AJ Four Ways: Text Only (by date) | headlines only
DANCE
IDEAS
- Good Morning
Venice is shaping up to be interesting this year. Russia returns to the Biennale with its own pavilion — the latest move in its campaign to reclaim cultural legitimacy while the war in Ukraine grinds on (The New York Times). Also attending: the Belarus Free Theatre, in exile since 2020, bringing a show about authoritarianism as a collateral event (ARTnews). The same stage, two very different stories about what art is for.
On the domestic front, DePaul University has announced it’s closing its art museum, and more than 2,000 people have signed an open letter calling the decision “short-sighted, wrong-headed” (Hyperallergic). Meanwhile, the Art Institute of Chicago is considering an expansion that would displace the landmark Adler & Sullivan trading room — rescued from demolition 54 years ago — to make way for new galleries (Chicago Sun-Times).
Scientists studying tree rings in Stradivarius violins have traced the wood to a high-altitude valley in northern Italy — the same one that hosted part of the 2026 Winter Olympics (The New York Times). Terroir, but for instruments.
All of our stories below.
- Development Director – The Hermitage Artist Retreat via TOC Arts Partners
Position Profile
The Hermitage Artist Retreat seeks a passionate, intelligent, and driven Development Director with experience in all aspects of fundraising and donor relations to sustain and grow the organization’s highly successful development efforts. With the arrival of Andy Sandberg as the Artistic Director/CEO six years ago, the organization has flourished, growing its revenue and programming by 4X. With this growth, the Hermitage has introduced dozens of new partnerships throughout Sarasota County and across the United States; expanded its national and international commissioning initiatives; and established itself as a leading national arts incubator in theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, and more. In addition to maintaining an engaged Board and generous circle of supporters, the Hermitage has a devoted group of over 800 alumni artists who maintain deep gratitude for their residency experience. The public enjoys year-round free programs presented by the Hermitage on their historic beachfront campus and other locations throughout the region, where audiences have the opportunity to experience the work being supported by and developed at the Hermitage Artist Retreat.
As the Hermitage continues to build on its great momentum, a new Development Director will join the Hermitage team to be a part of the organization’s ambitious growth and evolution. The ideal candidate for this role should be enthusiastic about supporting some of the most innovative artists of our time, as they create new work in a diversity of disciplines. This individual will be eager to play a vital role in a fast-paced, energized, and rapidly growing arts organization that is making a significant and sustainable impact in both the local community and the national artistic landscape. The new Development Director will have the benefit of a deeply committed donor base and robust prospect opportunities. The job requires a high standard of excellence in project and database management, with a deep appreciation and attentiveness for their culture of donor relations and hospitality. Reporting to and collaborating closely with the Artistic Director/CEO, this role requires exceptional organizational skills, plus the ability to multitask and balance a steady stream of detail-oriented and deadline-driven projects. This is a full-time, on-site position in Sarasota County, Florida, working closely among a team of passionate, driven, and high-performing professionals.
About the Hermitage Artist Retreat
The Hermitage is a leading national arts incubator and a multidisciplinary artist retreat uniquely serving artists, the creative process, and the community. The mission of the Hermitage is to inspire and foster the most influential and culturally consequential art and artists of our time.
Located on a nine-acre beachfront campus in Manasota Key at the southern tip of Sarasota County, Florida, the Hermitage is a leading national arts incubator providing diverse and accomplished artists with multi-week residencies to create new works of theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, film, and more. Hermitage Fellows have frequently described their experiences as “life-changing” and “transformative,” regularly noting that they accomplish more in any two weeks at the Hermitage than they otherwise might in two years. Hermitage Fellows have included eighteen Pulitzer Prize winners, multiple Tony, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy nominees and winners, Poets Laureate, MacArthur “Genius” and Guggenheim Fellows, and hundreds of extraordinary artists from around the world. The award-winning original works created at the Hermitage are presented in renowned concert halls, theaters, museums, and galleries throughout our region and across the globe. Audiences in the greater Sarasota region are offered a ‘sneak peek’ into the works and minds of these brilliant artists through the Hermitage’s free community programs, many of which are in collaboration with fellow arts and cultural organizations throughout Sarasota and neighboring counties. In addition to the unique and invaluable experience we provide to artists, we take pride in our complementary missions of historic preservation, ecological restoration, and dynamic community engagement.
The Hermitage is the only major arts organization in Florida’s Gulf Coast region exclusively committed to the development and creation of new work across all artistic disciplines.
About Sarasota County, Manasota Key, and Florida’s Gulf Coast
Sarasota County is one of the fastest growing economies in the country, with the arts playing a pivotal role in the culture, community, and prosperity of the region. While many are drawn to the breathtaking sunsets, visitors and residents alike greatly appreciate the access to vibrant cultural organizations and events, a range of outdoor activities, a deeply engaged philanthropic community, and a burgeoning food scene. Sarasota County continues to remain an attractive location for professionals and stands at #11 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live in the U.S. list. The Hermitage Artist Retreat and Manasota Key are located in Englewood in the southern part of Sarasota County, bordering nearby Charlotte County and close to the towns of Northport, Venice, and Port Charlotte.
