Posting by: M.L. Best Consulting LLC.
Position: Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Contact: Deidre Davis, Director (submit resumes and cover letters) ddavis@mlbestconsulting.com

Background on The Harvey B. Gantt Center

Step into a world where art, history, and culture converge in a celebration of the rich tapestry woven by African Americans throughout American history. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, formerly known as the Afro-American Cultural Center, stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring contributions of these communities. Nestled in the heart of Charlotte’s central business district, this 46,500-square-foot cultural epicenter is more than just a physical space—it’s a beacon that illuminates the artistic and historical narratives often overlooked.

Named for Charlotte civic leader and former mayor Harvey Bernard Gantt, the Gantt is housed in an iconic, award-winning structure designed by architect Philip Freelon, co-designer of the Smithsonian National Museum for African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The Gantt Center not only houses an array of artistic expressions, from music and dance to literature and film, but it also serves as a vital hub for community outreach and arts education programs. With a mission to present, preserve, and celebrate excellence in African American art, history, and culture, the Gantt Center is a place where engagement sparks conversations that inspire, empower, and enlighten all who enter. The architectural design of the center, inspired by the Myers Street School and the historic Brooklyn neighborhood, pays homage to the past while symbolizing hope, pride, and the importance of education in African American advancement. The visual spectacle of the building, adorned with patterns reminiscent of Underground Railroad quilts and West African textile designs, serves as a living canvas that speaks to the enduring spirit of resilience and creativity. As you ascend the stairs and escalators framing the central glass atrium, you are not just climbing physical steps but embarking on a journey through time and culture. The Harvey B. Gantt Center: Where You Belong—where every step echoes the legacy of African and African American contributions to American culture.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its generous donors. Examples of current donors are Bank of America, Foundations of the Carolinas, the City of Charlotte, the NBA Foundation, and many more.

The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Harvey B. Gantt Center and the organization’s new President + CEO, Bonita Buford, is ushering In a new era of elevation, excellence, growth, and service to the community at large. M.L. Best Consulting is proud to support the search for a strong, passionate VP of Institutional Advancement who will be Instrumental in advancing the Gantt Center’s mission by leading Initiatives related to fundraising, donor relations, and Institutional development.

About the Position: VP of Institutional Advancement

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Vice President of Institutional Advancement to join a growing leadership team. This role will be instrumental in advancing the Gantt Center’s mission by leading initiatives related to fundraising, donor relations, and institutional development. As a key member of the leadership team, the VP of Institutional Advancement Leader will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Gantt and ensuring its sustained impact on the cultural landscape.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Uptown Charlotte, NC 

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Development:

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure philanthropic support for the Gantt Center’s initiatives and programs.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies to drive financial growth.

Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with the executive team to align fundraising goals with the gallery’s overall strategic objectives.
• Develop and execute plans to diversify funding streams and enhance the Gantt Center’s financial sustainability.

Institutional Relations:

• Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, community leaders, and partners, to foster a strong network of support.
• Represent the Gantt Center at relevant events, conferences, and community engagements to enhance institutional visibility.

Donor Engagement and Stewardship:

• Create and implement effective donor engagement strategies to deepen relationships and encourage sustained support.
• Ensure proper stewardship of donors, including timely and personalized acknowledgment, reporting, and recognition.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing Institutional Advancement team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members

Grant Writing and Creative Initiatives:

• Lead the grant writing process, collaborating with grant writers to develop compelling proposals to secure funding for innovative artistic initiatives
• Pitch and negotiate budget plans for grant-funded projects, ensuring alignment with the center’s financial and artistic objectives

Key Qualifications:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in institutional advancement, development, or related roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Proven track record in successfully securing major gifts and driving fundraising initiatives.
• Exceptional strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals.
• Strong leadership and team management experience in a nonprofit or cultural institution setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.