Niyafa Boucher

About Niyafa Boucher

I am a development-focused arts administrator with a decade of experience advancing performing arts organizations and community-centered initiatives. I currently serve as Development Coordinator and Donor Database Administrator at National Black Theatre, where my work centers on managing grant applications and reporting, supporting donor engagement, and advancing fundraising strategies that sustain culturally significant artistic work.My professional background spans development operations, programmatic and administrative support, and technical production. Previously, I supported development initiatives and programming at STooPS Bed-Stuy and served as Administrative Coordinator at Chelsea Factory, where my portfolio bridged programming, marketing, and development—reinforcing my ability to connect creative vision with organizational strategy.Grounded in early experiences in community engagement, residential life, and arts production, I bring a holistic understanding of how organizations function across both creative and operational spheres. My work in technical production with the Middlebury Dance Department and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival continues to inform my collaborative, systems-minded approach to arts administration.A skilled storyteller and strategic communicator, I am particularly motivated by development work that uplifts marginalized voices and strengthens institutions committed to equity, cultural resonance, and community impact. I build relationships, create structure, and craft narratives that help organizations grow sustainably while remaining deeply rooted in their mission.

Experience

1. Development Coordinator & Donor Database Administrator

   National Black Theatre

   Jun 2025 — Present

   In this role, I manage foundation, corporate, and government grant submissions and reports, including drafting and editing narratives, preparing attachments, maintaining organizational profiles in submission portals, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and deadlines. I oversee institutional funding calendars and CRM records (Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge), tracking funder relationships, communications, deliverables, and renewal timelines while generating reports to support fundraising strategy and forecasting. I support an ongoing multi million dollar capital campaign by working with our external consultants to develop pitch deck and funding menu materials for prospective institutional funders. I coordinate donor cultivation efforts including tours of the new building, and collaborating cross-departmentally with Marketing to align fundraising messaging and campaign assets. I have supported major fundraising initiatives including the recent end-of-year campaign and planning inaugural Spring Luncheon through donor outreach, targeted email communications, and event planning support. My work contributed to the team exceeding fundraising goals in the end of year campaign by 33%.

Education

• Middlebury College

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Religion/Religious Studies and Sociology

  2018