Development Officer

About Public Works Art Center

Public Works Art Center is a family‑friendly 501(c)(3) nonprofit community art center located in the heart of Downtown Summerville. Since opening in 2020, the center hosts three rotating galleries, free community events, classes for all ages, summer camps, nine art studios, and more.

The Development Officer drives financial sustainability through prospecting, cultivation, stewardship, renewals, and direct solicitations of individual donors and corporate sponsors. Key duties include building relationships, planning fundraising events, managing donor member engagement, maintaining donor databases, and supporting executive leadership in strategic philanthropy.

• Capital Campaign: collaborate with the Executive Director, Capital Campaign committee, and contracted fundraising company to secure funding and pledges from current and prospective donors.
• Fundraising Strategy & Planning: develop realistic, measurable plans aligned with PWAC goals; monitor progress, report risks and new directions to the Executive Director and Board; pursue professional development to stay current on trends.
• Fundraising Appeals and Campaigns: work with the Creative Coordinator and other key team members to implement donor‑centric campaigns through mail, email, and events.
• Individual Gifts & Donor Relations: manage a portfolio of donors and prospects; cultivate, solicit, steward individual and corporate gifts; draft general operating and program‑specific proposals, sponsor ships, and multiyear gifts; develop donor recognition and stewardship initiatives; support Board members in donor engagement activities.
• Grants & Institutional Funding (shared with the Executive Director): identify and prioritize aligned grant opportunities; track grants, manage calendars, submissions, and follow‑up; author and submit reports by required deadlines.
• Events and Donor Recognition: plan and execute donor appreciation events, recognition ceremonies, and other engagement opportunities; select lower‑stress, high‑return events.
• Database Management & Reporting: maintain accurate donor records in the Givebutter CRM; generate regular reports on donor engagement, retention, and contribution trends; analyze donor data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Prospect Research: conduct research to identify potential donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, for new funding opportunities.

• Meaningful nonprofit development or fundraising experience.
• Strong work ethic and teamwork skills; experience completing projects with a small team.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and demonstrate understanding of ethical principles in development; use discretion in interactions with the community.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Google Workspace.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support fundraising and community engagement events (advance notice provided).
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.
• A willingness to serve as an ambassador and spokesperson on behalf of Public Works Art Center.
• The ability to attend and actively participate in Board meetings and networking events such as local Chamber of Commerce gatherings as needed.

Salary: $40,000–$50,000 commensurate with experience.

• Flexible time off (often referred to as “unlimited”; typically 4–6 weeks a year).
• Health insurance reimbursement ($375/month for individual; $750/month for family).
• Flexible schedule.
• 40% discount for Public Works Art Center Camps and Classes for staff and immediate family members.
• Professional development assistance.
• Holidays and birthdays off.

Public Works Art Center is an intentionally inclusive organization that fosters connection, empathy, collaboration and respect. We encourage a healthy home/work balance, celebrate and understand family life, and recognize the need to “unplug” and have time away from work. We actively recruit for diversity in our workplace, believing that a range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences contributes to our mission. Public Works Art Center is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or on any other basis prohibited by law.

To apply , please send a resume & cover letter to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).
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