Director of Major Gifts - Shakespeare Theatre Company

ABOUT SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY

For over 50 years the Shakespeare Theatre Company has dedicated itself to being the nation’s premier classic theatre. By focusing on works with profound themes, complex characters and heightened language written by Shakespeare, his contemporaries and those playwrights he influenced, STC’s artistic mission is unique among regional theatres: to bring to vibrant life groundbreaking, thought-provoking and eminently accessible classic theatre in a uniquely American style. Led by internationally acclaimed Artistic Director Simon Godwin, STC is deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion on its stages and within its staff and board.



JOB DESCRIPTION

Under broad direction from the Senior Director of Development, the Director of Major Gifts plans and leads a growing major gifts program in support of the theatre’s dynamic artistic and educational programs. This position manages STC’s $2M+ Individual Giving program, guiding and motivating talent in the best practices of donor-centric fundraising.



DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising

• Serve as primary relationship manager for a portfolio of 100+ current major donors and prospects ($10,000 and up)

• Conduct regular direct contact with donors and prospects to qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors to successfully close major gifts

• Create proposals for potential donors, ensuring the projects and ideas presented are compelling and target the donor’s specific interests, and report on results

• Work with Senior Director of Development and Donor Events cross-disciplinary teams to develop and implement meaningful year-round donor cultivation and stewardship strategies for Artistic Circle major donors. Plan and carry out special events to introduce Artistic Director, Simon Godwin to the community with strategic follow-up

• Play significant role in planning and fundraising for annual Gala

• Lead special fundraising efforts including scholarships for the Academy for Classical Acting and Bard Association membership, STC’s legal affinity group



Strategy

• Develop ambitious revenue targets for major gifts and the annual fund that increase year over year; develop and implement plans to meet these goals

• Provide strategic counsel to Senior Director of Development, Artistic Director, Executive Director, and Board of Trustees on all areas related to major donors

• Work with key leadership to develop personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies and collaborate with leadership team in personal solicitations as needed

• Liaise with Development Committee and the Committee on Trustees, providing strategic leadership and support



Leadership

• Directly supervise and mentor 1-3 direct reports in Individual Giving

• Oversee efforts in prospect research, screening, and management to support major gift fundraising and assure a vibrant prospect pipeline

• As a senior member of the Development team, work collaboratively with other team members managing special events, corporate/government and foundation relations, and operations, helping leverage funding opportunities

• Ensure best-practice systems within individual giving including portfolio management, financial tracking and reporting, contact reports, data capture, trend analysis and more

• Stay abreast of new trends in development along with changes in tax laws that affect major donors



SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors’ degree or equivalent experience

• 5-7 years of experience with a minimum of 3 years of major gift fundraising experience, including face-to-face solicitation of four to six-figure gifts

• Well-honed skills in developing donor cultivation and solicitation strategies

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications, poise, and professionalism at all times

• Demonstrated record of success in generating significant commitments from individuals through in-person interaction and proposals

• Ability to make the case with passion and conviction; high level of creativity, energy, confidence, and integrity

• Discretion and respect for donor privacy; sensitive to confidentiality and ethical considerations related to prospect and donor information

• Initiative and independence along with the ability to work well as part of the team

• Demonstrated knowledge of prospect research tools, and giving vehicles including Donor Advised Funds, family foundations, planned giving, and GAAP standards

• Problem-solver in fast-paced, multi-faceted, dynamic organization

• Ability to prioritize independently to effectively meet deadlines

• Calm under pressure with the ability to productively adapt and respond to change

• Facility with Tessitura or other donor database and budgeting

• Passion for the mission of the Shakespeare Theatre Company

• Flexibility to attend after-hour events on nights and weekends
Salary: Base salary starting at $90,000 annually