The Director of CFGG is a management position reporting to the Senior Vice President of Advancement & External Affairs. They are responsible for the oversight, planning, securing and stewarding of more than 5 million dollars in support each year.

This position will help shape a pivotal time for the Institute – one that includes the leadership of a dynamic new President, the undertaking of historic visioning and strategic planning that engages all constituents, and a major anniversary (50 years CalArts/100 years Chouinard) in 2021 marked by a comprehensive capital campaign.

The Director of CFGG will help ensure, through the development of relationships and research, an increase in support for CalArts, including its six Schools, public engagement [including REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater) and CAP (Community Arts Partnership)], and other initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience building and managing a small team; be a seasoned development professional in higher education; be a deft and patient communicator; be able to work well both independently and collaboratively; and be genuinely enthusiastic about, and committed to, the mission of CalArts.

The Director is responsible for maintaining an active portfolio of prospects and generating new CFGG leads in alignment with Institute priorities.  Major emphasis on developing close collegial relationships both internally and externally, to effectively communicate about projects and initiatives across all métiers. The Director must have an understanding of the nature of foundation programs and the legal and financial obligations of grant stewardship. Manage, direct and mentor two staff: Assistant Director and Development Associate for CFGG.

The Director of Corporate Foundation and Government Grants will:

• Build relationships with faculty and program directors in the six schools; work with faculty and leadership to conceptualize and prepare proposals matching funding priorities with funding guidelines; collaborate on proposal development.
• Effectively represent CFGG in meetings with schools and programs.
• Prepare briefing and background materials for the college’s leadership and to facilitate contacts with prospects and donors.
• Manage Assistant Director to write proposals, letters, memoranda, and reports.
• Gather and disseminate information on funding opportunities to faculty and administrators.
• Supervise staff to effectively track grant-reporting dates; work with faculty and administrators to prepare stewardship reports.
• Primary CFGG contact for REDCAT and CAP, conduct site visits, actively engage donors.
• Coordinate and lead campus site visits from foundations, corporations, and government agencies; help create opportunities for and oversee stewardship of CFGG donors.
• Generate leads and think creatively to identify support of special initiatives from CalArts leadership including new business models and extended studies.
• Proofread correspondence and publications.
• Work effectively with other coworkers to promote and maintain a positive work environment.
• Must be available to work additional hours during peak periods or during evenings or weekends. There are restrictions to vacations at certain times of the year.
• Required to maintain confidentiality of all information entrusted to this position.
• Related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Exceptional writing, communication, and organizational skills are essential; requires strong professional writing and editing skills.
• Experience in grant proposal development is also essential.
• Must possess keen attention to detail, perseverance, optimism, and the ability to think strategically and creatively toward the advancement of CalArts.
• Requires understanding of the development process and nature of foundation philanthropy. Experience in academic development, NGOs, nonprofit organizations, science, federal government, external relations is helpful.
• Must have results-oriented managerial skills in combination with rigorous planning skills.
• Must be able to collaborate effectively with administration, colleagues, members of the academic community, and the development constituents.
• Skill in dealing with people, diplomacy, tact, maturity, discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize both quantitative and qualitative information in order to advance strategic advancement plans.
• Must be a self-starter able to meet deadlines, work collaboratively and manage several projects at once.

Qualifications

• Experience and/or interest in arts disciplines.
• Deft computer skills demonstrating comfort with standard office software packages (G-Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), as well as proposal and stewardship administration in systems created for fundraising/relationship management (e.g. SalesForce, Blackbaud, etc.)
• The candidate will have five to seven years of relevant experience required, preferably in higher education with a proven record of success.
• A bachelor’s degree is required, advanced degree helpful.