Set against a unique historic and ecological backdrop, the Hermitage campus and offices offer a vibrant creative oasis within Florida, while making a national and global impact on the greater artistic landscape. Manasota Key is considered to be one of Florida’s most beautiful barrier islands, nestled among Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Boca Grande. Nearby cities/airports beyond Sarasota (SRQ) include Tampa (TPA), Fort Myers (RSW), and St. Petersburg (PIE).
About the Position
The Development Director is responsible for organizing, managing, and executing the annual fundraising plan in support of the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s mission and strategic plan. The Hermitage is funded almost exclusively through donors and grantors, and the Development Director plays a vital role in those efforts and as a member of the senior management team. Reporting directly to the Artistic Director/CEO, the Development Director provides both strategic expertise and operational support in all areas of development, including annual, major, and planned giving, institutional grants, and fundraising events. This individual has the skills to develop and execute dynamic fundraising and communications strategies to deepen donor relationships and expand the base of support.
The Development Director will oversee and manage a team of three support staff that includes a Grants Manager, a Senior Development Associate, and a Development Coordinator. This invaluable member of the team collaborates with all the Hermitage constituencies, including staff, trustees, donors, artists, marketing, and event personnel, and community partners. This leadership position is a ‘hands-on’ role that manages staff and volunteers when needed, ensures best practices throughout fundraising operations, and supervises the team’s use of fundraising software and ongoing data management.
Duties & Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
- Assess needs, apply best practices, develop, and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, integrating all fundraising activities including annual, major, and planned giving, institutional grants, and events.
- Advise the Artistic Director/CEO on strategic and operational development-related activity and serve as a collaborator and partner on the senior management team.
- Develop, manage, and regularly report on the progress of the annual fundraising budget.
- Develop, document, and implement fundraising policies and procedures as needed.
- Represent the Hermitage at community events and programs as needed.
Individual Giving
- Develop and expand upon the organization’s fundraising strategies to increase donor acquisition and retention, deepen donor engagement, and grow the base of support.
- Develop a portfolio of major donors and prospects strategically, creating personalized plans aligning organizational needs with donors’ philanthropic interests and objectives; this may include planned giving initiatives.
- Manage a comprehensive Annual Fund program, including appeals and campaigns, with carefully coordinated LYBUNT and SYBUNT outreach.
- Maximize use of technology for donor and prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Oversee fundraising event logistics and personnel, including staff, volunteers, and vendors. Manage event timelines, budgets, and project plans; assist with the maintenance of accurate event records, invitation lists, RSVP management, and any applicable event committee coordination.
- Lead all donor relations functions; this includes all logistics surrounding donor meetings, dinners, and other stewardship events and engagements.
- Collaborate with development and organizational colleagues to develop strategic and consistent donor and prospect communications in support of fundraising goals.
- Generate and edit content and strategy for fundraising communications, including print collateral, website, and digital media.
- Oversee the management of the organization’s fundraising database, including team training on functions, ongoing record cleaning, accurate data management, and reporting functions.
- Manage the team’s timely and effective gift processing, ensuring accurate data entry and recordkeeping, prompt gift acknowledgement, and appropriate donor recognition.
Institutional Giving
- Foster collaborative individual and institutional partnerships, including vital foundation relationships, to further community awareness and engagement in the Hermitage’s mission.
- Oversee grants manager and grants process, including research, application, and reporting; write and/or edit grant proposals as appropriate.
Board Relations
- Liaise with the Board of Trustees on all development-related activities.
- Build ongoing communicative relationships with Board members to further their engagement, solicit their annual gifts, and support them in their development of relationships for the organization.
- Prepare and present development reports for Board meetings, as needed.
- In collaboration with the Artistic Director/CEO and Board leadership, identify and steward potential Board members and solidify the onboarding processes for new members.
Qualifications
- A passion for the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s mission, vision, and values.
- Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and oral and written communication skills.
- Proven experience and a successful track record raising funds from wide-ranging sources, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
- Expertise in crafting successful fundraising communications.
- Experience planning and executing large-scale donor events and engaging a Board in the success of those events
- Excellent interpersonal skills as leader and team player; at ease communicating with a wide range of constituents.
- Entrepreneurial, with a high level of personal initiative, integrity, and positive energy.
- A sense of “hustle” and a “can do” attitude; this high-performing individual is responsible for finding creative solutions and delivering swift and effective results.
- Comfortable transitioning from external relationship building work to managing internal operations that keeps the department in order.
- Ability to handle confidential information with the utmost discretion.
- Knowledge of and connection to the local community is a plus, but not a requirement; knowledge of the national arts funding community is deeply advantageous.
- Proficient with donor management software, including database, communication, and event management programs; familiarity with Salesforce a plus.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and G-Suite applications.
- Ability to operate and trouble-shoot basic office equipment.
- Flexible to work evenings and weekends, as needed, in support of Hermitage programs, donor events, or other meetings on campus and throughout our region.
- Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent, and a demonstrated history of progressively successful fundraising experience.
- Graduate degree and/or CFRE or ACFRE accreditation a plus.
