Now Hiring! Sarasota African American Cultural Center Director of Development​

Side profile shot of a blue single-story home in the Newtown Sarasota, FL area known as The Historic Leonard Reid House

The Director of Development will be responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive development strategy to support SAACC’s mission and growth. This role involves cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, securing major gifts, planning fundraising events, developing and overseeing an annual fund program, and managing grant applications. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in fundraising, excellent communication skills, and a deep commitment to the mission of SAACC. SAACC’s goal is to build a development team capable of broadening its donor base to sustain operations. The quiet phase of a capital campaign will be launched in 2026. This key position will lead the fundraising team.

Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy:
– Develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan to meet annual revenue goals.
– Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
– Develop and implement an annual fund program.
– Plan and manage fundraising campaigns and events.
Donor Relations:
– Build and maintain relationships with existing and potential donors.
– Develop and implement donor recognition and stewardship programs.
– Provide regular updates and reports to donors on the impact of their contributions.
Grant Management:
– Research and identify grant opportunities.
– Write and submit compelling grant proposals and reports.
– Manage grant compliance and reporting requirements.
Communications:
– Collaborate with the marketing team to develop fundraising materials and communications.
– Represent SAACC at community events, meetings, and conferences.
– Create and deliver presentations to potential donors and community partners.
Team Leadership:
– Help recruit, supervise and mentor future development staff, volunteers, and interns.
– Work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors on fundraising initiatives.
– Provide training and support for board members in their fundraising roles.

Qualifications
– Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, Communications, or a related field.
– Minimum of 3 years of experience in fundraising and development, preferably in an educational or cultural institution.
– Proven success in securing major gifts and managing donor relationships.
– Strong grant writing and project management skills.
– Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
– Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems.
– Passion for African American history and culture.

Desired Attributes
– Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute long-term plans.
– Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
– Creative and innovative approach to fundraising.
– Ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
– Commitment to the mission and values of SAACC.

Salary + Benefits
– Competitive salary: $75-100k annually depending on experience.
– Available Health, dental, and vision insurance.
– Retirement plan
– Paid time off and holidays
– Professional development opportunities

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to Vickie Oldham at [email protected] with the subject line “Director of Development Application – [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Desired start date is September 1, 2024. Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Director of Development’s position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it.

More information about the Sarasota African American Cultural Center is at: http://thesaacc.com.

Observer: Newtown is the largest Black historic district in Florida.

Thanks to the efforts of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition preservation project, Sarasota has become the second city ever to win the Stewards of Heritage Award as it is recognized as the largest historic African American district in the State.

Historic House in Largest Black Community in Florida
Historic House in the Newtown district of Sarasota, Florida. Photo taken by Ian Swaby

This July Sarasota received the Stewards of Heritage award from the Florida Archaeological Council. Based on the number of contributing resources, The Newtown district is now the largest Black historic district in Florida and joins St. Augustine as the only other city in the state to receive this award in its 50 years of existence.

Since 2015 Vickie Oldham, the president and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, has been documenting the history of Newtown. At the start little information was readily available about the city’s historical Black community, meanwhile it it has seen a massive outgrowth. For instance, it has captured the attention of Steven High, executive director of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. 

As a result of this interest, the SAAC is now in partnership with the museum. Therefore the SAAC plans to create a new space for making and exhibiting art, at a warehouse site the museum owns next to Truvine Church, which is located at 1947 31st St.  

According to Vickie, “A project which started with a seed of an idea, has made possible a new Sarasota cultural institution”

Read full article by Ian Swaby on Observer

Interested in learning more about SAAC’s mission? Click here.

Interested in donating? Click Here.

Herald Tribune: Historic Leonard Reid home renovation to open as Newtown cultural center in January

SARASOTA — After a year of construction and updates, renovations of the former home of Sarasota African American pioneer Leonard Reid are nearing completion and the former home will soon be opening to the public as a new cultural center for residents and visitors in the historic Newtown community. 

Set to open in late January 2024, the new Sarasota African American Cultural Center is the culmination of years of work from Newtown historian and Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) president Vickie Oldham.  

After successfully rescuing the 1,400-square-foot 1920s home from what could have been a demolition, Oldham was instrumental in not only relocating the home to its permanent museum site but also the decision-maker behind the unique team of builders who stepped up to the task of preserving the Black history of Sarasota for future generations and residents, Envision-CS. Read full article.

