Workhouse Arts Center seeks Advancement Assistant

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Background: The Workhouse Arts Foundation, Inc. (WAF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation with a mission to operate the Workhouse Arts Center (opening in 2008) with programs in the visual arts, performing arts, arts education, and history through the repurposing of the former Workhouse correctional facility. WAF’s budget is $4 million annually.

Summary Statement:

Workhouse Arts Center, a project of the Workhouse Arts Foundation, is seeking an energetic and highly organized full-time Advancement Assistant. Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, the Advancement Assistant will support proposals, solicitations, fundraising campaigns, gift processing and acknowledgement, special events, database management, and day-to-day operations of the Advancement office.

The ideal candidate for this position is: 1) interested in gaining hands-on arts administration and fundraising experience in a fast-paced environment; 2) possesses a keen attention for detail, organization, and commitment to high-quality work; and, 3) is passionate about supporting multidisciplinary, community arts and art education experiences. A competitive candidate is a creative thinker and confident communicator who eagerly anticipates needs, is resourceful, and takes initiative to propose strong solutions and resolve questions with minimal supervision.

About Advancement at The Workhouse:

The Advancement Department is responsible for all aspects of fundraising for the Workhouse Arts Center and its programs. We prioritize successful, attentive, and contentious discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of all donors so that we can best align philanthropic interest with institutional mission delivery and strategy. Advancement staff lead and represent the Workhouse with respect, honor, integrity, transparency, and innovation so that we may further sustain the footprint of cultural excellence we bring to our region.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Support day-to-day fundraising duties, including prospect research, report preparation, and other administrative tasks.

  • Maintain updated on-site, printed, and digital recognition of sponsors, members, and donors.

  • Gift processing and acknowledgement coordination for all giving to the Workhouse and its

    programs.

  • Compile and clean development donor data, as well as maintain donor database records within

    the Tessitura system.

  • Assist as staff support during major fundraisers, performances, and other sponsored and donor-

    driven events.

  • Lead the Workhouse Volunteer Program by recruiting new participants, sourcing help for

    campus events, and formalizing opportunities for volunteerism on campus.

  • Work with the Vice President of Advancement to drive, create, and manage stewardship

    opportunities, including benefit fulfillment across multiple individual membership programs and sponsors of Workhouse Signature events and fundraisers.

  • Liaise with other departments across Workhouse to gather program impact data for reporting purposes.

  • Prepare regular and as-needed reports for the Vice President for Advancement.

  • Field donor calls, requests, and queries, as appropriate.

  • Work collaboratively on inter-departmental initiatives, programs, and events.

  • File and maintain comprehensive donor record information.

    Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree and/or 1-2 years of experience with nonprofit fundraising in an arts and cultural setting

  • Previous experience with the Tessitura database (strongly preferred, but not required)

  • Previous experience producing high-quality work in a professional setting

  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook

  • Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to thrive and operate successfully in a fast-moving and varied workplace

  • High attention to detail

  • Creative, flexible attitude with a knack for problem-solving

  • Knowledge of Fairfax County and surrounding NoVA/DMV area

    Accountabilities: Satisfactory completion of this job will be evidenced by excellent attention to detail, anticipation of financial need, exercising sound professional judgement, working with the Vice President of Advancement to meet financial goals, building and maintaining good working relationships with staff, artists and other colleagues, keeping excellent records, effective collaboration, and by operating within the Workhouse approved budget.

    Compensation/Benefits: $40,000-45,000 annually, with a benefit package that includes a health/dental insurance plan, a retirement plan (non-matching), PTO and sick leave, and other employee benefits. This is a full time, exempt position.

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Workhouse DEI Statement: The Workhouse is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff that honors their experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

Workhouse EEO Statement: The Workhouse is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Workhouse provides employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibility, genetic status or information, military or veteran status or in any status protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of

absence, compensation, and training. Workhouse will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under any circumstances.

Workhouse Health and Safety Policy: The Workhouse is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for our staff, artists, contractors, volunteers, students, and guests. With the continuing presence of COVID and its variants, the Workhouse is following CDC guidance and State of Virginia and

Fairfax County directives and strongly suggests that all staff wear masks in all indoor Workhouse settings. The Workhouse is a Non-Smoking campus.

Additional Notes: This position is for up to 40 hours per week performed on-site at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia during business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday). The work hours for this position are a function of work and support requirements and directed by the Vice President of Advancement. Some business meetings or special events may require working occasional weekends and weeknights.

Applications and Inquiries: Please submit the following PDF items electronically, with the subject line containing the words “Advancement Assistant” stated. Only qualified applicants will be contacted. Please direct all submissions to: humanresources@workhousearts.org

• Cover letter.

  • Resume including demonstrable accomplishments.

  • Three professional references

For best consideration, please apply by June 5, 2023.

Additional work samples may be requested.

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