Compensation
The salary for this position is $100,000-125,000. The Hermitage Artist Retreat provides comprehensive benefits, including providing access to insurance (health, dental, vision) and a matching IRA program, paid time off, and free and easy parking. A relocation stipend will be considered to support a move for this role. Florida has a 0% personal state or local income tax rate.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat is located on Manasota Key, Sarasota County, Florida. The offices are located in a renovated beach house on the Hermitage’s nine-acre campus, with ample space for the entire team and extraordinary views of the beach. The house also includes performance/studio space and a full kitchen. This is a full-time, on-site position; non-local candidates would be expected to relocate to the region. The Hermitage Artist Retreat is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, artists, guests, and members of our community.
Application Instructions
The Development Director search is being conducted on behalf of the Hermitage Artist Retreat by TOC Arts Partners, a national consultancy aligning strategies, structures, and leadership toward a thriving cultural sector. The search is being led by Search Consultant Brenna Thomas, in consultation with and support from the TOC Arts Partners search team.
To apply, visit the online application and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include any training or experience relevant to the job profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a good fit for this opportunity, and anything else you’d like us to know about your qualifications that may not be present in your resume.
Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that cis men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria, while others tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you’re returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.
- Meet The Woman Who Brought Helvetica To America
Barbara Stauffacher Solomon brought the now-standard sans-serif font back from her studies in Basel in the early 1960s, when Americans were completely accustomed to traditional typefaces likes Times New Roman and Baskerville. She then became famous for her colorful designs, interior and exterior, for the new Sea Ranch community in California. – Artnet
- Musician Opens Jewel Box 750-Seat Music Venue In LA
In a few weeks, this site will be Pacific Electric, a new 750-capacity music venue that Ben Lovett and his venue-developer firm TVG Hospitality have been converting for six years. It’s a small but ambitious entry into a Los Angeles venue landscape that’s recovering from fire and economic woes. – Los Angeles Times
- The Aztec Dancers Of Silicon Valley
“Calpulli Ocelocihuatl (is) one of roughly half-a-dozen Aztec dance groups active in San Jose. Other Aztec dance groups – some whose histories stretch back more than half a century — are also thriving along the West Coast, from Washington state down to Sacramento, Oakland, Salinas and San Diego.” – The Mercury News (San Jose)
ISSUES
- The British Museum Employee Who Stole More Than 300 Prints
“Nigel Peverett, who worked at the museum’s Department of Prints and Drawings in the early 1970s, had remained a ‘frequent visitor’ until one day in April 1992, when he was caught.” He was prosecuted, hospitalized after a suicide attempt, and got a suspended sentence. Amazingly, he kept his employee pension. – The Independent (UK)
- Russia Returns To Exhibiting At The Venice Biennale
Russia will host a pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennale, the world’s most important art event — the latest sign of the country’s will to end its pariah status in global cultural and sporting life amid the war in Ukraine. – The New York Times
- Protests Over Announcement DePaul University Will Close Its Museum
The move has prompted outrage from faculty and staff, including an open letter penned by art history and philosophy faculty members and signed by more than 2,000 community members that criticized the school’s decision as “short-sighted, wrong-headed, and grounded in some deeply disappointing principles of prioritization.” – Hyperallergic
- Inside The Painstaking Restoration Of A Frank Lloyd Wright House
The Martin House’s resurfacing as a museum—with its insides restored, and its carriage house and conservatory rebuilt to original specifications—is nothing short of a “civic miracle.” – Artnet
- Chicago Art Institute Expansion Threatens Iconic Louis Sullivan Room
The old Chicago Stock Exchange Building trading room — Adler & Sullivan’s gilded age space rescued from demolition 54 years ago — could be uprooted from its longtime Art Institute of Chicago home under preliminary expansion plans being considered by the museum. – Chicago Sun-Times
MEDIA
- Trump’s “Freedom Truck” Mobile Exhibitions Are Now On The Road
“As the U.S. gears up for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, President Donald Trump has dispatched six roving Freedom Truck exhibitions to crisscross the country. The first of 20 planned stops — mainly in the South, with forays to the Midwest, Arizona, and Utah — was last month in Nashville.” – Artnet
- LA’s Art Gold Rush Ends, Actual Work Begins
The carpetbaggers have packed their Hermès bags and fled back east. What remains? The unglamorous business of building a real art scene—one gallery lease and artist studio at a time. — Artnet
- Supreme Court to AI Art: Sorry, Humans Only
The high court declined to revisit whether algorithms can hold copyright, leaving AI creations in legal limbo. While tech bros rage and traditional artists breathe easier, the real question remains: who profits when creativity gets automated? — Artnet
- The Role Of Arts And Culture In Turbulent Times
When the news and social media are flooded with opposing interpretations of events, outright lies, and about a zillion editorial style video shorts that offer about a zillion different opinions, art and culture can bring the reality and humanity of the headlines to light. – Ludwig Van
- Downtown L.A.’s Latest, And Smallest, Performance Venue Looks Like An Electrical Box
Indeed, when artist S.C. Mero was installing it in the Arts District, police stopped her, concerned she was ripping out copper wire. Inside, the Electrical Box Theatre is “an impromptu performance space for the sort of experimental artists who no longer have an outlet in downtown’s galleries or more refined stages.” – Los Angeles Times (Yahoo!)
