Development Director

Are you inspired by art, nature and creativity? Do you want to make a meaningful contribution as the inaugural Development Director and spearhead I-Park’s transition from an emerging to a thriving non-profit organization? Do you want to work in an inspiring environment surrounded by artists from around the globe and passionate team members? Apply now!

Join our energetic organization and make your mark as our inaugural Development Director.  The I-Park Foundation, Inc. (I-Park), located in East Haddam, CT, is a non-profit "artists-in-residence" program. The Development Director is responsible for the preparation and execution of the annual development plan and budget, ensuring that adequate resources will be available to support I-Park’s mission, programs and operations. The Development Director reports to the President and is a member of the senior management team. Top goals for the position: improved systems and results in the realm of donor identification and cultivation, higher levels of productivity and results within the grant writing function, enhanced impacts from fundraising and community events and continued growth in the annual fund. I-Park appreciates that to achieve long-term sustainability and deepen our cultural impact, it will require a multi-year, sustained effort, including additional staff and new technology. Initially, the Development Director will be a “one-unicorn shop" with the full support of an engaged board of directors, part-time staff and interns.  

For detailed job description, visit i-park.org/careers

Skills and Experience

• A passion for the mission, vision and values of I-Park.
• 5 to 7 years of progressively more challenging fundraising and development experience preferably in an arts or another cultural environment.
• Proven experience and a successful track record raising funds from wide-ranging sources, including individuals, foundations, corporations and government agencies.
• Entrepreneurial, with a high level of personal initiative, integrity, positive energy and “can-do” spirit.
• Knowledge of and connection to the local community is a plus; knowledge of the state and national arts funding community is advantageous.
• Experience with planned giving, endowment or capital campaigns is a plus. 
• Communication skills: exceptional writing skills; the ability to succinctly, engagingly articulate the I-Park mission; economic, empathetic use of language; discretion in terms of safeguarding confidential donor information and a sensitivity to delicate interpersonal dynamics, e.g., a knack for making brilliant seating assignments. 
• Computer skills: DonorPerfect or equivalent, MS Office, Google docs. 
• Time management: while often juggling multiple priorities, should be able to stay focused on the major, long-term goals of the department and the organization.
• Judgment, wisdom, patience: an ability to manage expectations, work with adequate but limited resources, weigh costs and benefits, decide which battles to undertake and which to postpone. 
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.  

Compensation: I-Park offers a hybrid office environment, competitive compensation package and generous benefits, including health insurance and paid vacations. Salary commensurate with experience. 

I-Park Foundation, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetics or any other legally protected classifications. In addition to federal legal requirements, I-Park complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Send resume and letter of interest to career@i-park.org. Your letter of interest should include any experience relevant to the job profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a good fit for this opportunity and your salary requirements. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a deadline of January 30, 2025. Candidates of interest will be contacted directly.