Newtown celebrates history of Newtown with new quilt – Observer

The Newtown community in Sarasota, Florida, has a rich history that spans over a century, and now, local artist and community leader, Barbara Gaskin, has created a quilt that honors that history. The quilt, which measures 12 feet by 12 feet, features 36 panels that depict important moments and figures in Newtown’s history.

Gaskin, who has lived in Newtown since the 1970s, spent over three years researching and creating the quilt. She interviewed residents, pored over historical documents and photographs, and worked with other community members to ensure that the quilt accurately represented the community’s history. The result is a stunning work of art that tells the story of Newtown’s past and present.

Each panel of the quilt represents a different aspect of Newtown’s history, from the first African American settlers who arrived in the area in the late 1800s to the present day. Some panels depict notable figures, such as civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Newtown community leader Dr. Robert L. Taylor. Others showcase important events, such as the opening of Newtown’s first school for African American children and the desegregation of Sarasota’s public schools in the 1960s.

The quilt has already garnered significant attention and praise from the community. Gaskin hopes that it will serve as a reminder of the rich history and culture of Newtown, and inspire future generations to continue to celebrate and honor that legacy.

In addition to the quilt, Gaskin has also created a book that provides more detailed information about each panel and the history it represents. The book and quilt will be on display at various locations throughout Sarasota, including the Newtown Farmer’s Market and the Sarasota County History Center.

Overall, Gaskin’s quilt is a beautiful and powerful tribute to the history and culture of the Newtown community, and a testament to the importance of preserving and celebrating our shared heritage.

“While Vickie Oldham had heard about Peg Green’s new art quilt, she didn’t experience the emotional impact of the piece until she visited Green’s house to see it for herself. 

The quilt was a sign, said Oldham, that her own work in telling the story of Newtown, a large, predominantly Black community in Sarasota, was leading to progress.

“It made me feel like we’re going somewhere. This work is really transformative,” said Oldham, who is president and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition and leader of the project Newtown Alive. “When I see this work that Peg did, I know that (the story) is transforming more people than just me.”

The quilt, titled “Leadership: Vickie Oldham, Newtown Alive,” was created using a wide range of fabrics, including individually-made squares depicting locations in Newtown.

Vickie Oldham

At the center of the scene, is Oldham herself. 

“It touched my heart deeply, that Peg would be inspired and want to spend all those hours taking photographs, cutting out little pieces of fabric and stitching them together, figuring out what goes where. And that fact that she put me in it was overwhelming,” Oldham said.”

Read on Observer

Changing curriculum urges scholar to spark conversation

WUSF 89.7’s Kerry Sheridan interviews Sarasota resident and author James Stewart about Florida’s changing Advanced Placement Black History curriculum.

The Florida Department of Education has revised its curriculum for Black history after facing criticism over its previous version. The new curriculum includes more comprehensive coverage of Black history, including the contributions of Black Americans to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

The previous curriculum, which was implemented in 2019, drew criticism for its limited coverage of Black history and its focus on slavery and segregation. Many educators and community leaders argued that the curriculum did not adequately reflect the contributions of Black Americans to American history and culture.

The new curriculum, which was developed with input from educators and community leaders, aims to address these concerns. It includes a more diverse range of topics, including the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and the contributions of Black Americans to the arts, literature, and music.

However, some educators and scholars argue that the new curriculum still falls short in some areas. Dr. Ashley Robertson, an assistant professor of African American history at Florida A&M University, argues that the curriculum does not go far enough in addressing systemic racism and inequality. She encourages educators to speak up and advocate for more comprehensive coverage of Black history in the classroom.

Despite these criticisms, the new curriculum represents an important step forward in acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans to American history and culture. It is a reminder of the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration between educators, scholars, and community leaders in shaping our understanding of history and culture.

On August 22, 2023 at 5:47 Pm WUSF Public Media published an interview between Black History Scholar James Stewart and their Kerry Sheridan. James Stewart is a Sarasota resident and senior fellow at the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at the New School in New York. He is the also the author of a popular textbook called Introduction to African-American Studies, and professor emeritus at Penn State University. They discussed the topic of the changing curriculum in Florida for Advanced Placement for Black History classes and how to address the topic to help steer the conversation towards a brighter future through education. Stewart believes that a push towards broad participation in the ongoing public dialog is necessary to change policy and the current standards.

Check out the video interview and its transcription on WUSF Public Media’s website by clicking here.

Interested in learning more about SAAC’s mission? Click here.

Interested in donating? Click Here.

Rosalyn Howard Remembered

A committed scholar and amazing Friend. Dr. Rosalyn Howard is remembered by Vickie Oldham.

