Director of Development

Jul 24

National Theatre Foundation
Washington, DC

Anticipated Start Date: March 1, 2023

Description

The Director of Development (DOD) leads strategizing, planning, and fundraising for The National Theatre Foundation, the 501(c)(3) responsible for the continued operation and preservation of the second oldest theatre in the country (since 1835) during an exciting time of program growth and capital project initiatives. The DOD will report to the CEO, partner with the Board of Directors and senior leadership, and manage the Foundation’s Development Team (consisting of a Senior Manager and Manager of Development Operations and Special Events).

The National Theatre is home to the “Broadway at The National” performance series, produced by the National Theatre Group (NTG). NTG is an affiliate of Nederlander National Markets. The National Theatre Foundation partners with NTG to ensure a world-class theatrical experience at the theatre for regional residents and visitors from around the country. Responsible for envisioning and implementing fundraising strategy and driving contributed revenue from individuals, foundations, corporate sponsors and special events to support a suite of community and education programs, preservation of a robust historical archive and capital improvements.

The DOD will develop strategies and plans for new campaign initiatives and strengthen a culture of philanthropy in alignment with the CEO, Board of Directors, staff and community partners to actively engage current and prospective supporters. This is a full-time, non-exempt position, located in Washington, DC, with some hybrid/remote work flexibility possible. Some nights and weekends are required.

Responsibilities

Maintain, expand, and implement, in partnership with the CEO and Board leadership, the annual NTF fundraising plan with financial goals, objectives, and strategies for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major individual gifts, corporate, government, and foundation grants.
Advise and lead strategic planning initiatives related to development. Research funding sources and trends to support NTF fundraising efforts.
Serve as chief liaison to the Board of Director’s Development Committee, organizing all meetings and necessary meeting materials, and providing follow-up with committee members as needed.
Supervise special donor cultivation and fundraising events, including Opening Night receptions and annual fundraising gala (as applicable).
Supervise grant/fundraising applications and follow-up reports.
Serve as a primary NTF liaison with the Mayor’s Office, City Council members and staff, community groups and arts agencies, including NTF’s important relationship with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
Serve as a staff leader and collaborator around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Engage proactively with leaders and community members in the racially and ethnically diverse Washington, DC area.
Coordinate shared services data mining and marketing opportunities with the National Theatre Group/Nederlander National Markets.
Plan, organize, and oversee annual sustaining membership campaign and direct solicitation program to maintain and expand NTF’s growing donor base.
Supervise development files at all levels and ensure that all necessary records are available as needed for development and auditing operations. Refine and/or establish donor database systems and develop procedures to track, record, report, acknowledge, and recognize all donations. Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all fundraising, prospect, and donor communications.
Work closely with the CEO to develop and maintain all fundraising materials. Guide the NTF team in the design and production of all major fundraising publications, NTF’s website, and social media, including production of NTF’s Annual Report.
Source prospective national funders and manage special projects related to cultivation of new donors.
Analyze reports that track fundraising activity against budgeted development targets.
Other relevant duties as assigned by the CEO.

Requirements

Passion for performing arts and other cultural programs. Four to five years of successful fundraising, individual giving and membership experience for nonprofit organizations.
Proven success as a front-line cultivator and solicitor of major, transformational, and planned gifts.
Strategic planning experience preferred.
Superior communication and interpersonal skills, verbal and written.
Collaborative team player and relationship builder.
Commitment to ethical fundraising and practices required.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and capacity to engage effectively and in a culturally responsive manner with diverse colleagues, constituents and communities.
Self-confident, flexible, and able to work collaboratively with the Board of Directors, consultants, and staff.
Self-starter with strong organizational, project, and time management skills.
Ability to successfully handle multiple priorities while remaining flexible, proactive, and highly professional.
Ability to create, maintain, and produce sensitive, confidential information and documents.
Proficiency in fundraising and donor database software and MS Office suite.
Experience in and knowledge of Washington, DC individual donor community and city entities preferred.