MUSIC
- Why Dictionaries Still Matter
The book is formal and highly structured; it seems like something from another, vaguely bygone time. Still, dictionary editors have long paid close attention to how language is used and perused—in signs, in novels, in articles and pronouncements, and lately on the Web. – The Nation
- How A Scholar Stumbled On Handwritten Notes By Galileo
Historian Ivan Malara spotted notes, annotations and a Bible verse handwritten by the young Galileo circa 1590 in an early printed copy of the Almagest, the second-century C.E. treatise on astronomy by Ptolemy which placed the Earth at the center of the universe. – Smithsonian Magazine
- Colm Tóibín: Of Course AI Is A Threat To Creative Writing
“This idea [that] no machine could ever replace my sensibility, which is so rich, varied, complex, and arising from experience and from history – that’s all rubbish. You can actually manufacture that.” – The Conversation
- Who Wrote This? The Age-Old Question Gets Circuitry
Before ChatGPT made everyone panic about robot poets, writers were already grappling with authenticity’s slippery slope. Ghostwriters, collaborators, editors—the literary world’s dirty secret is that pure authorship was always a romantic fiction. — LitHub
- The Artist Who Copied Out The Complete “Moby-Dick” By Hand
Bethany Collins spent four months transcribing the 900-odd-page text. She finds many of Melville’s concerns relevant today: “following the lone madman who will take the whole ship down, … overconsumption, the pursuit of oil and an obsession with whiteness.” (Okay, the last one might be a stretch.) – T — The New York Times Magazine
PEOPLE
- Good Morning
Venice is shaping up to be interesting this year. Russia returns to the Biennale with its own pavilion — the latest move in its campaign to reclaim cultural legitimacy while the war in Ukraine grinds on (The New York Times). Also attending: the Belarus Free Theatre, in exile since 2020, bringing a show about authoritarianism as a collateral event (ARTnews). The same stage, two very different stories about what art is for.
On the domestic front, DePaul University has announced it’s closing its art museum, and more than 2,000 people have signed an open letter calling the decision “short-sighted, wrong-headed” (Hyperallergic). Meanwhile, the Art Institute of Chicago is considering an expansion that would displace the landmark Adler & Sullivan trading room — rescued from demolition 54 years ago — to make way for new galleries (Chicago Sun-Times).
Scientists studying tree rings in Stradivarius violins have traced the wood to a high-altitude valley in northern Italy — the same one that hosted part of the 2026 Winter Olympics (The New York Times). Terroir, but for instruments.
All of our stories below.
- Development Director – The Hermitage Artist Retreat via TOC Arts Partners
Position Profile
The Hermitage Artist Retreat seeks a passionate, intelligent, and driven Development Director with experience in all aspects of fundraising and donor relations to sustain and grow the organization’s highly successful development efforts. With the arrival of Andy Sandberg as the Artistic Director/CEO six years ago, the organization has flourished, growing its revenue and programming by 4X. With this growth, the Hermitage has introduced dozens of new partnerships throughout Sarasota County and across the United States; expanded its national and international commissioning initiatives; and established itself as a leading national arts incubator in theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, and more. In addition to maintaining an engaged Board and generous circle of supporters, the Hermitage has a devoted group of over 800 alumni artists who maintain deep gratitude for their residency experience. The public enjoys year-round free programs presented by the Hermitage on their historic beachfront campus and other locations throughout the region, where audiences have the opportunity to experience the work being supported by and developed at the Hermitage Artist Retreat.
As the Hermitage continues to build on its great momentum, a new Development Director will join the Hermitage team to be a part of the organization’s ambitious growth and evolution. The ideal candidate for this role should be enthusiastic about supporting some of the most innovative artists of our time, as they create new work in a diversity of disciplines. This individual will be eager to play a vital role in a fast-paced, energized, and rapidly growing arts organization that is making a significant and sustainable impact in both the local community and the national artistic landscape. The new Development Director will have the benefit of a deeply committed donor base and robust prospect opportunities. The job requires a high standard of excellence in project and database management, with a deep appreciation and attentiveness for their culture of donor relations and hospitality. Reporting to and collaborating closely with the Artistic Director/CEO, this role requires exceptional organizational skills, plus the ability to multitask and balance a steady stream of detail-oriented and deadline-driven projects. This is a full-time, on-site position in Sarasota County, Florida, working closely among a team of passionate, driven, and high-performing professionals.
About the Hermitage Artist Retreat
The Hermitage is a leading national arts incubator and a multidisciplinary artist retreat uniquely serving artists, the creative process, and the community. The mission of the Hermitage is to inspire and foster the most influential and culturally consequential art and artists of our time.
