Director of Development
Jacob Burns Film Center, one of the most successful suburban art house film centers in the country, seeks a thoughtful, committed, and driven new Director of Development, as the organization prepares to celebrate its 25th year of achievement and impact. A cultural arts and educational center inspired by the power of film, the Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) has accomplished a significant amount in its first twenty-five years, establishing pioneering 21st century education programs, offering professional development resources for teachers and local and international mediamakers, and welcoming more than two million people through its doors for films. The organization has claimed a beloved and substantial role in the Pleasantville, NY community, within Westchester County.
The Director of Development will be a key leader in the organization, reporting to the Executive Director, collaborating with fellow senior staff members, and mentoring and guiding a dedicated team of four in the development department. They will work closely with the Board of Directors, strengthening their abilities to be active fundraisers and advocates, and instilling in them an enthusiasm for the organization’s valuable mission. A natural communicator and strategic thinker, the Director of Development will draft detailed annual development plans to help the organization elevate its annual contributed revenue goal of from $3.1 to $4 million in the next three years.
The search is being led by Consultant Brenna Thomas, in consultation with and support from the TOC Arts Partners search team. We encourage you to apply by January 16, 2026, for priority consideration. Interviews may begin at any time, and we encourage you to apply as early as possible for best consideration. Please note that applying before the priority deadline does not guarantee an interview, and all applicants will receive a response regarding the consideration and status of their candidacy.
For general questions or nominations of prospective candidates, please contact searchteam@tocartspartners.com. We kindly request no phone calls. Specific questions about the position may be directed to: Brenna Thomas, Consultant, Search & Strategy brenna@tocartspartners.com.
Note to Applicants:
All applications must be submitted through the application portal linked above, as we do not accept resumes or cover letters via email. Rest assured, a real human reviews every application we receive, and your application decision is not at the whim of AI or keyword filters. We seriously consider and encourage candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. While it may take a few weeks as we process and evaluate submissions, all applicants should expect follow-up regarding the status of their submissions. Due to the volume of applications, we are not able to offer detailed individualized feedback at this time. Thank you.