Dane Arts staff seek development director, consider intern to overhaul web and application materials

Dane County Arts staff told the executive committee they are recruiting for a development director role and are exploring short-term help to update the commission’s website and grant application materials.

Staff members said one applicant with fundraising experience recently applied to the commission and that staff are meeting with development professionals at local organizations (including the Madison Opera and Outback [sic] roles noted in conversation) to build candidate referrals. Committee members discussed whether candidates have the local connections needed for development work.

Separately, staff described a plan to engage a paid temporary analyst (an early-career business analyst referred to as “YJ” in the meeting) to reorganize the website and web grants information so applicants find a single, consolidated set of instructions and documents. Staff said the analyst would combine guidance currently scattered across multiple pages into one clear application workflow through the end of the year.

Staff said the office also has an intern coming through a university program and is coordinating with partner organizations and volunteers for upcoming events. The committee supported continuing outreach to potential development hires and using short-term help to address web and workflow problems that slow grant administration.

Next steps: staff will continue recruitment for a development director, use referral networks to identify candidates, and bring specifics about the temporary analyst/intern arrangement and any contract details to the commission for approval if needed.