Position Profile

The Hermitage Artist Retreat seeks a passionate, intelligent, and driven Development Director with experience in all aspects of fundraising and donor relations to sustain and grow the organization’s highly successful development efforts. With the arrival of Andy Sandberg as the Artistic Director/CEO five years ago, the organization has flourished, growing its revenue and programming by 4X. With this growth, the Hermitage has introduced dozens of new partnerships throughout Sarasota County and across the United States; expanded its national and international commissioning initiatives; and established itself as a leading national arts incubator in theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, and more. In addition to maintaining an engaged Board and generous circle of supporters, the Hermitage has a devoted group of over 800 alumni artists who maintain deep gratitude for their residency experience. The public enjoys year-round free programs presented by the Hermitage on their historic beachfront campus and other locations throughout the region, where audiences have the opportunity to experience the work being supported by and developed at the Hermitage Artist Retreat.

In early 2025, a new Development Director will join the Hermitage team to continue moving the organization forward. The ideal candidate for this role should be enthusiastic about supporting some of the most innovative artists of our time, as they create new work in a diversity of disciplines. This individual will be eager to play a vital role in a fast-paced, energized, and rapidly growing arts organization that is looking to make a significant and sustainable impact in both the local community and the national artistic landscape. The job requires a high standard of excellence in project and database management, with a deep appreciation and attentiveness for their culture of donor relations and hospitality. Reporting to and collaborating closely with the Artistic Director/CEO, this role requires exceptional organizational skills, plus the ability to multitask and balance a steady stream of detail-oriented and deadline-driven projects. This is a full-time, on-site position in Sarasota County, Florida, working closely among a team of passionate, driven, and high-performing professionals.

The Hermitage is a leading national arts incubator and a multidisciplinary artist retreat uniquely serving artists, the creative process, and the community. The mission of the Hermitage is to inspire and foster the most influential and culturally consequential art and artists of our time. Located on a nine-acre beachfront campus in Manasota Key at the southern tip of Sarasota County, Florida, we provide diverse and accomplished artists with multi-week residencies to create new works of theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, film, and more. Hermitage Fellows have frequently described their experiences as “life-changing” and “transformative,” regularly noting that they accomplish more in any two weeks at the Hermitage than they otherwise might in two years. Hermitage Fellows have included seventeen Pulitzer Prize winners, multiple Tony, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy nominees and winners, Poets Laureate, MacArthur “Genius” and Guggenheim Fellows, and hundreds of extraordinary artists from around the world. The award-winning original works created at the Hermitage are presented in renowned concert halls, theaters, museums, and galleries throughout our region and across the globe. Audiences in the greater Sarasota region are offered a ‘sneak peek’ into the works and minds of these brilliant artists through the Hermitage’s free community programs, many of which are in collaboration with fellow arts and cultural organizations throughout Sarasota and neighboring counties. In addition to the unique and invaluable experience we provide to artists, we take pride in our complementary missions of historic preservation, ecological restoration, and dynamic community engagement.

The Hermitage is the only major arts organization in Florida’s Gulf Coast region exclusively committed to the development and creation of new work across all artistic disciplines.

Sarasota County is one of the fastest growing economies in the country, with the arts playing a pivotal role in the culture, community, and prosperity of the region. While many are drawn to the breathtaking sunsets, visitors and residents alike greatly appreciate the access to vibrant cultural organizations and events, a range of outdoor activities, a deeply engaged philanthropic community, and a burgeoning food scene. Sarasota County continues to remain an attractive location for professionals and stands at #11 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live in the U.S. list. The Hermitage Artist Retreat and Manasota Key are located in Englewood in the southern part of Sarasota County, bordering nearby Charlotte County and close to the towns of Northport, Venice, and Port Charlotte.

Set against a unique historic and ecological backdrop, the Hermitage campus and offices offer a vibrant creative oasis within Florida, while making a national and global impact on the greater artistic landscape. Manasota Key is considered to be one of Florida’s most beautiful barrier islands, nestled among Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Boca Grande. Nearby cities/airports beyond Sarasota (SRQ) include Tampa (TPA), Fort Myers (RSW), and St. Petersburg (PIE).

About the Position

The Development Director is responsible for organizing, managing, and executing the annual fundraising plan in support of the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s mission and strategic plan. The Hermitage is funded almost exclusively through donors and grantors, and the Development Director plays a vital role as a member of the senior management team. Reporting directly to the Artistic Director/CEO, the Development Director provides both strategic expertise and operational support in all areas of development, including annual, major, and planned giving, institutional grants, and fundraising events. This individual has the skills to develop and execute dynamic fundraising and communications strategies to deepen donor relationships and expand the base of support. The Development Director will oversee and manage a team of three support staff that includes a Grants Manager, a Senior Development Associate, and a Development Coordinator. This invaluable member of the team collaborates with all the Hermitage constituencies, including staff, trustees, donors, artists, marketing, and event personnel, and community partners. This leadership position is a ‘hands-on’ role that manages staff and volunteers when needed, ensures best practices throughout fundraising operations, and supervises the team’s use of fundraising software and ongoing data management.

