White Snake Projects is now hiring for the following positions:

• Development Director

See below for detailed job descriptions.

 

Development Director

White Snake Projects is seeking a Development Director to build the development function of an entrepreneurial opera company passionately committed to creating socially relevant work and uplifting the voices of marginalized communities. If you are interested in working at the intersection of new music-theater, activism and technology, please apply.

About White Snake Projects
White Snake Projects (WSP) is an activist opera company making mission-driven work that unites artmaking with civic practice. We envision a world where the power of opera expands our collective understanding of community and transforms lives through creative storytelling. Our most recent efforts have been devoted to the live digital productions of the Pandemic Trilogy: Alice in the Pandemic addressed the disproportionate strain of COVID-19 on communities of color and essential workers; Death by Life explored long-term incarceration and institutionalized racism; and A Survivor’s Odyssey dealt with the ongoing crisis of sexual and intimate partner violence. A critical element in our exploration of these themes is the establishment of authentic connections with thought leaders in social justice to ensure that our work lives in an ecosystem of activism. We see opera not just as performance, but as performance with purpose, a vibrant and vital art form that is also a champion of change.

Position Summary
Mellon Foundation has awarded us a $750,000 capacity building grant to fund, among other things, the new position of Development Director. This individual will work in a dynamic, young company committed to making a positive contribution to our communities and to the world we live in. They will have the opportunity to build WSP’s development function into a major driver in the company’s growth as a positive, disruptive force in the world of opera. They will report to the General & Artistic Director and the Board of Directors. They will provide strategic leadership over all development activities, including fundraising, donor identification and cultivation, board recruitment and grant writing. This individual will also build and maintain positive and authentic relationships with staff, board members, and audiences, helping to bring more people to the company and making it a welcoming community hub. An ideal candidate will be Boston or New England based as they will collaborate with our partners locally throughout the Greater Boston Area, as well as nationally and internationally. 

Responsibilities

• Actively partner with the General & Artistic Director to build a development department 
• Create and implement a strategic development plan with concrete goals
• Identify new funding sources, both individual and institutional
• Cultivate and maintain donor and audience relationships
• Create and maintain a positive culture and work environment where all departments are equally valued and staff of all genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds feel appreciated.
• Prioritize equity, diversity, inclusion, and access work in all aspects of artistic and management decisions.
• Identify local, regional and national granting opportunities and execute applications/outreach as appropriate.
• Organize special events and fundraising initiatives

Traits and Characteristics
The Development Director will be entrepreneurial and be able to think outside the box to identify opportunities for connection, be self-motivated and be a people person. Following the “tried and true pathway,” is less important than the ability to vision possibilities and to make these visions reality.  Passion and commitment to social justice, activism and music are a definite plus. Key competencies of this role include:

• Diplomacy and Teamwork – The ability to tactfully handle difficult or sensitive issues while working closely with other team members to meet goals and objectives.
• Time Prioritization and Conflict Management – The capacity to prioritize and complete tasks within scheduled time frames while addressing and resolving conflicts constructively.
• Planning and Organizing – The dexterity to establish courses of action to ensure work is completed effectively.
• Interpersonal Skills and Customer Focus – The acumen to communicate effectively and relate well to people from all backgrounds while anticipating and meeting the needs and expectations of clients and audiences.
• Innovation and Creativity – The ability to dream new possibilities and to execute on these dreams
• Passion and Dedication – The drive to want to make a difference and the perseverance to make it happen.

Qualifications
At least five years of development experience. The successful candidate must have exceptional writing abilities and verbal presentation skills. Familiarity with Salesforce and other digital platforms such as Google Suites, is a plus.

Compensation
This is a full time position which is approximately 80% remote and 20% in person, with operations in the Greater Boston Area (Boston or New England based strongly preferred). The compensation is $75,000-$100,000, commensurate with experience. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]

White Snake Projects is an equal opportunity employer. As an activist opera company, we encourage BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals to apply.