of the advancement function, including potential expansion of staffing as the program develops.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5–8+ years of progressively responsible fundraising or advancement experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing fundraising strategies and leading or supporting execution.
• Demonstrated success supporting or directly contributing to closing gifts, including five‑figure and higher commitments.
• Experience cultivating donor relationships and participating in gift solicitations.
• Experience building or managing a donor pipeline and tracking fundraising activity.
• Proven ability to manage multiple donor relationships and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow‑through.
• Ability to work independently while incorporating feedback and direction from leadership.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or arts organizations preferred.

• Develop and present clear, actionable fundraising strategies.
• Maintain a high level of consistent donor outreach and engagement activity, including meetings, calls, and follow‑up.
• Build and grow a qualified donor pipeline with measurable…