• Assess needs, apply best practices, develop, and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, integrating all fundraising activities including annual, major, and planned giving, institutional grants, and events.

• Advise the Artistic Director/CEO on strategic and operational development-related activity and serve as a collaborator and partner on the senior management team.

• Develop, manage, and regularly report on the progress of the annual fundraising budget.

• Develop, document, and implement fundraising policies and procedures as needed.

• Represent the Hermitage at community events and programs as needed.

• Develop and expand upon the organization’s fundraising strategies to increase donor acquisition and retention, deepen donor engagement, and grow the base of support.

• Develop a portfolio of major donors and prospects strategically, creating personalized plans aligning organizational needs with donors’ philanthropic interests and objectives; this may include planned giving initiatives.

• Manage a comprehensive Annual Fund program, including appeals and campaigns, with carefully coordinated LYBUNT and SYBUNT outreach.

• Maximize use of technology for donor and prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Oversee fundraising event logistics and personnel, including staff, volunteers, and vendors. Manage event timelines, budgets, and project plans; assist with the maintenance of accurate event records, invitation lists, RSVP management, and any applicable event committee coordination.

• Lead all donor relations functions; this includes all logistics surrounding donor meetings, dinners, and other stewardship events and engagements.

• Collaborate with development and organizational colleagues to develop strategic and consistent donor and prospect communications in support of fundraising goals.

• Generate and edit content and strategy for fundraising communications, including print collateral, website, and digital media.

• Oversee the management of the organization’s fundraising database, including team training on functions, ongoing record cleaning, accurate data management, and reporting functions.

• Manage the team’s timely and effective gift processing, ensuring accurate data entry and recordkeeping, prompt gift acknowledgement, and appropriate donor recognition.

• Foster collaborative individual and institutional partnerships, including vital foundation relationships, to further community awareness and engagement in the Hermitage’s mission.

• Oversee grants manager and grants process, including research, application, and reporting; write and/or edit grant proposals as appropriate.

• Liaise with the Board of Trustees on all development-related activities.

• Build ongoing communicative relationships with Board members to further their engagement, solicit their annual gifts, and support them in their development of relationships for the organization.

• Prepare and present development reports for Board meetings, as needed.

• In collaboration with the Artistic Director/CEO and Board leadership, identify and steward potential Board members and solidify the onboarding processes for new members.

• A passion for the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s mission, vision, and values.

• Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and oral and written communication skills.

• Proven experience and a successful track record raising funds from wide-ranging sources, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.

• Expertise in crafting successful fundraising communications.

• Experience planning and executing large-scale donor events and engaging a Board in the success of those events

• Excellent interpersonal skills as leader and team player; at ease communicating with a wide range of constituents.

• Entrepreneurial, with a high level of personal initiative, integrity, and positive energy.

• A sense of “hustle” and a “can do” attitude; this high-performing individual is responsible for finding creative solutions and delivering swift and effective results.

• Comfortable transitioning from external relationship building work to managing internal operations that keeps the department in order.

• Ability to handle confidential information with the utmost discretion.

• Knowledge of and connection to the local community is a plus, but not a requirement; knowledge of the national arts funding community is deeply advantageous.

• Proficient with donor management software, including database, communication, and event management programs; familiarity with Salesforce a plus.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and G-Suite applications.

• Ability to operate and trouble-shoot basic office equipment.

• Flexible to work evenings and weekends as needed in support of Hermitage programs, donor events, or other meetings on campus and throughout our region.

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent, and a demonstrated history of progressively successful fundraising experience.

• Graduate degree and/or CFRE or ACFRE accreditation a plus.

The salary for this position is $100,000-120,000. The Hermitage Artist Retreat provides comprehensive benefits, including providing access to insurance (health, dental, vision) and a matching IRA program, paid time off, and free and easy parking. A relocation stipend will be considered to support a move for this role.

The Hermitage Artist Retreat is located on Manasota Key, Sarasota County, Florida. The offices are located in a renovated beach house on the Hermitage’s nine-acre campus, with ample space for the entire team and extraordinary views of the beach. The house also includes performance/studio space and a full kitchen. This is a full-time, on-site position; non-local candidates would be expected to relocate to the region.

The Hermitage Artist Retreat is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, artists, guests, and members of our community.

The Development Director search is being conducted on behalf of the Hermitage Artist Retreat by Tom O’Connor Consulting Group, a New York-based executive search and consulting firm specializing in the arts and culture industries. The search is being led by Search Consultant Brenna Thomas, in consultation with and support from the TOCG search team.

To apply, visit the online application (https://tinyurl.com/46anxpwp) and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include any training or experience relevant to the job profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a good fit for this opportunity, and anything else you’d like us to know about your qualifications that may not be present in your resume.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that cis men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria, while others tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you're returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

The priority application deadline for this search is January 15, 2025. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration. While we will still accept and consider applications after this date, we encourage you to apply as early as possible for the best chance at being considered for the position. Please note that meeting the priority deadline does not guarantee an interview.