Founded in 1944, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world, with more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada, and more than 35 other countries. Whether working in independent studios, community schools, elementary and secondary schools, or higher education, NATS members represent the diversity of today’s music landscape, teaching in all vocal styles.

Internationally, NATS is represented in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, with the number of countries growing every year.

Driven by its mission statement, NATS offers a variety of lifelong learning experiences to its members, with workshops, Intern Programs, master classes and conferences, all beginning at the chapter level and progressing to national events. Students of NATS members* have access to one of the organization's most widely recognized activities:  Student Auditions. They also have the opportunity, along with members, to compete at a national level through the National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Awards (NATSAA), the National Music Theater Competition (NMTC) and the National Student Auditions.

NATS seeks its first Development Director, who will work with the Executive Director, other key staff, Advancement Committee, Board of Directors and more to achieve the goals and objectives of the NATS Strategic and Advancement Plans.

KEY ORGANIZATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The Development Director will work with the Executive Director to lead board, staff and stakeholders through some significant initiatives over the next few years.

• Implement the current strategic advancement plan, generate quarterly updates and annual advancement plan revision with the input of the NATS leadership team and Advancement Committee.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Manager to increase the organization’s recognition in the education, performing arts, and philanthropic communities.
• Build a sustainable comprehensive fundraising program, inclusive of annual, major, and planned gifts.
• Develop and expand an endowment for general operating support.

Job Summary and Primary Responsibilities:

The Development Director is responsible for the development, management, implementation and evaluation of an Advancement Plan that is consistent with the NATS mission statement and Strategic Plan. S/he must be able to articulate the vision and to personally champion the efforts of the organization and the various constituents it serves to attract the public and private support necessary to achieve organizational goals.

The Development Director is hired by and serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director.

The responsibilities of the position will include the following:

• Follow all fundraising policies and procedures with the goal of building a year-round sustainable development program that demonstrates the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Plan and execute all annual, corporate, foundation, capital and planned giving programs, writing and/or providing oversight for all proposal writing.
• Work with the Executive Director and Advancement Committee to identify, research and manage an active portfolio of individual, foundation, and corporate prospects and donors and engage the Executive Director and members of the Advancement Committee and Board of Directors in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding them appropriately. Develop and supervise annual budget for fundraising initiatives.
• Serve as the staff liaison to the Advancement Committee, working with the chair to schedule and implement committee virtual meetings and keeping the members informed, motivated, active and effective in their work on behalf of NATS.
• Guide fundraising support staff in managing the Donor Perfect database, data entry, sending email receipts and coordinating thank you letters for gifts.
• Collaborate closely with the entire NATS staff, particularly with the Director of Operations, Marketing and Communications Manager, and Membership Services Coordinator.