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Director Of Artist Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the ... AMDA is seeking a Director of Development to lead the development and execution of the institution ...

They should have a strong understanding of artist development; streaming, digital and traditional ... direct-to-consumer business. * Collaborate with key internal stakeholders across A&R, Retail ...

Work with team of Artist Development staff and digital team to maximize e-mail / social media / web ... direct marketing or e-commerce, client and/or agency experience preferred * Experience mentoring ...

Position Information Job Type Non-Faculty Position Title Director of Development Position Number ... Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, business, liberal arts, or ...

Director of Development

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

We're looking for a confident, entrepreneurial, and self-motivated Director of Development to join our team. The role demands drive, flexibility, and a proactive attitude to successfully manage ...

The Director of Development position requires a highly motivated professional with a mission-oriented mentality and ability to build relationships locally, state wide, and nationally. These ...

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How much do director of artist development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of artist development in the United States is $82,598.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $97,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Director of Artist Development do?

A Director of Artist Development is responsible for guiding and nurturing the growth of musical artists within a record label, management company, or entertainment organization. This role involves helping artists refine their sound, image, brand, and performance skills to maximize their potential and appeal. Directors of Artist Development collaborate closely with artists, producers, marketing teams, and other industry professionals to create strategies for career growth, public exposure, and commercial success. They also provide mentorship and support, ensuring that artists have the resources and guidance needed to thrive in the competitive music industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Artist Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Artist Development, you need expertise in talent management, music industry trends, and artist branding, often supported by a degree in music business or related experience. Familiarity with digital marketing platforms, music distribution channels, and project management tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills help foster artist growth and collaboration. These competencies are crucial for guiding artists' careers effectively and ensuring their long-term success in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Director Of Artist Development vs Artist Manager?

AspectDirector Of Artist DevelopmentArtist Manager
Primary RoleOversees artist growth, branding, and career strategyManages day-to-day business affairs and negotiations
CredentialsMusic industry experience, marketing, or artist development backgroundMusic industry knowledge, contract negotiation skills
Work EnvironmentRecord labels, management companies, or artist development firmsManagement agencies, record labels, or independent artists
Industry UsageCommonly used in labels and development teamsWidely used in artist representation and management

While both roles support artists' careers, the Director Of Artist Development focuses on strategic growth and branding, whereas the Artist Manager handles daily business affairs and negotiations. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the music industry.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Artist Development, and how are they addressed?

A Director of Artist Development often faces the challenge of balancing artistic vision with commercial viability while nurturing diverse talent. They must adapt to rapidly changing music industry trends and tailor development plans to suit each artist's unique needs. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, as the role involves cross-functional collaboration with marketing, A&R, and management teams. Staying current with industry shifts and maintaining strong networks helps address these challenges, ensuring artists receive the support needed to grow creatively and professionally.
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What cities are hiring for Director Of Artist Development jobs? Cities with the most Director Of Artist Development job openings:
What states have the most Director Of Artist Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Of Artist Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Of Artist Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Of Artist Development jobs are:
Infographic showing various Director Of Artist Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,598 per year, or $39.7 per hour.
Director of Development

Director of Development

AMDA

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the foremost post-secondary performing arts colleges in the country. AMDA offers various pathways for students to receive unparalleled performing arts education taught by world-class industry professionals, including Professional Conservatory Certificates as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Occupational Studies, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts).

AMDA is seeking a Director of Development to lead the development and execution of the institution’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This role will be responsible for building AMDA’s first comprehensive advancement program, including developing strategy, establishing a donor pipeline, and driving consistent, measurable fundraising activity. In close collaboration with executive leadership, the Director will play a central role in achieving a multi-year goal to grow philanthropic support into the multi-million-dollar range through engagement with alumni, families, and industry partners.

Working in close partnership with executive leadership, the Director of Development will develop and present fundraising strategies, incorporate leadership input and direction, and lead the execution of advancement initiatives. This role will focus on cultivating donor relationships, building a sustainable pipeline, and driving consistent fundraising activity in alignment with institutional priorities.

