Director of Development

AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the foremost post-secondary performing arts colleges in the country. AMDA offers various pathways for students to receive unparalleled performing arts education taught by world-class industry professionals, including Professional Conservatory Certificates as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Occupational Studies, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts).
AMDA is seeking a Director of Development to lead the development and execution of the institution’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This role will be responsible for building AMDA’s first comprehensive advancement program, including developing strategy, establishing a donor pipeline, and driving consistent, measurable fundraising activity. In close collaboration with executive leadership, the Director will play a central role in achieving a multi-year goal to grow philanthropic support into the multi-million-dollar range through engagement with alumni, families, and industry partners.
Working in close partnership with executive leadership, the Director of Development will develop and present fundraising strategies, incorporate leadership input and direction, and lead the execution of advancement initiatives. This role will focus on cultivating donor relationships, building a sustainable pipeline, and driving consistent fundraising activity in alignment with institutional priorities.
The Director of Development will leverage existing tools, including Little Green Light CRM and Alumni360, to support donor tracking, engagement, and reporting, and will contribute to establishing the structure and processes that will guide AMDA’s long-term philanthropic efforts. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role that requires both initiative and collaboration, with responsibility for driving strategy forward, refining it in partnership with leadership, and executing against defined fundraising goals. This role requires a results-oriented approach, with the ability to translate strategy into execution and drive forward measurable fundraising activity.
Primary Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
Develop and present fundraising strategies and plans aligned with institutional priorities
Partner with executive leadership to refine strategies and incorporate feedback and direction
Lead the execution of approved advancement initiatives, including major gifts and donor engagement efforts
Contribute to the development of cases for support and donor-facing materials
Donor Cultivation & Solicitation
Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and current donors
Identify, cultivate, and lead donor engagement and solicitation efforts in partnership with executive leadership
Conduct consistent donor outreach, including meetings, calls, and written communications
Prepare for and support donor solicitations, including strategy, materials, and follow-up
Pipeline Development & Fundraising Goals
Lead the development and ongoing management of a structured donor pipeline across alumni, parents, foundations, corporations, and industry partners
Track and manage donor movement through all stages of engagement
Contribute to achieving annual and multi-year fundraising goals through consistent activity and relationship development
Events & Donor Engagement
Lead the planning and execution of donor cultivation, stewardship, and engagement events in New York and Los Angeles
Coordinate with leadership on donor-facing opportunities and engagement strategies
Support relationship-building within arts, entertainment, and philanthropic communities
Systems, Reporting & Operations
Utilize systems such as Little Green Light and Alumni360 to track donor activity and maintain accurate records
Monitor and report on fundraising activity, pipeline development, and engagement metrics
Establish and maintain organized processes for donor tracking, follow-up, and reporting
Growth of Advancement Function
Contribute to building foundational development pro