Development Associate
Full time position - Apps due March 5, 2004
JOB DESCRIPTION

Great Leap is a Los Angeles based multicultural performing arts organization dedicated to creating and presenting original works in theater, music and dance. Through the creative and collaborative process of performances, workshops and community residencies, Great Leap works with professional artists and community partners to instill a deeper understanding and a sense of connection between diverse peoples. Founded in 1978 by Artistic Director Nobuko Miyamoto, Great Leap is rooted in the Asian American community and promotes cross-cultural exchange with local and nationwide audiences.

The Development Associate will work with the Managing Director to secure funding from government agencies, private foundations and corporate sponsors. S/he will be the organization’s primary grantwriter/researcher; independently manage the corporate sponsorship appeal; assist with the organization’s direct mail campaign; and produce special events.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Development
A. Foundation/Government Funding
- Research potential funding sources.
- Draft grant proposals and letters of inquiry.
- Compile necessary information; submit proposals in timely manner.
- Write and submit grant reports.

B. Corporate Funders/Sponsors
- Maintain positive relationships with existing sponsors.
- Identify new sponsors.
- Submit applications and/or letters requesting support.

C. Individual Donors
- Assist with semi-annual direct mail campaign.

2. Special Event Management
A. Manage special events for VIP donors.
B. Assist in production of annual art auction/fundraiser.

3. General Support
A. Provide general support to the Managing Director.
B. Participate in developing and implementing organization’s marketing strategy.
C. Occasionally serve as organizational spokesperson at local and national events.
D. Any and all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:
- Minimum 1 year of grant writing experience.
- Previous nonprofit experience in development/fundraising/marketing.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Knowledge of funding trends in the arts and community-based nonprofits.
- Experience managing major donor campaigns is a plus.
- Strong computer skills including database management, Word, Excel, and Internet. MAC experience is preferable.

We are seeking someone with the following attributes:
- Passion for community-based arts and social justice.
- Understanding of Great Leap’s mission.
- Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure.
- Must work well independently, and also work well as part of a team.

Compensation: Salary is $28,000. This is a full time position with 2 weeks paid vacation, 9 paid holidays/year, and health insurance benefits.

Start date:
April 1, 2004.

Submissions:
To apply, please mail or email (via Word) a cover letter expressing why you want to work for Great Leap, your resume, a writing sample, and the names of two references, including job title and telephone number, to:

Jennifer Kuida, Managing Director
Great Leap, Inc.
1145 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 100-D
Los Angeles, CA 90017
jenni[at]greatleap[dot]org

Your application must be received by March 5, 2004. To learn more about Great Leap, please see our website. Thank you!

Great Leap, Inc. ~ 1145 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 100-D, Los Angeles CA 90017 ~ (213) 250-8800 ~ Fax (213) 250-8801