The Director of Development will leverage existing tools, including Little Green Light CRM and Alumni360, to support donor tracking, engagement, and reporting, and will contribute to establishing the structure and processes that will guide AMDA’s long-term philanthropic efforts. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role that requires both initiative and collaboration, with responsibility for driving strategy forward, refining it in partnership with leadership, and executing against defined fundraising goals. This role requires a results-oriented approach, with the ability to translate strategy into execution and drive forward measurable fundraising activity.

Primary Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

  • Develop and present fundraising strategies and plans aligned with institutional priorities
  • Partner with executive leadership to refine strategies and incorporate feedback and direction
  • Lead the execution of approved advancement initiatives, including major gifts and donor engagement efforts
  • Contribute to the development of cases for support and donor-facing materials

Donor Cultivation & Solicitation

  • Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and current donors
  • Identify, cultivate, and lead donor engagement and solicitation efforts in partnership with executive leadership
  • Conduct consistent donor outreach, including meetings, calls, and written communications
  • Prepare for and support donor solicitations, including strategy, materials, and follow-up

Pipeline Development & Fundraising Goals

  • Lead the development and ongoing management of a structured donor pipeline across alumni, parents, foundations, corporations, and industry partners
  • Track and manage donor movement through all stages of engagement
  • Contribute to achieving annual and multi-year fundraising goals through consistent activity and relationship development

Events & Donor Engagement

  • Lead the planning and execution of donor cultivation, stewardship, and engagement events in New York and Los Angeles
  • Coordinate with leadership on donor-facing opportunities and engagement strategies
  • Support relationship-building within arts, entertainment, and philanthropic communities

Systems, Reporting & Operations

  • Utilize systems such as Little Green Light and Alumni360 to track donor activity and maintain accurate records
  • Monitor and report on fundraising activity, pipeline development, and engagement metrics
  • Establish and maintain organized processes for donor tracking, follow-up, and reporting

Growth of Advancement Function

  • Contribute to building foundational development processes and practices
  • Support the long-term growth of the advancement function, including potential expansion of staffing as the program develops

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
  • Minimum 5–8+ years of progressively responsible fundraising or advancement experience
  • Demonstrated experience developing fundraising strategies and leading or supporting execution
  • Demonstrated success supporting or directly contributing to closing gifts, including five-figure and higher commitments
  • Experience cultivating donor relationships and participating in gift solicitations
  • Experience building or managing a donor pipeline and tracking fundraising activity
  • Proven ability to manage multiple donor relationships and priorities simultaneously
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through
  • Ability to work independently while incorporating feedback and direction from leadership
  • Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or arts organizations preferred

Performance Expectations

  • Develop and present clear, actionable fundraising strategies
  • Maintain a high level of consistent donor outreach and engagement activity, including meetings, calls, and follow-up
  • Build and grow a qualified donor pipeline with measurable movement over time
  • Demonstrate progress toward defined fundraising outcomes through pipeline development and donor engagement
  • Actively contribute to and support donor cultivation and solicitation efforts
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions
  • Provide regular reporting on fundraising activity and outcomes
  • Contribute to achieving defined fundraising goals and establishing sustainable development practices

Initial Priorities

  • Develop and present an initial fundraising strategy and implementation plan
  • Establish a qualified donor pipeline and outreach cadence
  • Initiate donor engagement and begin building relationships across key constituencies
  • Implement consistent tracking, reporting, and follow-up processes

Position Information

  • Full-time, exempt position
  • Salary range: $120,000 – $125,000 annually, commensurate with experience
  • This position is based in New York or Los Angeles; candidates must reside in the local area
  • Hybrid work environment, with a combination of remote work and in-person responsibilities
  • Availability for on-campus meetings, events, and donor engagements is required
  • Travel between campuses may be required
  • Occasional evening and weekend work required for events

Equal Opportunity Employer

AMDA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.