Hiring: Director of Development
UrbanGlass seeks an experienced and enthusiastic development professional to join our team and steward contributed income during a key point during the organization's history. Celebrating 50 years of operations in 2027, the Director of Development will work closely with the Executive Director, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Directors to plan and launch an anniversary fundraising campaign, in addition to other essential department functions.
About UrbanGlass
Founded in 1977, UrbanGlass was the first artist-access glass center in the United States and is now one of the largest with 17,000 square feet of state-of-the-art studio space. Our mission is to foster experimentation and advance the use and critical understanding of glass as a creative medium. Our glass studios and art center serve over 20,000 professional artists, designers and students annually seeking to learn about the possibilities of glass.
About the Role
The Director of Development takes a leadership role both within the organization and externally, nurturing and growing a philanthropic program to support an organization striving for greater artistic and community impact while strengthening short-term operational goals and building long-term sustainability. They are responsible for $1.5M in contributed income with plans to grow this revenue significantly.
Reporting to and partnering with the Executive Director, the Director of Development leads and manages the day-to-day activity of all development operations, including government, foundation, and corporate fundraising; individual cultivation and stewardship, membership, annual fund programs, and special events and programs. The role manages the Development Team, which currently includes the Development and Events Coordinator, a contract Grant Writer, and seasonal interns. The Director of Development also works collaboratively with the Senior Leadership team and Education, Agnes Varis Art Center, Studio, and Magazine program staff. The Director of Development assists the Executive Director in stewarding UrbanGlass’ Board of Directors and is a key member of the Development & Events Committee. Demonstrating a high degree of versatility and resiliency, the Director of Development focuses on achieving fundraising goals and prioritizes relationship building while executing the hands-on work required to continue building the fundraising capacity of the team.
Key responsibilities for the Director of Development include:
Fundraising Leadership and External Affairs
- Develop and guide the implementation of UrbanGlass’ overall fundraising strategy including planning and launching a 50th anniversary fundraising campaign in late 2027 that will support growth.
- Create an actionable written development plan that balances individual, foundation, government, corporate support, as well as alternative income-generating models.
- As a member of the senior Leadership Team, serve as both a thought leader, who tactically contributes to the team (e.g. writes grant proposals or leads meetings with donors) and actively participate in organizational strategic planning and management.
- Oversee government relations and support from government sources at the local, agency, state, federal, and international level.
- Advocate for UrbanGlass’ artistic and community impact and facilitate connections with donors and prospects by becoming a highly visible presence as an external spokesperson, serving on event committees, and attending board/donor events and external community and foundation events as needed.
Budget & Finance
- Develop and manage the departmental budget and consult with the Executive Director and Director of Finance on the annual budget and assist in the preparation of all project budgets.
- Present fundraising updates and projections to the Board of Trustees.
Donor Identification, Research, Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship
- In collaboration with the Executive Director, advise and collaborate on philanthropic strategy and activities including cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation of current and prospective individual donors and work with the Board of Directors to map and leverage the philanthropic and strategic relationships of the Board.
- Identify, cultivate, increase and renew grants and contributions from institutional partners.
- Manage award requirements such as the preparation of revised budgets and contract signatures, directing development staff to meet funder requirements for recognition and reporting.
Fundraising & Donor Cultivation Events
- Plan, organize, and supervise special events for solicitation and cultivation purposes, including UrbanGlass’ annual Gala, Fall Fundraiser and year-round donor engagement and cultivation events.
- Support other department events, as needed, including the semi-annual Education Symposium, regular gallery and exhibition receptions & openings and patron tours.
Departmental Operations, Administration and Oversight
- Supervise and mentor the development team by setting clear expectations, providing motivation, assisting in their professional development, and maintaining the highest levels of professionalism.
- Oversee development systems (fundraising calendar, CRM database (Salesforce), donor and prospect records etc.) to ensure clear process ownership, communication and collaboration.
- Prepare and monitor development revenue and expense budgets, regularly reporting on development goals and progress to the Executive Director, Director of Finance, and Board of Directors.
- Serve as an advisor and liaison to Board Committees as designated by the Executive Director, including but not limited to the Development Committee. Prepare timely reports for the Executive Director and Board as needed.
Qualifications
The following are the suggested qualifications for the Director of Development role at UrbanGlass. UrbanGlass is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job – not just candidates who check all the boxes. All are encouraged to apply.
- Minimum of 5-7+ years’ experience in a fundraising management position at a comparable mid-sized non-profit organization (3M+ operating budget; (specialized experience in arts or culture is highly valued).
- Demonstrated success and progressive leadership experience in fundraising and development, ideally with exposure to the nonprofit landscape.
- Experience growing individual giving programs and donor bases, with an interest and affinity for forging and cultivating new relationships.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to take a project from assignment to completion, manage multiple simultaneous requests for information, and prioritize accordingly to meet deadlines.
- Excellent organizational skills and capacity to prioritize and manage time well, with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work as a self-starter without oversight, and as a team player who productively engages with others within and outside the organization.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of and successful experience soliciting institutional funding from National, New York State, and New York City funders.
- Familiarity with arts and culture, glassmaking, and/or craft fields.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Compensation
The Director of Development is a full time exempt role requiring onsite work Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend and evening hours to support fundraising events. Salary range is $90,000-$100,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes health care insurance with no charge to employee.
Paid Time Off
In addition to UrbanGlass’ schedule of paid holidays, following 60 days of employment, employees receive 24 days of paid time off (PTO), in addition to studio closure in December when UrbanGlass is closed for the Holidays. PTO days are to be used for vacation, personal and sick days. PTO days may not be carried over to the next year. Employees must submit requests for time off to the Executive Director at least two weeks prior, with the exception of sick days.
Holidays
In addition to paid federal holidays, UrbanGlass offices are closed for the days between Christmas Eve and New Years’ Day. The organization currently observes the following holidays:
Martin Luther King Day
President’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day (4th of July)
Juneteenth
Labor Day
Indigenous Peoples Day
Thanksgiving Day
How to Apply
Email a brief Cover Letter addressed to Executive Director Katya Heller at jobs@urbanglass.org. Additionally, please attach a CV or Resume, and 1-2 samples of past grant proposals. Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered. Application review begins June 1, 2026. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls for position inquiries, please. Position open until filled.
