The mission of Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) is to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts. Our office is located in Hamden, CT. Founded over 40 years ago as an affiliate of Young Audiences, AFLCT has remained a leading provider of arts in education programs in the state. Our staff of 6 and roster of 85+ Teaching Artists serve 100,000+ PK-12 students in over 60% of CT towns annually. We work primarily in schools—and also in community centers, libraries, and other civic institutions—offering performances, workshops, residencies, and professional development. Our work spans the creative spectrum—from spoken word and contemporary visual art to classical Kathak dance and improvisational theatre. Our diverse roster of Teaching Artists (with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality) is reflective of the students we serve, half of whom are people of color, and half of whom qualify for Free or Reduced Price Lunch.

AFLCT’s Director of Business Development is responsible for supporting the organization’s earned and contributed revenue functions—from prospecting through stewardship. The Director of Business Development will work closely with the Executive Director to define earned and contributed revenue targets and strategies, and work with the entire staff to implement those strategies across multiple organizational functions; this will include marketing and sales for fee-for-service (earned revenue), and prospecting, solicitation, reporting, and stewardship for individual, foundation, corporate, and government donations (contributed revenue). As a senior organizational leader and the first in this new department, the Director of Business Development will help lead and sustain a culture where all staff are appropriately and effectively supporting revenue generation.

Increase contributed revenue 

• Working with the Executive Director, help develop and implement a comprehensive annual development plan that raises $750,000 to $1,000,000 annually across individual, corporate, foundation, and government sources
• Special attention will be paid to expanding the individual and corporate giving programs—which are currently under-developed—including prospecting, outreach, closing, and stewardship
• Foundation and government support will include research, writing, and reporting, as necessary
• Effectively utilize Salesforce to track progress and support informative data analysis and management
• The Director of Business Development will take primary responsibility for annual giving, the annual event, The Great Give, and other campaigns, as relevant

Increase earned revenue

• Working with the Executive Director and an interdisciplinary team of Operations Director and Program Manager, help develop and implement a comprehensive annual earned revenue plan that raises $750,000 to $1,000,000 in fee-for-service from schools, districts, Parent Teacher Organizations, and other clients
• Special attention will be paid to outreach campaigns that generate new business opportunities
• Effectively utilize Salesforce to track progress and support informative data analysis and management

Support AFLCT’s communications strategies 

• Working with the Executive Director, help create annual and multi-year communications strategies that support the organization’s strategic plan across both earned and contributed revenue functions
• The Director of Business Development will take primary responsibility for the newsletter, website, and social media channels—while developing new and creative ways to expand the reach of AFLCT’s communications

Manage relationships with key stakeholders and future business development staff

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including AFLCT staff, Teaching Artists, Board of Directors, clients, funders, and partners 
• Over the next 1-3 years, direct the hiring of Business Development support staff as the team and program grow
• Support the growth of AFLCT’s network and help build and sustain a thriving, creative, connected community 

Interested applicants should complete a short initial application at the following link: https://form.jotform.com/233066562739160 

You will be required to upload a cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, please be sure to describe your relevant skills and experiences, your appreciation of the arts and culture, and why you believe you’re the right fit for this position!

Questions can be directed to AFLCT Executive Director John-Michael Parker at jmparker@aflct.org. 

We will interview qualified applicants in the coming weeks, and seek to begin employment with the new Director of Business Development on or after January 1, 2024.