Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Angeletti Group invites nominations and applications for Bergen Performing Arts Center’s next Director of Development. The organization seeks a dynamic, mission driven leader to oversee all aspects of its development program and increase philanthropic support for bergenPAC and its Performing Arts School.

The Development Director at bergenPAC will serve as a contributing member of the senior management team to provide strategic leadership and direction for the organization’s fundraising and development initiatives, ensuring sustained growth in contributions and long-term donor engagement.

This role involves driving major fundraising campaigns, building robust relationships with individual donors, managing foundation relationships, overseeing grant applications, and managing a development team to support bergenPAC’s mission to provide accessible, world-class arts and education programs. The Director will be able to leverage a network of contacts and donor relationships in the NY/NJ metro philanthropic sector to support these goals.

OUR HOME, YOUR HOME

bergenPAC is recognized as the largest and most iconic performing arts center in Northern New Jersey, renowned for its worldclass performances and vibrant role in the community. Known for attracting legendary artists like Diana Ross, Jay Leno, and Gloria Gaynor, bergenPAC offers an unmatched mix of comedy, music, and entertainment.

The theater was established in 2004 when a group of dedicated residents sought to preserve what was originally known as the John Harms Center for the Arts, Bergen County’s leading cultural institution.

Through the creativity and commitment of bergenPAC’s founding trustees the doors of this historic institution were reopened with Tony Bennett performing at the inauguration gala. A new public/private partnership was formed to coordinate and leverage the resources of the community - city, county and state, as well as private performing arts patrons and donors. Working together with its supporters and artists, bergenPAC has built the framework to enhance the quality of life for cultural devotees, families, and the community at large seeking entertainment and inspiration close to home.

The historic Art Deco-style theater boasts one of the finest acoustic halls in the United States, attracting a stellar roster of worldclass entertainment. The jewel in its crown is The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC – the innovative, educational performing arts initiative that, through programs, classes, outreach, school shows, and main theater presented shows, reaches more than 30,000 students and community youth annually.

PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL

bergenPAC’s stand-alone Performing Arts School is the arts education home to countless students ranging from ages 2 - 18, where no student has ever been turned away due to the inability to pay. The Performing Arts School partners with public schools to bolster their existing arts programs with workshops, masterclasses, residencies, assemblies, and co-theater presentations.

As the leading cultural and arts educational institution in Northern New Jersey, bergenPAC guides and liberates the community’s youth’s imagination and expands adults’ lives by ensuring a home for arts and education is accessible and affordable for all. 200+ shows annually 150,000+ attracted to the city of Englewood 1,367 seat theater 70-SEAT cabaret hall

PHILANTHROPY’S IMPACT AT bergenPAC

In 2022, bergenPAC completed a historic restoration of the Main Hall, preserving one of America’s beloved majestic theaters to its original 1926 architecture and design. Thanks to a $15 million capital campaign, the renovation featured significant upgrades and enhancements to turn the historic hall into a state-of-the-art venue with superior sound, lighting, and enhanced technology— seamlessly blending vintage charm with modern amenities.

In 2024, bergenPAC celebrated its 20th Annual Gala with an exclusive performance by the legendary Diana Ross, underscoring its status as a cultural cornerstone. The event highlighted bergenPAC’s dynamic influence on downtown Englewood’s economy and its mission to make the arts accessible to all.

Looking ahead, bergenPAC is focused on expanding its impact through continued capital improvements targeting its acclaimed Performing Arts School and back-ofhouse facilities, ensuring that students and performers alike benefit from modernized spaces and resources. With a steadfast commitment to arts education and community engagement, bergenPAC is shaping the future of the performing arts in New Jersey.

bergenPAC’s mission is to make live performing arts and arts education accessible

to its diverse community by building a creative home for artists and teachers of excellence who entertain, enlighten, inspire and inform audiences and students.

THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

bergenPAC’s next Director of Development will lead fundraising efforts and advance the theater’s mission of bringing worldclass performances and transformative arts education to the community. This role is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies, including major gifts, capital campaigns, corporate sponsorships, and grant management. The Director of Development will cultivate a vibrant network of supporters, oversee impactful donor cultivation events such as the annual gala, and manage a team of development professionals to achieve ambitious fundraising goals. With a focus on building lasting relationships and enhancing donor engagement, this position offers an opportunity to play a vital role in shaping the future of the arts in New Jersey.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Fundraising Leadership: Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies, including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, and corporate sponsorships.
• Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations. Identify new prospects and create personalized stewardship plans to enhance donor engagement and retention.
• Grant Management: Oversee grant writing and reporting processes, researching potential grants and ensuring timely submissions. Work closely with foundations and government agencies to secure funding for bergenPAC’s programs and initiatives.
• Events Management: Plan and oversee donor cultivation events, including the annual gala, donor appreciation events, and other fundraising activities. Collaborate with the Special Events Coordinator to ensure all events align with fundraising goals and provide memorable donor experiences. Integrate best practices, external perspective and innovative approaches to ensure programs are impactful and relevant.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration: Manage a team of development professionals, providing guidance and support to achieve departmental goals. Work closely with marketing, programming, education and finance teams to ensure alignment on organizational goals.
• Board Engagement: Serve as one point of contact for the Board of Trustees on development matters. Support board members in their fundraising efforts and facilitate regular communication to keep them informed of fundraising progress.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PREFERENCES

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field; a master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in development and fundraising, preferably within the arts or nonprofit sectors.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising targets and securing major gifts and grants.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a diverse range of donors and stakeholders.
• Experience in event planning and execution, as well as managing donor relations and cultivation strategies.
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge and donor database management software with the ability to quickly and accurately provide donor/prospect tracking, research, and reports as needed to management and the Board of Directors.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and project management skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire a team, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Passionate about the arts and committed to the mission of bergenPAC.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To be considered, candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to search@theangelettigroup.com.

NOMINATIONS AND CONFIDENTIAL INQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO:

The Angeletti Group

365 South Street – Suite 100

Morristown, NJ 07960

(973) 540-1400

search@theangelettigroup.com

Salary range is $130,000 - $150,000 commensurate with experience.

bergenPAC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. While we strive for a diverse mix of candidates, all employment decisions are made without regard to race, sex, or other protected characteristics.

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