Director of Development & Partnerships

Position Summary

The Guild of Charlotte Artists is a thriving nonprofit organization representing more than 500 artists in the Charlotte region. Through exhibitions, education, and community partnerships, the Guild connects artists, people, and places to help make Charlotte a more creative, vibrant, and connected community.

We are seeking our first Part-Time Director of Development & Partnerships to expand our relationships with Charlotte's business, civic, and philanthropic communities. This individual will help translate the Guild's mission and creative resources into meaningful partnerships that create opportunities for artists, bring art to more people, and strengthen the organization's long-term financial sustainability.

Primary Responsibilities

Fundraising and Corporate Partnerships

  • Develop the Guild's case for support and partnership offerings, building on its established vision, strengths, and opportunities.

  • Develop and implement a fundraising and partnership strategy to diversify revenue beyond membership dues.

  • Identify and prioritize corporate, civic, philanthropic, and individual prospects, building a focused pipeline for outreach and funding opportunities.

  • Cultivate relationships with businesses, foundations, donors, and community organizations to secure sponsorships, grants, and other financial or in-kind support.

  • Prepare partnership and sponsorship proposals, manage donor relationships, and coordinate recognition and stewardship efforts.

  • Collaborate with the Board to establish fundraising goals, leverage existing relationships, and measure progress.

Secondary Responsibilities

Exhibition and Venue Development

  • Identify and secure new exhibition venues and opportunities for Guild artists, including corporate offices, healthcare facilities, civic buildings, educational institutions, hospitality venues, and other public and private spaces.

  • Develop and maintain partnerships with businesses, cultural institutions, and community organizations that create recurring exhibition and sales opportunities.

  • Negotiate exhibition agreements and coordinate venue requirements in collaboration with Guild committees responsible for exhibition logistics and execution.

  • Collaborate with Guild committees to ensure new opportunities support artist participation, visibility, and potential sales.

  • Expand the Guild's visibility and community impact by bringing local art into new spaces and reaching broader audiences.

Qualifications

Essential: Demonstrated experience securing financial support or business partnerships, strong relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, independent execution, and the ability to turn conversations into concrete commitments.

Preferred: Grant writing, arts administration and existing Charlotte-area relationships within the corporate and philanthropic sectors. 

Experience working within the arts is preferred, but not essential. Individuals with backgrounds in nonprofit development, community foundations, or business development are encouraged to apply.