At a time of unprecedented expansion of its educational mission and physical presence in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Contemporary seeks a Development Officer to focus primarily on stewarding and soliciting current donors and identifying and cultivating prospective supporters. In addition to assuming a portfolio of donors that generates $400,000 annually, the Development Officer will serve as a liaison to The Garde, Oklahoma Contemporary’s young professionals group, and coordinate with Development staff on event planning and execution.
Job Duties
- As assigned in prospect review, oversee a portfolio of prospects and donors that contributes $400,000 annually toward department goals.
- Increase awareness, engagement and support from individuals, corporations and foundations.
- Regularly report performance metrics related to annual fundraising goals established by the Chief Development Officer.
- Manage fundraising events, including:
- Identify and communicate with volunteer and event committees.
- Solicit sponsorships.
- With volunteers, manage event vendors.
- Work with Oklahoma Contemporary staff to plan and executive internal events.
- With the Development team, participate in prospect review and the process of prospect identification, cultivation and solicitation; establish moves management actions.
- Serve as the liaison for The Garde. Help grow group membership and plan meetings and events that support growth and engagement.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Strong public-facing employee and enthusiasm for this aspect of the job.
- Motivated by meeting and exceeding goals.
- History of crafting and delivering successful fundraising asks.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships, cultivate and solicit prospects.
- Knowledge of sources and methods of prospect research.
- Bachelor’s degree in art history, liberal arts, arts administration, management or business preferred but not required.
- Minimum of two years of direct fundraising/development experience in a nonprofit or educational organization preferred; experience in an established development office highly desirable.
- Attention to detail, time management, organizational and multitasking skills.
- Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to excel as a leader and as a member of a team.
- Ability to work in and contribute to a strong team environment.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills.
- Proficient in one or more relational donor databases, Tessitura preferred.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Ability to produce work and presentation materials using Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Other duties as assigned.
Limitations and Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis. Nothing in this job description is to be construed as a contract of employment. All job duties are subject to change as business needs necessitate.
Other Requirements and Working Conditions
- Use of a car required; legally registered and insured for daily use.
- Use of a computer/monitor, telephone and copier daily.
- Flexible schedule with ability to participate in evening or weekend events.
- Team environment with frequent group meeting participation.
- Physical requirements: Lifting/Carrying - heavy work may include routine lifting of a maximum weight of 50 lbs. - combination of sitting, standing, walking and driving on a frequent basis.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume here.
Application review will begin immediately. All applications received by May 29 will be considered. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Oklahoma Contemporary is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.
Inclusion
Oklahoma Contemporary strives to demonstrate leadership by modeling excellence and best practices for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. We believe in the power of human creativity and value the opportunities for connection and learning that exist when cultures and communities come together in collaboration and understanding.
We commit to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster cultural equity and create an accessible and inclusive environment. Oklahoma Contemporary does not discriminate based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status or religion. We recognize our strengths lie in the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to our mission and are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive place for them to explore creativity.
About Oklahoma Contemporary
Oklahoma Contemporary is an inclusive center for the arts where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience art, encounter new ideas and ignite their creative potential. Through visual art exhibitions, performances, public programs, community-building initiatives, outdoor installations and special events, Oklahoma Contemporary creates opportunities for everyone to come together in celebration of contemporary culture and artistic expression. With year-round classes and seasonal youth camps across multiple disciplines, the arts center’s education programs encourage youth and adults to express their ideas across a variety of media and learn new skills. Oklahoma Contemporary believes that art is for everyone and places accessibility and education at the center of all programming. Admission to exhibitions is free. Oklahoma Contemporary is a regional 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by businessman and philanthropist Christian Keesee and Kirkpatrick Foundation Director Marilyn Myers.
About Oklahoma City
In its third decade of economic and cultural expansion, Oklahoma City is a surprisingly lively and diverse American city. Recent growth has spurred exciting developments in the city’s recreation and nightlife, with the construction of new parks, a streetcar system, bike trails, shops, restaurants, breweries and bars. The construction of Oklahoma Contemporary’s new building in the urban core, originally scheduled to open in March 2020 prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, represents a significant commitment on the part of the city and its inhabitants to a new era in contemporary culture.
