Eyebeam was one of the first organizations dedicated to supporting artists who create with technology. Since our founding more than 20 years ago, over 500 artists have received support through our flagship fellowship, with hundreds more having participated in our exhibitions and gatherings. We are building from an adventurous legacy and breaking new ground in the role technology can play in our lives by empowering artists concerned about injustice and inequity. Eyebeam.org is our new home, and as we operate as a digital-first organization, we are establishing deep relationships with brick-and-mortar friends to powerfully present and amplify the work of our artists


Eyebeam was established in 1998 by John S. Johnson as a resource for artists to engage creatively with technology in an experimental setting. Originally located in a warehouse in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, Eyebeam supported makers and thinkers who spearheaded game-changing projects like reBlog, the first-ever online “sharing” protocol, and Fundrace, the first geocoding of public campaign finance data.


Many more “firsts” were had at our studios over the years, including the C-based creative coding platform, OpenFrameworks, and the first comprehensive rap lyrics database, the Rap Research Lab by Tahir Hemphill. Eyebeam has committed to amplifying the voices of artists, inventors, designers, and engineers who show us the horizon of what is possible, creating space for them to imagine the future. Society’s ever-shifting relationship to technology can be charted through the work of those that have come through our doors over the past two decades.


Now more than ever, Eyebeam radically centers artists in the cultural conversation, giving them the support to both interrogate and re-imagine what technology can be and who it is for.

Eyebeam has been W.A.G.E. certified since 2015.

Eyebeam, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, enacts its mission of centering artists in the design of our shared future. Operating at the interaction of art, technology, and the public good, the organization provides generous support to artists and amplifies cutting-edge ideas and inventions with the public through exhibitions, talks, and shared learning. 

The Director of Development is responsible for leading fundraising efforts and ensuring the organization meets its fundraising goals. They should have a strong track record in creating and executing fundraising plans covering major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, individual giving, alumni stewardship, and special events. 

Eyebeam is seeking an individual who can identify and develop relationships with major gift prospects, corporate and foundation donors, individuals, and alumni, as well as raise funds for special events and projects that engage Eyebeam's community. 

The Director of Development will oversee the creation of targeted appeals to encourage donations and enhance donor relationships. They will collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Fundraising Committee to align fundraising strategies with Eyebeam's mission. Furthermore, they will present plans and measurable performance metrics to ensure seamless integration with the organization's overall strategic vision and provide support that will drive Eyebeam forward.
 

Location: Hybrid (mostly remote with occasional in-person events in NYC; potential transition to mostly in-person beginning in 2025 in NYC) 

Classification: Full-Time, Salary Exempt 

Salary Range: $110,000 - $130,000 

Benefits Package: Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Coverage, Accrued PTO, Vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO), Life Insurance, and Refresh Days as described by Org. policy 


Primary Responsibilities

Donor Prospecting 

  • Grow and expand donor database and use effective and creative strategies to foster and maintain relationships with potential donors 
  • Collaborate with the ED and Board to identify and cultivate new donors 
  • Research individuals, corporations, and foundations interested in making significant gifts and grants in alignment with Eyebeam’s mission 
  • Keep track, record, and summarize research into an easy-to-understand report for biweekly updates for the Executive Director and/or Fundraising Committee 

Fundraising 

  • Develop and implement fundraising strategies that will support the organization’s short-term and long-term goals 
  • Translate the fundraising strategy into an effective and actionable plan to secure funding at all levels: 

                    Low: $1 - $10,000 

                    Medium: $10,000 - $100,000 

                    High: $100,000 - $1M+ 

  • Grow and Expand Individual Giving: Cultivate and steward potential donors with a focus on establishing recurring and long-term donor relationships 
  • Achieve sustainable revenue growth through diversification, raising organizational visibility, and pursuing new opportunities through strategic partnerships 
  • Ensure that donors are properly acknowledged and recognized for ALL contributions 

Campaign Management 

  • Manage digital engagement and fundraising campaigns for the Eyebeam website, social media, and donor platforms, such as Givelively, Benevity, or Salesforce 
  • Create and oversee successful fundraising events, including one spring fundraiser, two to four in-person gatherings, and one end-of-year campaign annually 
  • Create compelling press releases, impact reports, engaging social media content, and effective email campaigns for online, hybrid, or in-person events 

Reporting and Communication 

  • Prepare and submit written proposals, budgets, and other documentation to secure funding for General Operations, Programs, and Capital Expansion initiatives 
  • Manage the process of grant writing, and fiduciary reporting to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations 

General

  • Assist with written communication as assigned by the Executive Director or Board of Directors
     

Requirements

  • 5+ years of successful fundraising experience 
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully fundraise in the non-profit sector, preferably in an arts and cultural context 
  • Broad understanding of various development campaigns, activities, and tools including proposal and grant development, End of Year Campaigns, Special Events, databases, and CRMs for donor segmentation and research 
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills 
  • Familiarity with all ll media and digital platforms, storytelling, and brand development 
  • Decisive and methodical 
  • Experience in collaborating in a fast-paced and highly interactive culture 
  • Adept at learning new things and welcome challenges and change 
  • An individual who is confident about advancing the mission of the Org. 
  • Proficiency in Salesforce or comparable CRM and fundraising hub 
  • B.A. or higher


Equity and Inclusion

Eyebeam aims to create a hub for conversation and practice-sharing that is aware and responsive to systemic inequities in technology and invests in the meaningful inclusion of historically marginalized groups and voices. Eyebeam is committed to and values diversity in its organization and programs as defined by gender, race, ethnicity, disability-status, age, sexual orientation, immigrant status, and socioeconomic status. With a history rooted in innovation and collaboration Eyebeam’s programs are grounded in artist-community dialogue. Eyebeam supports meaningful access to technology for everyone.

We will accept and review applications on a rolling basis. Only applications completed via Submittable will be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Eyebeam