VAPA Center Development Coordinator

Company Description

The Visual and Performing Arts Center (VAPA), a non-profit organization, was created in 2021 by 12 anchor arts organizations (‘Founding Members’) in Charlotte NC to create a much–needed space for artists to create, practice, exhibit, and perform their respective arts. Due to COVID and the closing of Spirit Square to accommodate renovations and construction of the new Main Library, many of Charlottes most innovative and cherished arts organizations lost an essential space to teach classes, rehearse shows and perform. This group of artists, which included the McColl Center and Charlotte Ballet, worked with Mecklenburg County to identify an underused space in uptown that could be repurposed as an improvised arts center.

This group was inspired by similar artistic incubators in other cities that, once established, grew in popularity and were able to transform once-desolate areas of town into vibrant thriving hubs for business and tourism. The initial group of visual and performing artists combined their efforts, passions, expertise, drive, and commitment to create a collective that could facilitate a space for creativity, art, performance and community. This new entity serves Charlotte’s irrepressible artistic community and attract the general public and visitors alike to enjoy this vibrant space.

The space:

VAPA is continually collaborating with Mecklenburg County leadership on the design of the space. VAPA proposes to create affordable studio and creation space on the second floor and lower levels of the building, with performance and exhibition spaces on the first floor. Our intention is that artists will be able to create and exhibit in the same building, and for performers to learn, rehearse and perform for an audience in the facility as well. *All VAPA Resident Artists must be a resident of Mecklenburg County.

Co-creation:

The VAPA Center Organization exemplifies the innovation and creativity that can result when a diverse group of people work together towards shared goals. Our Board of directors is an interdisciplinary group of people from various arts backgrounds, races, sexes, orientations, for-profit/non-profit status and organization size. Our collaborate efforts to form VAPA demonstrate how diversity serves not only the artistic community but the greater Charlotte community. We intend VAPA to be a model and an enticement to inspire others to come together in service to our community and to the arts for generations to come.

Summary

The Development Coordinator, under the supervision of the Executive Director, provides fundraising support for the organization by implementing strategies to grow contributed revenue. In this role, the candidate will coordinate all annual giving mechanisms, including the organization’s annual fund, stewardship activities, corporate sponsorships, fundraising events and grant-writing; and works closely with organization staff, volunteers, donors, and Board members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement a comprehensive annual development plan that includes broad strategies to accomplish fundraising goals and create systems and procedures for implementation.
• Respond to donor inquiries via phone, email, mail and/or onsite in a timely manner
• Build the annual fund through direct mail, email, personal and social media solicitations, and through events.
• Coordinate the design and creation of appeals and impact reports for both individual and institutional donors. 
• Research individuals, foundations, and corporate prospects to identify new funding sources.
• Help establish performance measures, monitor results, and evaluate the effectiveness of the philanthropy program.
• Ensure a timely processing of gifts, sending donor acknowledgments and tax receipts.
• Administer the grant program, including coordinating and writing grants, proposals, and reports, compiling program information, and maintaining funding calendars.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of cultivation and stewardship events.
• Maintain a database of donors/prospects with accurate giving history and contact information. 
• Maintain a working knowledge of best practices by staying up-to-date on fundraising trends and regularly participating in appropriate professional development. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of fundraising required; annual giving experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Sophisticated computer skills, including CRM/database experience (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint required)
• Proven experience in grant writing
• Excellent interpersonal, public speaking, and written communication skills, including technical and creative writing
• Proactive approach to work, ability to demonstrate ownership of tasks 
• Well-organized with exceptional attention to detail, yet adaptable and flexible enough to meet evolving priorities 
• Professional maturity, sound judgment, and integrity 
• Personal commitment and passion for arts and culture