Development Strategy Consultant

May 23, 2024 

New England Foundation for the Arts seeks an established nonprofit/arts fundraising consultant/independent contractor to provide strategic direction to NEFA’s development department while the Development Director is on leave from August 12, 2024 – April 30, 2025.  This will be an important and influential role helping to design a fundraising strategy to coincide with the 2024 annual appeal and the launch of NEFA’s new strategic plan and 50th anniversary.  

Role Description 

The development strategy consultant/contractor will inform and help map NEFA’s fundraising strategies to coincide with the organization’s ongoing annual fund, strategic planning process, and preparations to celebrate NEFA’s 50th anniversary. The consultant will build a comprehensive understanding of NEFA’s current fundraising efforts and the landscape of institutional and individual giving to intermediary organizations. The consultant will assess those efforts, investigate potential avenues for increased or new support, and advise NEFA stakeholders and development staff on opportunities and pathways for revenue generation. The consultant will advise on efforts to increase individual giving to NEFA by assessing and recommending effective marketing strategies and relational touchpoints, and where appropriate, facilitate introductions between NEFA staff and prospective donors. The consultant will work closely with NEFA’s Executive Director, Harold Steward, learning about their goals and vision for the organization, advising on potential funder outreach, facilitating meetings and conversations with prospective funders, and coaching on funding pitches. The consultant will also contribute to funder stewardship strategies, particularly by advising on communications with existing funders to support funding renewal efforts. 

The following tasks will be performed in consultation with the Executive Director and in close collaboration with NEFA’s Development Manager and other staff:  

Knowledge Building and Planning 

• Build a comprehensive understanding of NEFA’s financial position, development strategies and efforts, and future planning; 
• Assess the current landscape of individual and institutional funding to intermediary and other comparable organizations; 
• Report out to Executive Director, Development Manager, and other staff as needed, on strategy gaps and opportunities; 
• Investigate prospective funders, advise NEFA team on outreach strategies.

Funder Stewardship 

• Coach NEFA’s Executive Director on translating vision and strategic priorities into compelling narratives for prospective funders; 
• Facilitate introductions between NEFA staff and prospective institutional funders or corporate sponsors (participate as needed); 
• Initiate/facilitate/participate in conversations with current NEFA funders regarding upcoming renewals and new opportunities; advise NEFA staff on casemaking and building a compelling “ask.” 

Individual Donor Cultivation 

• Partner with Development Manager and Communications staff to create a map and timeline for fundraising touchpoints supporting NEFA's annual appeal (fall 2024), the launch of NEFA’s strategic plan (2024 – 2025) and the upcoming 50th anniversary (2026); 
• Research and advise on potential strategies to increase NEFA’s network of individual donors; coordinate with Executive Director and Development Manager to implement strategies; facilitate introductions between relevant NEFA staff and prospective donors. 

Experience/Skills 

Required

• Significant experience in developing and implementing nonprofit and/or arts fundraising plans, including strategies for identifying and cultivating new individual and institutional donors; 
• Experience working with funders at the local, regional, and national levels to secure six- and seven-figure gifts; 
• Exceptional communication skills, including verbal, written, and interpersonal;  
• Excellent project management skills, including strong attention to detail, ability to coordinate multiple collaborators, ability to direct and delegate, evaluate progress, and problem-solve; 
• Familiarity with Asana for project management (or willingness to learn); proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of tools; 
• Appreciation for and identification with NEFA’s mission, vision, and values and interest in engaging in work that advances NEFA’s organizational goals, particularly those centering equity, diversity, intersectionality, and accessibility. 

Preferred 

• Deep interest or past experience in arts and culture; 
• Proficiency with Salesforce or other similar CRM database systems;  
• Familiarity with intermediary organizations; 
• Familiarity with the current landscape of corporate, institutional, and individual giving in New England. 

Schedule and Budget 

Ideal candidates will be able to work 10 - 12 hours per week, with some flexibility to adjust based on project timelines. Schedule will be mutually agreed upon with a preference for most work occurring during NEFA business hours, Monday – Thursday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM to allow for regular (virtual) meetings with internal partners particularly NEFA’s Executive Director, Development Manager, communications staff, and program leadership. 

Budget: $35,000 - $40,000 

To Apply 

Interested candidates should email Sharon Timmel (she/her), Development Director at stimmel@nefa.org by Friday, June 21, 2024 with: 

• A current resume or CV; 
• A brief cover letter describing their interest including examples of specific projects that demonstrate depth of experience and success in fundraising (individual/institutional), capital campaign, and/or donor cultivation and stewardship roles; 
• Two professional references who can speak to your experience working in the above areas.