Development Coordinator

WaterFire Providence is a nationally recognized leader in creative placemaking, dedicated to transforming communities through art and cultural experiences. For nearly 30 years, our nonprofit has brought life to Providence's waterfront and downtown, fostering connections and community through our iconic installations and programs. The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC), our first permanent home, enables us to expand our impact, a multi-use space hosting arts and cultural events that enrich the community.

Joining our team offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth of a mission-driven organization that thrives on community and relationship-based support. You’ll be part of a passionate group dedicated to using art to make Rhode Island a place where residents are proud to live and work, and visitors love to experience.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Development Coordinator will play an essential part in WaterFire Providence’s mission and vision. As a skilled communicator and analyst, they will focus on institutional giving and individual giving, generating financial resources for WaterFire. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, and directing WaterFire’s individual fundraising activities including annual funds, major gifts, planned giving, special events, and capital campaigns as well as working with the WaterFire Providence Board of Directors in advancing the organization’s philanthropic goals and objectives. The Development Coordinator reports directly to the Executive Director and will work closely with the Executive Artistic Director, Executive Director, Director of Sponsorships and Corporate Relations, Community Relations Manager, and Director of Events and Operations.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:

WaterFire, the award-winning sculpture/event created by Barnaby Evans and installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, has been praised by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire has captured the imagination of over ten million visitors, bringing to life downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city.

WaterFire first premiered 29 years ago, created as the private project of Evans, an independent artist. The community loved the work. After several years of successful stagings and in response to community demand, Evans partnered with an existing arts non-profit to continue to develop WaterFire and its role in the social and cultural landscape of Rhode Island. In June of 1999, WaterFire Providence was established as an independent 501(c)3 arts organization, with Evans as its founding Executive Director.

The WaterFire Arts Center, which opened its doors to the public in 2017, is a multi-use exhibition and event space located on Valley Street that includes the WaterFire staff offices, Wilbury Theatre, and classroom space for the Wheeler School CitySide program. Over 50,000 visitors have attended events in the space which have included galas, conferences, lectures, theater productions, exhibitions, expos, and private events.

The mission of WaterFire Providence is “to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.” WaterFire Providence, with its spectacular growth under Evans' leadership, ably assisted by a small and talented staff along with hundreds of dedicated volunteers, has established itself as an internationally acclaimed work of art that has become the most popular arts event in the state.

WaterFire is presented from 12 to 25 times a year (ranging from small versions to complex productions) and has grown to include a wide array of arts and community partnerships. Attendance varies by season and the scale of the event, ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 participants a night.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Writing fundraising appeals and acknowledgment letters
• Research and apply for grant opportunities
• Oversee data entry and gift processing (Raiser’s Edge NXT)
• Coordinate and plan cultivation and fundraising events (i.e. our annual FireBall Gala)
• Collaborate with the development team to manage the WaterFire Circle program with prime responsibility for individual membership
• Maintain gift recognition programs (i.e. planned giving)
• Collaborate with the marketing team in the creation of materials/publications to support fundraising activities
• Attend WaterFire lightings and cultivate/steward prospects and donors
• Work weekend WaterFire events (approximately 12 Saturday nights a year) and other fundraising events as required.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• 3 years minimum experience in professional fundraising or similar experience preferred
• Strong interpersonal and writing skills
• Proven track record of a strong interest in raising funds from multiple sources
• Knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, particularly annual giving campaigns
• Donor data management and fund development analytics experience preferred
• Possess the skills and personality to work with and motivate staff, board members, and other volunteers
• Have the desire to get out of the office and build external relationships with donors and potential donors
• Be a “self-starter” and goal-driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls
• Be organized and exhibit “follow through” on tasks and goals; ability to multi-task and work independently
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability
• Must embrace the mission of WaterFire
• Demonstrated passion for the ability of the arts to transform a community
• A bachelor’s degree is required

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000