Director of Development

Description

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 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 be responsible for building AMDA’s first comprehensive advancement program, including developing strategy, establishing a donor pipeline, and driving consistent, measurable fundraising activity.

Working in close collaboration with executive leadership, the Director of Development will develop and present fundraising strategies, incorporate leadership input and direction, and lead the execution of advancement initiatives. This role will focus on cultivating donor relationships, building a sustainable pipeline, and driving consistent fundraising activity in alignment with institutional priorities.

The Director of Development will leverage existing tools, including Little Green Light CRM and Alumni
360, to support donor tracking, engagement, and reporting, and will contribute to establishing the structure and processes that will guide AMDA’s long‑term philanthropic efforts. This is a hands‑on, individual contributor role that requires both initiative and collaboration, with responsibility for driving strategy forward, refining it in partnership with leadership, and executing against defined fundraising goals. This role requires a results‑oriented approach, with the ability to translate strategy into execution and drive forward measurable fundraising activity.

• 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…