Jacob's Pillow Names New Deputy Director of Philanthropic Engagement
BECKET, Mass. —Diane Wortis has joined Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival as deputy director of philanthropic engagement.
"We are so delighted to have such a seasoned and accomplished professional joining our Development team. There are so many opportunities for investing in the Pillow right now, and with Diane's leadership, we look forward to expanding the circle of supporters who want to ensure that this national treasure continues to thrive," Jacob's Pillow Director Pamela Tatge said.
As deputy director of philanthropic engagement, Wortis will work closely with Director of Development Alexandra Groff, Tatge and the Board of Trustees to set the Pillow's strategy for all fundraising and major gifts integral to the Pillow's $7.1 million annual operating budget. This position will also be focused on donor relations pertaining to Vision '22, the organization's strategic plan for growth through 2022, which enables the Pillow to more robustly serve artists and audiences alike — in Berkshire county and beyond — as a year-round institution.
"Dancers have a special ability to bring people together, from all walks of life, through the language of movement. The Pillow has been bringing diverse artists and audiences to the Berkshires since its founding," Wortis said. "I am honored to have this opportunity to partner with Pam, Alex and the Pillow's loyal supporters at this important time in the organization's growth and at a time in our nation when more cross-cultural dialogue and understanding is needed."
Wortis has worked for numerous Berkshire-based organizations, most recently as the director of development of alumnae relations at Miss Hall's School in Pittsfield, Mass., where she oversaw a historic increase in major and planned gift giving. Prior to her work at Miss Hall's, Wortis also served as director of development at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, where she secured a major grant from The Kresge Foundation to help complete the first phase of the Clark's $145 million campus expansion.
Wortis brings more than 30 years of experience in fundraising, leadership, communication and nonprofit management to her role at Jacob's Pillow. Additional experience includes executive, development and communications roles at Austen Riggs Center, Boston Arts Academy Foundation, The Cambridge Center for Adult Education, Harvard University, and Huntington Theatre Company. Wortis also has an acting and dance background, and got her start working at the Institute for Contemporary Dance in her hometown of Cambridge, Mass.
She received a B.A. from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and an M.B.A from Simmons College's School of Management.
Tags: jacob's pillow,
