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Public Works Art Center is a family-friendly 501(C)(3) nonprofit community art center in the heart of Downtown Summerville, started by a group of dreamers with little resources but a lot of heart. Opened three weeks prior to Covid-19 coming to Summerville in 2020, the art center thrives today with three galleries changing exhibitions every eight weeks, special (free!) events, classes for all ages, summer camps, nine art studios, and much more.

PWAC is very intentional about fostering inclusion, cultivating connection, and inspiring togetherness, working to be a community center as much as an art center. The space has become special to many, with many more yet to discover it.

Note: This year, Public Works Art Center is expanding, purchasing a building next door in response to a once-in-a-generation opportunity which will allow us to increase our revenue streams, create space for the South Carolina Arts Commission, and better serve our community. A capital pre-campaign was completed in late 2025. In late January 2026, a reputable fundraising company was hired to support the capital campaign as well as any other fundraising needs of the organization, and the candidate can expect to work with the company and receive significant “on the job” fundraising training while the company is contracted.

Now Seeking: Development Officer 

The Development Officer is responsible for driving financial sustainability, and focuses on prospecting, cultivating, stewardship, renewals, and direct solicitations of individual donors and corporate sponsors. Key duties include building relationships, planning fundraising events, managing donor/member engagement, and maintaining donor databases.

The role often involves working evenings/weekends for events and supporting executive leadership in strategic philanthropy.

Position Type: Full Time

Category: Development/Fundraising

The Development Officer plays an essential role in helping the organization reach its goals, securing financial resources through major gifts, planned giving, corporate giving, events, grants, and stewardship of individual donors.

1. Capital Campaign: As noted above, PWAC is about to embark on a capital campaign. Initial hopes were around $4 million, with the pre-campaign feasibility study estimating around $2.4 million. A major component - and initial focus - of this role will be working with the Executive Director, Capital Campaign committee, and contracted fundraising company to secure funding and pledges from current and potential prospective donors.
   
   
2. Fundraising Strategy & Planning: Working with the Executive Director, and initially, a contracted fundraising company, develop realistic and measurable plans that align with PWAC goals to retain and attract support from a broad base of donors, companies, and foundations. Regularly monitor and evaluate progress toward goals, and report progress, risks, and new fundraising directions as needed to the Executive Director and Board. Attend fundraising conference(s) and/or pursue professional development to stay up-to-date on fundraising trends.
   
   
3. Fundraising Appeals and Campaigns: Work collaboratively with the Creative Coordinator and other key team members on the implementation of donor-centric fundraising campaigns and initiatives through mail, email, and events.
   
   
4. Individual Gifts & Donor Relations: Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual and corporate gifts, drafting both general operating and program-specific proposals, sponsorships, and multiyear gifts. Develop personalized strategies for donor engagement in collaboration with the Executive Director. Conduct regular outreach including meetings, calls, and event invitations to deepen donor relationships. Assist in developing donor recognition and stewardship initiatives that enhance donor retention. Support Board members and leadership in donor engagement activities.
   
   
5. Grants & Institutional Funding (Shared with the Executive Director): Identify and prioritize aligned grant opportunities. Track grants, manage calendars, submissions, and follow-up: with the organization open to new software. Track grant outcomes, author and submit reports by required deadlines Note: The Executive Director currently writes and manages all grants, and will work alongside the Development Director on future grants for the foreseeable future.
   
   
6. Events and Donor Recognition: Help plan and execute donor appreciation events, recognition ceremonies, and other engagement opportunities. Note: PWAC currently has one major event a year: the Block Party, and it is managed by a team of volunteers and staff currently. We are aware of “death by events” and don’t wish to have labor-intensive, low-return events…any events would be a team effort and selected/planned to be lower on the stress meter
   
   
7. Database Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate donor records, tracking interactions, notes and relevant donor information in the Givebutter CRM database. Generate regular reports on donor engagement, retention, and contribution trends. Analyze donor data to identify patterns and opportunities to improve donor relations, solicit, retention strategies and giving.
   
   
8. Prospect Research: Conduct research to identify potential donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, for new funding opportunities.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for a confident, communication-forward individual who loves cultivating relationships; someone who can make others feel heard, valued, and appreciated, as this energy reflects Public Works Art Center. A mission-driven person passionate about community is a must - you don’t need to be an art historian, but you do need to care deeply about cultivating empathy through bringing people together. That is what makes Public Works truly valuable. A passion for the arts is a big bonus! 

We are also looking for a person with:

• Meaningful nonprofit development or fundraising experience
• Strong work ethic and teamwork skills, with experience completing projects with a small team
• Ability to exercise good judgement, demonstrate an understanding of the ethical principles associated with working in development, and to use discretion in interactions with members of the community
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational and analytical skills
• Strong computer skills, including Google Workspace
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support fundraising events and community engagement events (advance notice provided)
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision
• A willingness to serve as an ambassador and spokesperson on behalf of Public Works Art Center.
• The ability to attend and actively participate in Board meetings and networking events such as local Chamber of Commerce gatherings as needed.

Salary and benefits 

Salary: $40,000-$50,000 commensurate with experience

Benefits:

• Flexible time off (often referred to as “unlimited”) 
• Full time employees may take as much time as they’d like, provided their job gets done and there is no negative impact on the team. Typically, this lands around 4-6 weeks a year.
• Health insurance reimbursement ($375 / month for individual; $750/ month for family)
• Flexible schedule
• 40% discount for Public Works Art Center Camps and Classes for staff and immediate family members
• Professional development assistance
• Holidays and birthdays off

Public Works Art Center is an intentionally inclusive organization that fosters connection, empathy, collaboration and respect. We encourage a healthy home/work balance, celebrate and understand family life, and recognize the need to “unplug” and have time away from work.

We actively recruit for diversity in our workplace, believing that a range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences contributes to our mission. Public Works Art Center is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a resume & cover letter to info@publicworksartcenter.org.