Located on a nine-acre beachfront campus in Manasota Key at the southern tip of Sarasota County, Florida, the Hermitage is a leading national arts incubator providing diverse and accomplished artists with multi-week residencies to create new works of theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, film, and more. Hermitage Fellows have frequently described their experiences as “life-changing” and “transformative,” regularly noting that they accomplish more in any two weeks at the Hermitage than they otherwise might in two years. Hermitage Fellows have included eighteen Pulitzer Prize winners, multiple Tony, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy nominees and winners, Poets Laureate, MacArthur “Genius” and Guggenheim Fellows, and hundreds of extraordinary artists from around the world. The award-winning original works created at the Hermitage are presented in renowned concert halls, theaters, museums, and galleries throughout our region and across the globe. Audiences in the greater Sarasota region are offered a ‘sneak peek’ into the works and minds of these brilliant artists through the Hermitage’s free community programs, many of which are in collaboration with fellow arts and cultural organizations throughout Sarasota and neighboring counties. In addition to the unique and invaluable experience we provide to artists, we take pride in our complementary missions of historic preservation, ecological restoration, and dynamic community engagement.
The Hermitage is the only major arts organization in Florida’s Gulf Coast region exclusively committed to the development and creation of new work across all artistic disciplines.
About Sarasota County, Manasota Key, and Florida’s Gulf Coast
Sarasota County is one of the fastest growing economies in the country, with the arts playing a pivotal role in the culture, community, and prosperity of the region. While many are drawn to the breathtaking sunsets, visitors and residents alike greatly appreciate the access to vibrant cultural organizations and events, a range of outdoor activities, a deeply engaged philanthropic community, and a burgeoning food scene. Sarasota County continues to remain an attractive location for professionals and stands at #11 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live in the U.S. list. The Hermitage Artist Retreat and Manasota Key are located in Englewood in the southern part of Sarasota County, bordering nearby Charlotte County and close to the towns of Northport, Venice, and Port Charlotte.
Set against a unique historic and ecological backdrop, the Hermitage campus and offices offer a vibrant creative oasis within Florida, while making a national and global impact on the greater artistic landscape. Manasota Key is considered to be one of Florida’s most beautiful barrier islands, nestled among Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Boca Grande. Nearby cities/airports beyond Sarasota (SRQ) include Tampa (TPA), Fort Myers (RSW), and St. Petersburg (PIE).
About the Position
The Development Director is responsible for organizing, managing, and executing the annual fundraising plan in support of the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s mission and strategic plan. The Hermitage is funded almost exclusively through donors and grantors, and the Development Director plays a vital role in those efforts and as a member of the senior management team. Reporting directly to the Artistic Director/CEO, the Development Director provides both strategic expertise and operational support in all areas of development, including annual, major, and planned giving, institutional grants, and fundraising events. This individual has the skills to develop and execute dynamic fundraising and communications strategies to deepen donor relationships and expand the base of support.
The Development Director will oversee and manage a team of three support staff that includes a Grants Manager, a Senior Development Associate, and a Development Coordinator. This invaluable member of the team collaborates with all the Hermitage constituencies, including staff, trustees, donors, artists, marketing, and event personnel, and community partners. This leadership position is a ‘hands-on’ role that manages staff and volunteers when needed, ensures best practices throughout fundraising operations, and supervises the team’s use of fundraising software and ongoing data management.
Duties & Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
- Assess needs, apply best practices, develop, and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, integrating all fundraising activities including annual, major, and planned giving, institutional grants, and events.
- Advise the Artistic Director/CEO on strategic and operational development-related activity and serve as a collaborator and partner on the senior management team.
- Develop, manage, and regularly report on the progress of the annual fundraising budget.
- Develop, document, and implement fundraising policies and procedures as needed.
- Represent the Hermitage at community events and programs as needed.
Individual Giving
- Develop and expand upon the organization’s fundraising strategies to increase donor acquisition and retention, deepen donor engagement, and grow the base of support.
- Develop a portfolio of major donors and prospects strategically, creating personalized plans aligning organizational needs with donors’ philanthropic interests and objectives; this may include planned giving initiatives.
- Manage a comprehensive Annual Fund program, including appeals and campaigns, with carefully coordinated LYBUNT and SYBUNT outreach.
- Maximize use of technology for donor and prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Oversee fundraising event logistics and personnel, including staff, volunteers, and vendors. Manage event timelines, budgets, and project plans; assist with the maintenance of accurate event records, invitation lists, RSVP management, and any applicable event committee coordination.
- Lead all donor relations functions; this includes all logistics surrounding donor meetings, dinners, and other stewardship events and engagements.
- Collaborate with development and organizational colleagues to develop strategic and consistent donor and prospect communications in support of fundraising goals.
- Generate and edit content and strategy for fundraising communications, including print collateral, website, and digital media.
- Oversee the management of the organization’s fundraising database, including team training on functions, ongoing record cleaning, accurate data management, and reporting functions.
- Manage the team’s timely and effective gift processing, ensuring accurate data entry and recordkeeping, prompt gift acknowledgement, and appropriate donor recognition.
Institutional Giving
- Foster collaborative individual and institutional partnerships, including vital foundation relationships, to further community awareness and engagement in the Hermitage’s mission.
- Oversee grants manager and grants process, including research, application, and reporting; write and/or edit grant proposals as appropriate.
