Chief Development Officer

Company Description Ballet Arkansas is ranked among the Top 75 Ballet Companies in America and is recognized as the leading producer of dance programming in the region. Its world-class performances and education programs have reached more than half a million Arkansans, reflecting a strong community impact and regional presence. Each year, Ballet Arkansas presents a dynamic repertory that includes beloved classics, masterworks of American dance, and premieres by innovative choreographers. The organization engages an audience of more than 50,000 annually, offering a vibrant, mission-driven environment for arts professionals. Team members join a collaborative organization committed to artistic excellence, education, and community engagement.Role Description The Chief Development Officer is a full-time, on-site role based in Little Rock, AR, responsible for leading and executing Ballet Arkansas’s comprehensive fundraising strategy. This role oversees all development functions, including annual giving campaigns, major gifts, planned giving initiatives, corporate and foundation support, and special events. Day-to-day responsibilities include cultivating and stewarding donors, building and maintaining strong relationships with board members and key stakeholders, and preparing development reports and revenue forecasts. The Chief Development Officer will collaborate closely with the Executive and Artistic Director to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities and strategic plans. Additional responsibilities include managing the development budget, supervising development staff or contractors, ensuring accurate donor data and compliance, and representing Ballet Arkansas at performances, programs, and community events to advance philanthropy and visibility.QualificationsDemonstrated experience in philanthropy and fundraising, including Planned Giving and Annual Giving, with a track record of securing and growing contributed revenue.Proficiency in Strategic Planning and Budgeting, with the ability to align development goals with organizational strategy and manage resources responsibly.Strong relationship-building and donor stewardship skills, including experience working with individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling cases for support, proposals, and donor messaging.Experience managing or overseeing development operations, including CRM/donor databases, reporting, and compliance with ethical and legal fundraising standards.Proven leadership and team collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with executive leadership, board members, staff, and artists.Comprehensive understanding of inner workings of professional dance/performing arts organizations. Bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as Nonprofit Management, Arts Administration, Business, Communications, or similar) or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.Background or strong interest in the performing arts or cultural organizations, and willingness to attend evenings/weekends events as required.