Workhouse Arts Foundation
Advancement Assistant

Background: The Workhouse Arts Foundation, Inc. (WAF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation with a
mission to operate the Workhouse Arts Center (opening in 2008) with programs in the visual arts,

performing arts, arts education, and history through the repurposing of the former Workhouse

correctional facility. WAF’s budget is $4 million annually.

Summary Statement:
Workhouse Arts Center, a project of the Workhouse Arts Foundation, is seeking an energetic and highly
organized full-time Advancement Assistant. Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, the
Advancement Assistant will support proposals, solicitations, fundraising campaigns, gift processing and
acknowledgement, special events, database management, and day-to-day operations of the
Advancement office.

The ideal candidate for this position is: 1) interested in gaining hands-on arts administration and
fundraising experience in a fast-paced environment; 2) possesses a keen attention for detail,
organization, and commitment to high-quality work; and, 3) is passionate about supporting
multidisciplinary, community arts and art education experiences. A competitive candidate is a creative
thinker and confident communicator who eagerly anticipates needs, is resourceful, and takes initiative
to propose strong solutions and resolve questions with minimal supervision.

About Advancement at The Workhouse:
The Advancement Department is responsible for all aspects of fundraising for the Workhouse Arts
Center and its programs. We prioritize successful, attentive, and contentious discovery, cultivation,
solicitation, and stewardship of all donors so that we can best align philanthropic interest with
institutional mission delivery and strategy. Advancement staff lead and represent the Workhouse with
respect, honor, integrity, transparency, and innovation so that we may further sustain the footprint of
cultural excellence we bring to our region.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support day-to-day fundraising duties, including prospect research, report preparation, and

• Maintain updated on-site, printed, and digital recognition of sponsors, members, and donors.
• Gift processing and acknowledgement coordination for all giving to the Workhouse and its

opportunities, including benefit fulfillment across multiple individual membership programs and
sponsors of Workhouse Signature events and fundraisers.

• Liaise with other departments across Workhouse to gather program impact data for reporting

• Prepare regular and as-needed reports for the Vice President for Advancement.
• Field donor calls, requests, and queries, as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively on inter-departmental initiatives, programs, and events.
• File and maintain comprehensive donor record information.
  

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree and/or 1-2 years of experience with nonprofit fundraising in an arts and

• Previous experience with the Tessitura database (strongly preferred, but not required)
• Previous experience producing high-quality work in a professional setting
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to thrive and operate successfully in a fast-moving and varied workplace
• High attention to detail
• Creative, flexible attitude with a knack for problem-solving
• Knowledge of Fairfax County and surrounding NoVA/DMV area
  

Accountabilities: Satisfactory completion of this job will be evidenced by excellent attention to detail,
anticipation of financial need, exercising sound professional judgement, working with the Vice President

of Advancement to meet financial goals, building and maintaining good working relationships with staff,

artists and other colleagues, keeping excellent records, effective collaboration, and by operating within

the Workhouse approved budget.

Compensation/Benefits: $40,000-45,000 annually, with a benefit package that includes a
health/dental insurance plan, a retirement plan (non-matching), PTO and sick leave, and other employee

benefits. This is a full time, exempt position.

Workhouse DEI Statement: The Workhouse is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff
that honors their experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. We strive to create and maintain
working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

Workhouse EEO Statement: The Workhouse is committed to providing equal employment
opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Workhouse provides employment
opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, national origin or
ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender
identity, family responsibility, genetic status or information, military or veteran status or in any status
protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment,
including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of
absence, compensation, and training. Workhouse will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment,
or retaliation under any circumstances.

Workhouse Health and Safety Policy: The Workhouse is committed to providing a healthy and safe
environment for our staff, artists, contractors, volunteers, students, and guests. With the continuing
presence of COVID and its variants, the Workhouse is following CDC guidance and State of Virginia and

Fairfax County directives and strongly suggests that all staff wear masks in all indoor Workhouse
settings. The Workhouse is a Non-Smoking campus.

Additional Notes: This position is for up to 40 hours per week performed on-site at Workhouse Arts
Center in Lorton, Virginia during business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday). The
work hours for this position are a function of work and support requirements and directed by the Vice
President of Advancement. Some business meetings or special events may require working occasional
weekends and weeknights.

Applications and Inquiries: Please submit the following PDF items electronically, with the subject line
containing the words “Advancement Assistant” stated. Only qualified applicants will be contacted.
Please direct all submissions to: humanresources@workhousearts.org

• Cover letter.

• Resume including demonstrable accomplishments.

• Three professional references