Board Relations
- Liaise with the Board of Trustees on all development-related activities.
- Build ongoing communicative relationships with Board members to further their engagement, solicit their annual gifts, and support them in their development of relationships for the organization.
- Prepare and present development reports for Board meetings, as needed.
- In collaboration with the Artistic Director/CEO and Board leadership, identify and steward potential Board members and solidify the onboarding processes for new members.
Qualifications
- A passion for the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s mission, vision, and values.
- Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and oral and written communication skills.
- Proven experience and a successful track record raising funds from wide-ranging sources, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
- Expertise in crafting successful fundraising communications.
- Experience planning and executing large-scale donor events and engaging a Board in the success of those events
- Excellent interpersonal skills as leader and team player; at ease communicating with a wide range of constituents.
- Entrepreneurial, with a high level of personal initiative, integrity, and positive energy.
- A sense of “hustle” and a “can do” attitude; this high-performing individual is responsible for finding creative solutions and delivering swift and effective results.
- Comfortable transitioning from external relationship building work to managing internal operations that keeps the department in order.
- Ability to handle confidential information with the utmost discretion.
- Knowledge of and connection to the local community is a plus, but not a requirement; knowledge of the national arts funding community is deeply advantageous.
- Proficient with donor management software, including database, communication, and event management programs; familiarity with Salesforce a plus.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and G-Suite applications.
- Ability to operate and trouble-shoot basic office equipment.
- Flexible to work evenings and weekends, as needed, in support of Hermitage programs, donor events, or other meetings on campus and throughout our region.
- Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent, and a demonstrated history of progressively successful fundraising experience.
- Graduate degree and/or CFRE or ACFRE accreditation a plus.
Compensation
The salary for this position is $100,000-125,000. The Hermitage Artist Retreat provides comprehensive benefits, including providing access to insurance (health, dental, vision) and a matching IRA program, paid time off, and free and easy parking. A relocation stipend will be considered to support a move for this role. Florida has a 0% personal state or local income tax rate.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat is located on Manasota Key, Sarasota County, Florida. The offices are located in a renovated beach house on the Hermitage’s nine-acre campus, with ample space for the entire team and extraordinary views of the beach. The house also includes performance/studio space and a full kitchen. This is a full-time, on-site position; non-local candidates would be expected to relocate to the region. The Hermitage Artist Retreat is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, artists, guests, and members of our community.
Application Instructions
The Development Director search is being conducted on behalf of the Hermitage Artist Retreat by TOC Arts Partners, a national consultancy aligning strategies, structures, and leadership toward a thriving cultural sector. The search is being led by Search Consultant Brenna Thomas, in consultation with and support from the TOC Arts Partners search team.
To apply, visit the online application and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include any training or experience relevant to the job profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a good fit for this opportunity, and anything else you’d like us to know about your qualifications that may not be present in your resume.
Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that cis men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria, while others tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you’re returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.
- Meet The Woman Who Brought Helvetica To America
Barbara Stauffacher Solomon brought the now-standard sans-serif font back from her studies in Basel in the early 1960s, when Americans were completely accustomed to traditional typefaces likes Times New Roman and Baskerville. She then became famous for her colorful designs, interior and exterior, for the new Sea Ranch community in California. – Artnet
- Musician Opens Jewel Box 750-Seat Music Venue In LA
In a few weeks, this site will be Pacific Electric, a new 750-capacity music venue that Ben Lovett and his venue-developer firm TVG Hospitality have been converting for six years. It’s a small but ambitious entry into a Los Angeles venue landscape that’s recovering from fire and economic woes. – Los Angeles Times
- The Aztec Dancers Of Silicon Valley
“Calpulli Ocelocihuatl (is) one of roughly half-a-dozen Aztec dance groups active in San Jose. Other Aztec dance groups – some whose histories stretch back more than half a century — are also thriving along the West Coast, from Washington state down to Sacramento, Oakland, Salinas and San Diego.” – The Mercury News (San Jose)
PEOPLE
- Good Morning
Venice is shaping up to be interesting this year. Russia returns to the Biennale with its own pavilion — the latest move in its campaign to reclaim cultural legitimacy while the war in Ukraine grinds on (The New York Times). Also attending: the Belarus Free Theatre, in exile since 2020, bringing a show about authoritarianism as a collateral event (ARTnews). The same stage, two very different stories about what art is for.
On the domestic front, DePaul University has announced it’s closing its art museum, and more than 2,000 people have signed an open letter calling the decision “short-sighted, wrong-headed” (Hyperallergic). Meanwhile, the Art Institute of Chicago is considering an expansion that would displace the landmark Adler & Sullivan trading room — rescued from demolition 54 years ago — to make way for new galleries (Chicago Sun-Times).
Scientists studying tree rings in Stradivarius violins have traced the wood to a high-altitude valley in northern Italy — the same one that hosted part of the 2026 Winter Olympics (The New York Times). Terroir, but for instruments.
All of our stories below.
