THE EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY SOCIETY, located in Austerlitz, New York, on more than 200 acres of farmland in Columbia County, seeks Director of Development (part-time).  The mission of the Edna St. Vincent Millay Society is to preserve the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet’s legacy for the future.  One of the most popular writers in her time, Edna St. Vincent Millay ranks today as a major figure in 20th-century American literature.  

Situated at Steepletop, the farm where the poet lived and worked for 25 years, the Millay Society focuses on illuminating her life and writings and on preserving and interpreting the character of Steepletop, a place where nature inspires the creative spirit.  Visitors to Steepletop can explore the home and newly restored gardens, walk the Poetry Trail, and visit both Millay’s “writing cabin” and the gallery, which was her brother-in-law Charles Ellis’s studio.  Among the many events offered by the Society are poetry readings and musical recitals and premieres.  Steepletop was recently featured in the article The Writer’s Garden in the April 2013 edition of Martha Stewart Living.  The article highlighted the gardens of five prominent women writers, which reveal much about their creators’ personalities and literary pursuits.

Reporting to the President of the Millay Society Board of Directors and working closely with other Board Members, senior staff and volunteers, the Director of Development/Development Consultant will be responsible for planning, developing, and implementing a fundraising program to generate general operating support and fund educational and capital projects. Such a program would include fundraising appeals and events, foundation and corporate grants, major gifts, merchandising, joint ventures, the use of social media, implementation of an Advisory Council or equivalent, and donor research and database management.  The ideal candidate will have at least five years of development experience, excellent written and verbal communications skills, strong organizational and time management skills, and solid computer skills.  In addition, the successful candidate should have strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, good judgment and the ability to galvanize the interest of a variety of potential supporters of the arts and educational activities of the Society, ranging from business, arts, and foundation leaders to individual supporters.  Requires BA/BS.  Familiarity with Hudson Valley/Columbia County/Berkshire County strong plus.

Contact the Millay Society’s search consultant:  Donna Bonem Rich, CFRE at execsearch@richassociates.com