Development Director

Groundworks Art Lab provides hands-on art education for all ages and abilities in community spaces where people can connect through affordable, accessible studio arts programs. We believe art is for everyone, seeing firsthand the positive impact that art and honing a craft can have on people’s lives. Groundworks strives to provide that experience for as many people as possible.

The Development Director will serve as a seasoned, strategic and relationship-driven leader responsible for strengthening and expanding philanthropic support for Groundworks Art Lab. This role provides vision and direction for all fundraising efforts, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, and development operations. Groundworks Art Lab exists to cultivate the artist in each of us by inviting creative collaboration in the study, practice, and advancement of the studio arts.

The Development Director advances this mission by generating sustainable revenue, inspiring donor investment, and building a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

The Development Director reports directly to the Executive Director, partners closely with the Board of Directors, works collaboratively with the Marketing team, and supervises the Community Giving Manager.

• Develop a comprehensive annual fundraising plan with short- and long-term goals aligned with organizational priorities.
• Lead efforts to cultivate, solicit, and steward major individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Partner with the Marketing team to develop compelling messaging, appeals, fundraising collateral, and donor communications.
• Oversee the strategy and execution of annual fund campaigns, year-end giving, sponsorship programs, and stewardship efforts.
• Provide leadership and staff support to the Board Development Committee.
• Manage the fundraising budget, forecast revenue, track progress toward goals, and report on outcomes.
• Guide and support grant strategy, including identifying funders, reviewing application materials, and ensuring timely reporting.
• Ensure accurate donor data management, acknowledgment, and recognition procedures.
• Mentor and develop staff to strengthen donor engagement and expand fundraising capacity.

• Collaborate with the Marketing team to ensure fundraising initiatives are brand-aligned and effectively communicated.
• Apply strong writing and messaging skills to produce or refine appeals, cases for support, stewardship materials, and donor updates.
• Use marketing tools and platforms (such as Canva, email systems, and social media) to support fundraising campaigns and storytelling when needed.
• Represent the organization externally to donors, funders, partners, and community stakeholders.

• Supervise, support, and coach the Community Giving Manager.
• Provide ongoing feedback, mentorship, and participate in annual 360‑degree performance reviews.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and goal‑driven team culture.

• Serve as a key member of the organizational leadership team.
• Promote a positive, inclusive culture that reflects Groundworks’ values of accessibility, creativity, compassion, and equity.
• Build strong cross‑departmental relationships and contribute to organization‑wide strategy and decision‑making.
• Oversee the development budget and ensure effective use of resources.
• Support the organization’s commitment to equity through donor engagement, storytelling, and inclusive fundraising practices.

• You are an experienced, purpose‑driven fundraising professional who moves fluidly between strategy and hands‑on execution.
• You excel at building strong relationships, authentically connecting with donors, board members, partners, and community stakeholders.
• You are a strong communicator with demonstrated success in crafting compelling donor messages.
• As a collaborative leader, you believe in the power of creativity and community.
• You thrive in a growing organization and bring both vision and adaptability.
• You are a mentor who values developing staff and fostering a culture of philanthropy.

• 5+ years of fundraising…