Dr. Rosalyn Howard

SAAC President and CEO Vickie Oldham memorialized Dr. Rosalyn Howard recently in the Herald Tribune . She was an accomplished anthropologist and associate professor at the University of Central Florida. Rosalyn’s work helped add historical context to the actions of early pioneers and civil rights leaders. She passed on March 4th, 2023. Rosalyn Howard is remembered fondly as a mentor, partner, and most of all a friend.

Here is a snippet from the story:

“I hear Dr. Rosalyn Howard’s voice in all of the ‘Looking for Angola’ resources that our research team created from the time we began our search in 2005 for artifacts related to the 1800s Black Seminole settlement.

Her fingerprints are on the materials that document Newtown’s 100-year-plus history; indeed, Newtown Alive’s research report, website, book, oral history interviews, podcast series and historic markers all have her stamp of approval.

Roz was my research partner, my mentor and my friend, and she taught me how to honor diverse people, cultures and history.“

To read the full story by Vickie Oldham in the Sarasota Herald Tribune click here.

Interested in learning more about SAAC’s mission? Click here.

Interested in donating? Click Here.

New SAAC Updates for Reid House and more!

Here are some SAAC updates about our current programs, events, and efforts to convert a historic house into an African American arts, culture, and history center in Sarasota.

Our momentum to complete the repairs and renovations to the Leonard Reid House is growing. This effort is possible because of the commitment of multiple Sarasota philanthropists. Because of their kind donations and their belief that Black history is American history –– not only in February, but yearlong. We send them and all of our supporters our heart felt gratitude. The lights are on now and contractors have been landscaping and mulching the exterior of the building. Soon other renovations such as a new restroom will be coming soon as well. We also thank our partners, particularly the Amaryllis Park Neighborhood Association and their president Mary Butler. Together, we’ll work magic in Newtown.

The Reid Family’s impact and influence remains. SAACC is anxious to continue this legacy of community service with the Leonard Reid House opening soon as the site of our African American arts, culture and history center.

Come learn more about other SAAC updates that we’ve been up to and discover how you can help promote African American arts, culture, and history in the community of Sarasota and the Tampa Bay area.

Read our most recent newsletter.

Learn more about becoming a member.

Or make a contribution and donate.

Sarasota African American Arts and Cultural Center designer receives unique donation

Sarasota Herald-Tribune


 Juan Self is the designer and architect for the Sarasota African American Cultural Center (SAACC), a center and museum planned for the heart of Sarasota’s historically Black neighborhood of Newtown. Self became involved with the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, the nonprofit organization behind the center, in 2019. Since then, he’s assisted with designing the museum that aims to highlight and amplify both the achievements and history of Sarasota’s Black pioneers. Set to open in early 2023, the museum also serves as a gathering place for community members to share stories, learn the history of Sarasota’s Civil Rights activists and leaders and connect past with present through arts and culture.

Click here to read the full article Submitted by Samantha Choler and published by Sarasota Herald Tribune

Baseball Hall of Famer Buck O’Neil’s legacy honored with Key to the City of Sarasota

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

The enduring legacy of John “Buck” O’Neil was honored with the Key to the City of Sarasota on July 24 to celebrate his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The key, commemorating O’Neil’s powerful history in the community, will be donated to the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition to be displayed at the future Sarasota African American Arts and Cultural Center located in Newtown.

“Buck O’Neil has made countless contributions to the City of Sarasota and has had a profound impact on the African American community,” Sarasota Vice Mayor Kyle Battie said. “He serves as a shining example of strength, and has broken down barriers for children and adults alike. It’s a humbling privilege to celebrate his well-deserved induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and bestow him the Key to the City.”

Click here to read the full article Submitted by Julia Groom and published by Sarasota Herald Tribune

YourObserver.com: Historic Leonard Reid House on the move to Newtown

After it arrives from the Rosemary District to its new site in Newtown, the home of the “right-hand man” to Sarasota’s first mayor will become home to a new Sarasota African American cultural center.

A piece of Sarasota history will be loaded onto a flatbed and moved more than 2 miles in the early morning hours on Friday when the historic Leonard Reid House will be relocated to city-owned property in North Sarasota. There it will become home to a new Sarasota African American cultural center.

The house will be moved from its location at 1435 Seventh St. in the Rosemary District to 2529 N. Orange Ave. in Newtown.

Click here to read the full article by Andrew Warfield and published by YourObserver.com.