Development Director

Job Title: Development Director

Organization: Rapid City Arts Council

Location: Rapid City, SD

Hours: hours/week (full-time, exempt)

Compensation: $44,000 - $47,000

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Summary:

The Rapid City Arts Council seeks a dynamic and results-oriented full-time Development Director to support and expand our fundraising efforts, with an emphasis on individual giving, membership recruitment and retention, and major donor cultivation. This role is ideal for someone passionate about the arts and experienced in nonprofit development, who excels at building relationships and communicating impact.

___________________________________________________________________________

About the Rapid City Arts Council:

Founded in 1968, the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) champions the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral, and more inspiring for the communities we serve.

Through a public-private partnership with the City of Rapid City, RCAC supports creative placemaking and economic development efforts, and is responsible for the management of the civically owned Dahl Arts Center, home to 6 visual art galleries, a 250+ capacity events center, five classrooms, and a curated permanent collection of local and regional art.

RCAC focuses on these key areas:

• Advocacy: Driving public awareness and conducting cultural planning that aligns with the city's foundational development policies to advance the role of the arts.
• Dahl Arts Center Management: Overseeing the 39,000-square-foot facility, which serves as a hub for arts and community engagement.
• Community Arts Opportunity Grantmaking: Supporting local arts nonprofits through the City's Arts Contingency Fund, enhancing the sustainability of the arts in our community.
• Galleries: Providing exhibitions, presentations, and performances that celebrate the diversity of regional artists.
• Arts Education: Offering programs for individuals of all ages and abilities, fostering lifelong engagement with the arts.

Key Responsibilities:Fundraising and Individual Giving

• Develop and implement strategies to increase individual donations, including direct mail, online campaigns, social media, and direct donor appeals.
• Maintain and grow strategies of donor stewardship and acknowledgment processes that ensure timely and meaningful recognition.
• Develop strategies to enhance member retention and grow the overall member base.
• Work with arts council staff to plan and support membership events or initiatives that deepen member engagement, including the annual Fall Fundraising Event.

Major Donor Cultivation

• With the assistance of the Executive Director, identify, research, and cultivate relationships with major gift prospects.
• Support the Executive Director and board members in major donor engagement and solicitations.
• Coordinate personalized outreach, meetings, and stewardship for major donors.

Development Operations

• Maintain accurate donor and member records in CRM or donor database (Bloomerang).
• Track fundraising progress and prepare regular reports for the Executive Director and board.
• Assist with grant writing and tracking or other development tasks, as needed.

Cross-Departmental Communications

• Act as the primary point of contact for development activities between internal stakeholders.
• Maintain proactive communication and transparency between all departments to further cultivate a culture of philanthropy.
• Drive cross-departmental accountability to timelines related to development activities.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or related field.
• Proven success in individual giving campaigns and donor cultivation.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with donor databases and basic fundraising tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team environment.
• Passion for the arts and community engagement.

Work Environment:

This is a full-time role with a flexible schedule. Some evening or weekend work may be required for events or donor meetings. Position is on-site at The Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City. Remote hours subject to Executive Director approval. Position reports to the Executive Director.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience to by January 23, 2026.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $44, $47,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Rapid City, SD 57701: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person