- Development Director – The Hermitage Artist Retreat via TOC Arts Partners
Position Profile
The Hermitage Artist Retreat seeks a passionate, intelligent, and driven Development Director with experience in all aspects of fundraising and donor relations to sustain and grow the organization’s highly successful development efforts. With the arrival of Andy Sandberg as the Artistic Director/CEO six years ago, the organization has flourished, growing its revenue and programming by 4X. With this growth, the Hermitage has introduced dozens of new partnerships throughout Sarasota County and across the United States; expanded its national and international commissioning initiatives; and established itself as a leading national arts incubator in theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, and more. In addition to maintaining an engaged Board and generous circle of supporters, the Hermitage has a devoted group of over 800 alumni artists who maintain deep gratitude for their residency experience. The public enjoys year-round free programs presented by the Hermitage on their historic beachfront campus and other locations throughout the region, where audiences have the opportunity to experience the work being supported by and developed at the Hermitage Artist Retreat.
As the Hermitage continues to build on its great momentum, a new Development Director will join the Hermitage team to be a part of the organization’s ambitious growth and evolution. The ideal candidate for this role should be enthusiastic about supporting some of the most innovative artists of our time, as they create new work in a diversity of disciplines. This individual will be eager to play a vital role in a fast-paced, energized, and rapidly growing arts organization that is making a significant and sustainable impact in both the local community and the national artistic landscape. The new Development Director will have the benefit of a deeply committed donor base and robust prospect opportunities. The job requires a high standard of excellence in project and database management, with a deep appreciation and attentiveness for their culture of donor relations and hospitality. Reporting to and collaborating closely with the Artistic Director/CEO, this role requires exceptional organizational skills, plus the ability to multitask and balance a steady stream of detail-oriented and deadline-driven projects. This is a full-time, on-site position in Sarasota County, Florida, working closely among a team of passionate, driven, and high-performing professionals.
About the Hermitage Artist Retreat
The Hermitage is a leading national arts incubator and a multidisciplinary artist retreat uniquely serving artists, the creative process, and the community. The mission of the Hermitage is to inspire and foster the most influential and culturally consequential art and artists of our time.
Located on a nine-acre beachfront campus in Manasota Key at the southern tip of Sarasota County, Florida, the Hermitage is a leading national arts incubator providing diverse and accomplished artists with multi-week residencies to create new works of theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, film, and more. Hermitage Fellows have frequently described their experiences as “life-changing” and “transformative,” regularly noting that they accomplish more in any two weeks at the Hermitage than they otherwise might in two years. Hermitage Fellows have included eighteen Pulitzer Prize winners, multiple Tony, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy nominees and winners, Poets Laureate, MacArthur “Genius” and Guggenheim Fellows, and hundreds of extraordinary artists from around the world. The award-winning original works created at the Hermitage are presented in renowned concert halls, theaters, museums, and galleries throughout our region and across the globe. Audiences in the greater Sarasota region are offered a ‘sneak peek’ into the works and minds of these brilliant artists through the Hermitage’s free community programs, many of which are in collaboration with fellow arts and cultural organizations throughout Sarasota and neighboring counties. In addition to the unique and invaluable experience we provide to artists, we take pride in our complementary missions of historic preservation, ecological restoration, and dynamic community engagement.
The Hermitage is the only major arts organization in Florida’s Gulf Coast region exclusively committed to the development and creation of new work across all artistic disciplines.
About Sarasota County, Manasota Key, and Florida’s Gulf Coast
Sarasota County is one of the fastest growing economies in the country, with the arts playing a pivotal role in the culture, community, and prosperity of the region. While many are drawn to the breathtaking sunsets, visitors and residents alike greatly appreciate the access to vibrant cultural organizations and events, a range of outdoor activities, a deeply engaged philanthropic community, and a burgeoning food scene. Sarasota County continues to remain an attractive location for professionals and stands at #11 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live in the U.S. list. The Hermitage Artist Retreat and Manasota Key are located in Englewood in the southern part of Sarasota County, bordering nearby Charlotte County and close to the towns of Northport, Venice, and Port Charlotte.
Set against a unique historic and ecological backdrop, the Hermitage campus and offices offer a vibrant creative oasis within Florida, while making a national and global impact on the greater artistic landscape. Manasota Key is considered to be one of Florida’s most beautiful barrier islands, nestled among Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Boca Grande. Nearby cities/airports beyond Sarasota (SRQ) include Tampa (TPA), Fort Myers (RSW), and St. Petersburg (PIE).
About the Position
The Development Director is responsible for organizing, managing, and executing the annual fundraising plan in support of the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s mission and strategic plan. The Hermitage is funded almost exclusively through donors and grantors, and the Development Director plays a vital role in those efforts and as a member of the senior management team. Reporting directly to the Artistic Director/CEO, the Development Director provides both strategic expertise and operational support in all areas of development, including annual, major, and planned giving, institutional grants, and fundraising events. This individual has the skills to develop and execute dynamic fundraising and communications strategies to deepen donor relationships and expand the base of support.
The Development Director will oversee and manage a team of three support staff that includes a Grants Manager, a Senior Development Associate, and a Development Coordinator. This invaluable member of the team collaborates with all the Hermitage constituencies, including staff, trustees, donors, artists, marketing, and event personnel, and community partners. This leadership position is a ‘hands-on’ role that manages staff and volunteers when needed, ensures best practices throughout fundraising operations, and supervises the team’s use of fundraising software and ongoing data management.
