Development Officer
About The Role:
American Documentary invites an experienced and highly motivated development officer to support our fundraising efforts as we enter our landmark 38th season. This position will oversee year-round donor relations activities and day-to-day development operations including grants administration, with support from our growing team of development staff and consultants. They will serve as a key liaison with our core stakeholders and play an influential role in shaping organizational growth, with an emphasis on balancing long-term goals with team capacity. The ideal candidate will be a strong project manager with exceptional interpersonal communication skills who enjoys working the room as much as connecting over a call or casual coffee. We are looking for an individual who is interested in growing with the organization. This position will work with and report directly to the Vice President of External Affairs and Executive Director. They will supervise one direct report and work closely with senior leadership, consultants, and industry partners.
Department Overview:
The External Affairs department leads the organization’s branding, messaging, and positioning efforts to increase
awareness, audiences, and support for our work. The manager will represent AmDoc in the field and amplify the
organization’s work in nonfiction curation, engagement, and innovation, as well as our commitment to centering
diverse voices and authentic narratives.
Key Responsibilities:
● Work closely with the Executive Director and VPEA to design and implement a robust
development strategy with measurable objectives for institutional advancement
● Oversee year-round donor cultivation and stewardship activities and be a part of the core team behind planning and executing key organizational events
● Maintain and monitor cultivation opportunities with institutional funders and ensure timelines and expectations are clearly communicated with staff and grant consultants
● Serve as key liaison for a growing portfolio of active and prospective funders, including individual donors, foundation and government contacts
● Manage and improve department processes and systems, including database management
● Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to produce regular stakeholder communications and collateral such as invitations, newsletters, and other promotional materials
● Support leadership with funder research, briefing materials, and reporting information
● Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices and represent the organization in the field
● Work closely with departmental consultants, assistants, and interns as needed
Qualifications Include:
● Proven experience in fundraising, sales or account management, and familiarity with media arts and/or social issues preferred
● Excellent collaboration, problem-solving skills, and coaching with a team-oriented leadership style
● Strong interpersonal and written communication skills and the ability to work tactfully with a diverse range of stakeholders; fluency in additional language(s) a plus
● Passionate about growing an organization and taking a hands-on approach to building the systems and team needed to achieve strategic goals
● Appreciation for AmDoc’s mission and programs and understanding of nonprofit values
● Local NY candidates preferred, with the ability to travel in the U.S. for meetings and industry events (between 10-15% and dependent on evolving COVID-19 practices)
Familiarity With:
● Project Management Programs
● Cloud-based productivity programs
● Presentation platforms
● Database management
Classification and Salary:
This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary starting at $75,000. American Documentary's
comprehensive benefits package includes but is not limited to medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage,
paid time off and public holidays, and a 403(b) retirement/employer matching plan.
The position is headquartered at AmDoc’s offices in Brooklyn but will be remote until further notice.
Start Date: Spring 2025
American Documentary staff continue to work remotely. If the posting is live on our website, then applications are still being considered. Please send a cover letter and resumé to [email protected] with the subject heading: [YOUR NAME] - Development Officer
The American Documentary, Inc. is a diverse and Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO.) Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without discrimination.