Director of External Relations

Time Commitment:
Commitment of 40 hours per week; Weeknights and weekends may be required. This is an in-person position.

Salary:
The salary for this position is $120,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:
• Health and dental.
• Retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off + sick days + paid time off between Christmas and New Year.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, three professional work references, and 2-3 writing samples to den@bronxdoc.org and jobs@bronxdoc.org.

Title: Director of External Relations
Location: Bronx, NY (in-person)

Established in 2011, the Bronx Documentary Center (BDC) is a dynamic mission-driven photography, journalism, and cultural organization in the South Bronx. Our staff works together to fulfill our mission — using community-based documentary photography, film practice, and education to shine a light on vital issues, and give individuals and communities the tools to tell their unique stories to a range of audiences. The BDC is at an exciting stage of organizational development and growth, having created highly effective programs in exhibitions; youth education and college prep; documentary filmmaking; and adult workforce development in photography.

We’re looking for a full-time, experienced External Relations professional to spearhead our fundraising efforts as the BDC moves into a phase of growth and sustainability. As Director, you’ll report to the BDC’s Executive Director and collaborate closely with staff and the Board of Directors, working toward specific goals in individual giving, major gifts, corporate support, special events, planned giving, and annual fund campaigns. Your primary responsibility will be to lead fundraising initiatives, cultivate donor relationships, and oversee all aspects of communications to promote our mission and goals.

Key Fundraising Initiatives for 2025:
• Lead the launch and ongoing development of the Tim Hetherington Legacy Fund, a newly established individual giving program. This fund honors the legacy of photojournalist Tim Hetherington and will be a cornerstone of the BDC’s 15th Anniversary Campaign.
• Drive the Lens Alliance corporate sponsorship initiative, leveraging BDC exhibitions and openings to engage corporate sponsors, board members, elected officials, and key foundations.
• Oversee the 15th Anniversary Campaign, which will launch in May 2025 and serve as a multi-channel fundraising strategy.

Responsibilities

Commitment to sustainability

Fundraising and Development

• Collaborate with senior leadership to implement a new CRM system that integrates finance, marketing, and development tools to enhance fundraising efficiency.
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with our mission and financial goals.
• Lead the execution of fundraising plans, including the Tim Hetherington Legacy Fund, the Lens Alliance, and the 15th Anniversary Campaign.
• Plan and execute cultivation events and high-touch donor engagement strategies to attract and retain donors.
• Identify and establish relationships with key funders, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, to develop sustainable funding sources.
• Manage donor cultivation and ensure real-time updates on engagement and fundraising progress.
• Oversee the planning and execution of multiple fundraising events throughout the year.
• Establish and maintain relationships with existing donors, ensuring timely communication and stewardship to nurture ongoing support.
• Identify and engage with potential major donors, cultivating long-term partnerships.

Quality and freshness

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Collaborate with arts and culture organizations locally and regionally to create partnerships that serve a wide audience and create lasting impact.
• Act as a representative of the organization, building relationships with community members, corporate partners, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
• Attend BDC events, community events, and networking opportunities to promote the BDC’s mission and build a strong network of supporters.
• Engage corporate sponsors in giving opportunities.
• Manage and improve donor acknowledgment and recognition program, including gift acknowledgment letters.

Community engagement

Marketing and Communications

• Supervise email marketing and website updates to ensure they are well-presented, accurate, and effective in driving donations and promoting BDC’s offerings.
• Expand participation in and elevate BDC’s brand/identity awareness. Develop a marketing strategy with the aim of increasing community participation in its programs and services and increasing financial support.
• In collaboration with program leads, coordinate internal and external communications to promote the visibility of events and manage the production of print materials to ensure continuity and consistency of the BDC’s brand.
• Produce annual reports.
• Write, edit, compile, and prepare event materials and collateral, including remarks, speaking points, and run-of-show guidelines.
• Oversee the BDC’s weekly newsletter.
• Strategize about press relations, interacting with the press to promote BDC programs.
• Oversee the creation and execution of marketing and communications plans, including advertising, public relations, and digital and social media efforts, as well as forming new strategic partnerships.
• Write materials for various marketing and fundraising activities, including reporting for funders and the Board.

Knowledge and Qualifications

Commitment to sustainability

Required:
• Five-plus years of relevant experience in development and individual/major gifts experience, with demonstrated success in raising significant funds.
• Self-directed, strong communication, writing, and analytical skills, and strong project management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience working with organizations in arts, culture, and education.
• Strong time-management skills and strength in handling multiple projects simultaneously.

Quality and Craftsmanship

Additional Priority Skills:
• Spanish language skills are a plus.
• Prior experience working with an arts, journalism, or human rights nonprofit; demonstrated interest in documentary photography and film is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of the city, state, and national philanthropy environment.
• Ability to be comfortable and skillful in developing relationships during BDC events and with external professionals.

Bronx Documentary Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Personnel are chosen based on ability without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law. Bronx residents are encouraged to apply.