Duties & Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
- Assess needs, apply best practices, develop, and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, integrating all fundraising activities including annual, major, and planned giving, institutional grants, and events.
- Advise the Artistic Director/CEO on strategic and operational development-related activity and serve as a collaborator and partner on the senior management team.
- Develop, manage, and regularly report on the progress of the annual fundraising budget.
- Develop, document, and implement fundraising policies and procedures as needed.
- Represent the Hermitage at community events and programs as needed.
Individual Giving
- Develop and expand upon the organization’s fundraising strategies to increase donor acquisition and retention, deepen donor engagement, and grow the base of support.
- Develop a portfolio of major donors and prospects strategically, creating personalized plans aligning organizational needs with donors’ philanthropic interests and objectives; this may include planned giving initiatives.
- Manage a comprehensive Annual Fund program, including appeals and campaigns, with carefully coordinated LYBUNT and SYBUNT outreach.
- Maximize use of technology for donor and prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Oversee fundraising event logistics and personnel, including staff, volunteers, and vendors. Manage event timelines, budgets, and project plans; assist with the maintenance of accurate event records, invitation lists, RSVP management, and any applicable event committee coordination.
- Lead all donor relations functions; this includes all logistics surrounding donor meetings, dinners, and other stewardship events and engagements.
- Collaborate with development and organizational colleagues to develop strategic and consistent donor and prospect communications in support of fundraising goals.
- Generate and edit content and strategy for fundraising communications, including print collateral, website, and digital media.
- Oversee the management of the organization’s fundraising database, including team training on functions, ongoing record cleaning, accurate data management, and reporting functions.
- Manage the team’s timely and effective gift processing, ensuring accurate data entry and recordkeeping, prompt gift acknowledgement, and appropriate donor recognition.
Institutional Giving
- Foster collaborative individual and institutional partnerships, including vital foundation relationships, to further community awareness and engagement in the Hermitage’s mission.
- Oversee grants manager and grants process, including research, application, and reporting; write and/or edit grant proposals as appropriate.
Board Relations
- Liaise with the Board of Trustees on all development-related activities.
- Build ongoing communicative relationships with Board members to further their engagement, solicit their annual gifts, and support them in their development of relationships for the organization.
- Prepare and present development reports for Board meetings, as needed.
- In collaboration with the Artistic Director/CEO and Board leadership, identify and steward potential Board members and solidify the onboarding processes for new members.
Qualifications
- A passion for the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s mission, vision, and values.
- Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and oral and written communication skills.
- Proven experience and a successful track record raising funds from wide-ranging sources, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
- Expertise in crafting successful fundraising communications.
- Experience planning and executing large-scale donor events and engaging a Board in the success of those events
- Excellent interpersonal skills as leader and team player; at ease communicating with a wide range of constituents.
- Entrepreneurial, with a high level of personal initiative, integrity, and positive energy.
- A sense of “hustle” and a “can do” attitude; this high-performing individual is responsible for finding creative solutions and delivering swift and effective results.
- Comfortable transitioning from external relationship building work to managing internal operations that keeps the department in order.
- Ability to handle confidential information with the utmost discretion.
- Knowledge of and connection to the local community is a plus, but not a requirement; knowledge of the national arts funding community is deeply advantageous.
- Proficient with donor management software, including database, communication, and event management programs; familiarity with Salesforce a plus.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and G-Suite applications.
- Ability to operate and trouble-shoot basic office equipment.
- Flexible to work evenings and weekends, as needed, in support of Hermitage programs, donor events, or other meetings on campus and throughout our region.
- Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent, and a demonstrated history of progressively successful fundraising experience.
- Graduate degree and/or CFRE or ACFRE accreditation a plus.
Compensation
The salary for this position is $100,000-125,000. The Hermitage Artist Retreat provides comprehensive benefits, including providing access to insurance (health, dental, vision) and a matching IRA program, paid time off, and free and easy parking. A relocation stipend will be considered to support a move for this role. Florida has a 0% personal state or local income tax rate.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat is located on Manasota Key, Sarasota County, Florida. The offices are located in a renovated beach house on the Hermitage’s nine-acre campus, with ample space for the entire team and extraordinary views of the beach. The house also includes performance/studio space and a full kitchen. This is a full-time, on-site position; non-local candidates would be expected to relocate to the region. The Hermitage Artist Retreat is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, artists, guests, and members of our community.
Application Instructions
The Development Director search is being conducted on behalf of the Hermitage Artist Retreat by TOC Arts Partners, a national consultancy aligning strategies, structures, and leadership toward a thriving cultural sector. The search is being led by Search Consultant Brenna Thomas, in consultation with and support from the TOC Arts Partners search team.
To apply, visit the online application and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include any training or experience relevant to the job profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a good fit for this opportunity, and anything else you’d like us to know about your qualifications that may not be present in your resume.
Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that cis men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria, while others tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you’re returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.
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