A.I.M believes in:
the power of dance as an art form and A.I.M’s distinctive, ardent voice within contemporary dance
an artistic process informed by robust conversations with people from diverse perspectives
the pursuit of excellence through ethical leadership and through
accountability to each other, the field at large, and the audiences we serve
supporting and nurturing dancers with living wages, health insurance, and career development
operating with integrity throughout all aspects of the organization
Originally from Irvine, California, William Okajima’s love for music and dance originated from a young age, growing up in a household full of artists. Okajima’s extensive training began at Orange County School of the Arts, and supplemented his dance training at both Westside Dance Project and Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy. At just age 13, Okajima obtained his first professional dance role in Sia’s The Greatest music video, and fell in love with the commercial world. Since, he continues to be a part of Los Angeles' vibrant commercial dance scene, featuring in nationwide advertisements (Honda, Apple, Pull & Bear), as well as international campaigns. Most recently, Okajima traveled to Dubai to feature in the country’s latest tourism film. A recent graduate from the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, Okajima received a BFA in Dance under the guidance of individuals including Kyle Abraham, Bret Easterling, Jermaine Spivey, Jodie Gates and William Forsythe. At Kaufman, Will has performed featured roles in works by Jiří Kylián, Micaela Taylor, Tyce Diorio, Desmond Richardson, Dwight Rhoden and Hope Boykin. Will also received a minor in entrepreneurship through the USC Marshall School of Business. In doing so, Okajima hopes that his studies of the intersections between dance performance and personal branding will allow him to tackle the demands of the commercial and concert dance world with a uniquely informed academic perspective. Okajima joined A.I.M by Kyle Abraham in 2024.
Kyle Abraham, Artistic Director
Emily Waters, Executive Director
Jessica Tong, Rehearsal Director
Vernon Scott, Producing Director
Anne Dechêne, General Manager
Bridget Caston, Company Manager
Meredith Belis, Production Stage Manager
Matthew Baker, Artistic Engagement Manager
Dan Stearns, Lighting Supervisor
Alexander Diaz, Marketing Manager
Chris Constable, Press Agent
Danielle LeBron, Development Associate
Lucy Mallett, Financial Services
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham—one of the most exciting voices in contemporary dance—seeks a strategic and collaborative Director of Development to lead and grow the organization’s fundraising efforts. This senior leadership role oversees a $2M+ annual development program, with a strong focus on major gifts, institutional support, and individual giving.
Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the Director of Development will craft and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies that support A.I.M’s mission, vision, and values. This position manages the Development Associate and collaborates across departments to advance organizational goals.
Compensation & Benefits
● Salary range: $125,000–$160,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
● Comprehensive benefits package including:
○ Medical, dental, and vision insurance
○ Paid time off and paid sick leave; comp and flex days
○ Retirement plan with non-elective employer contribution, beginning in the 2nd calendar year of employment
○ Pre-tax transit and FSA benefits
○ Access to A.I.M performances
○ Access to events and performances of partner organizations (when available)
○ Discounted company merchandise
○ Opportunities for professional development support
Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
● Serve as a key thought partner to the Artistic and Executive Directors around idea generation for fundraising activities, strategies, and long-term organizational goals.
● In collaboration with the Artistic and Executive Directors, design and lead A.I.M’s annual and long-term fundraising strategy across all giving streams (individuals, foundations, corporations, government).
● Drive major gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, identifying and nurturing relationships with new and existing donors.
● Identify and guide efforts around corporate sponsorships and partnerships.
● Guide strategy for upcoming campaigns and special initiatives.
Board & Executive Partnership
● Serve as a key partner to the Artistic and Executive Directors and Board of Trustees, supporting donor engagement and board giving initiatives.
● Research, identify, and cultivate Board candidates and Board onboarding efforts.
● Liaise with the Development Committee and present regular fundraising reports at Board meetings.
Donor Relations & Stewardship
● Cultivate meaningful donor relationships through events, communications, and personalized stewardship plans.
● Manage timely acknowledgments, impact reporting, and donor recognition.
Grants & Institutional Giving
● Oversee foundation and government grant strategy, including research, proposal development, reporting, and compliance.
● Maintain strong relationships with institutional funders and ensure all requirements and deadlines are met.
Infrastructure & Operations
● Provide oversight and mentorship for the Development Associate and oversee database management, tracking, and donor segmentation.
● Monitor fundraising metrics and ensure alignment with financial goals.
● Develop and manage the department budget in coordination with the finance team.
Ideal Candidate Profile
● Proven success in nonprofit fundraising, especially major gifts and institutional giving; experience in the arts or higher education is a plus.
● A track record of developing and executing fundraising plans that yield meaningful growth.
● Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders.
● Comfortable balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
● Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and antiracism in professional practices.
● Familiarity with CRM systems and fundraising analytics; experience managing budgets and teams.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
A.I.M provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. A.I.M prohibits discrimination and harassment based on gender, race, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or marital/partnership status. A.I.M values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages applications from all qualified candidates.
HOW TO APPLY
All applications and expressed interest in this position will be handled confidentially and references will not be contacted without the candidate's permission.
Although we appreciate your interest, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
No phone calls, please.
Questions or General Inquiries? Send to jobs@aimbykyleabraham.org
To apply, please email jobs@aimbykyleabraham.org . Please provide a resume, at least three references, and a cover letter.
For domestic and international booking information, contact:
Sophie Myrtil-McCourty, President
Lotus Arts Management
72-11 Austin Street, #371
Forest Hills, NY 11375
+1 347 721 8724
sophie@lotusartsmgmt.com
For general inquiries, please email info@aimbykyleabraham.org or call 914 996 7444.
For audition inquiries, please send a resume, a photo and a short video of yourself to matthew@aimbykyleabraham.org.
For questions about volunteer opportunities or creative partnerships, please contact info@aimbykyleabraham.org or 212 691 6500 ext. 311.
Website design: Neil Donnelly & Cat Wentworth
Website development: Henry Van Dusen