Director of Development

Apr 24

South Orange Performing Arts Center
South Orange, NJ

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible

Description

SOPAC is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Director of Development to lead and grow its fundraising efforts at a pivotal time in the organization’s history. This is a senior leadership role for a dynamic and strategic professional who thrives on building meaningful relationships, driving philanthropic impact, and elevating community engagement. The position offers the opportunity to join a passionate and collaborative team in a highly visible role, where your work will directly support artistic excellence, educational access, and community vibrancy.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director and partnering with a Board of Governors, the Director of Development will play a key role in shaping SOPAC’s future—especially as it approaches its milestone 20th Anniversary Season in 2026–and meeting the goals of the current strategic plan. Crafted in July 2022, this plan was developed collaboratively by SOPAC Board and staff and is built on four strategic pillars: curating transformational arts experiences for a dynamic and diverse audience; building community and engaging audiences; ensuring long-term viability and sustainability; and strengthening operations and impact across board and staff.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Partner with the Executive Director and Board to design and implement a multi-year fundraising plan aligned with SOPAC’s strategic goals.
Lead the Development Department, supervising a Development Manager and a part-time grants-writer, working collaboratively cross-departmentally

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

Lead all donor and funder cultivation and solicitation—individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors—building on our current stewardship efforts, with a focus on the identification of new income sources and direct solicitation of major gifts, and with an aim to raise approximately $750,000 in the upcoming fiscal year and to grow annual operating income to $1.2M over the next three years.+*
Support the Executive Director and the Board of Governors in their fundraising roles, partnering to create and implement strategies for leveraging directors’ networks and empowering them to act as key spokespeople and fundraisers for the organization.
Manage and continuously refresh a portfolio of 150 to 200 major donor prospects, working independently and in partnership with staff and board members to identify and initiate contact with new prospects.
Design and execute annual giving and membership campaigns in partnership with the programming, marketing, and audience services teams.
Lead the planning and execution of fundraising events and donor cultivation activities in partnership -with internal teams and the Board of Governors.
Partner with internal teams in the creation of donor recognition and stewardship materials.
Serve as a visible ambassador for SOPAC in the community to grow philanthropic relationships.
Oversee and support grant writing and foundation outreach efforts, taking a lead role in building relationships with current and potential funders.

Operations & Analytics

Oversee development operations, ensuring accurate data management and donor tracking using PatronManager (Salesforce), SOPAC’s CRM system.
Monitor performance metrics and ensure fundraising goals are aligned with SOPAC’s annual budget and strategic plan.
Monitor development budget and prepare financial /grants reports in collaboration with finance team and Executive Director

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of senior-level fundraising experience with proven success in campaigns, individual giving, and major gifts - Knowledge of NJ/local philanthropic landscape and cultural sector strongly preferred
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree or CFRE certification a plus
Genuine passion for the performing arts and SOPAC's mission
Experience supervising staff in mission-driven organizations
Excellent communication skills and strong project management ability
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Success working with Boards and volunteer committees
Proficiency with CRM platforms, preferably Salesforce/PatronManager
Experience with Emma or similar email marketing software a plus

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

Salary: $100,000 – $110,000, based on experience

Benefits:

Generous PTO including vacation, 10 paid holidays, and office closure between Christmas and New Year’s
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Mobile phone stipend
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
Mileage reimbursement (valid driver's license and vehicle required)

How to Apply for this Job

Submit your cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (major donor solicitation, grant proposal, etc.) as a single PDF file to SOPACjobs@sopacnow.org with subject line: LAST NAME, FIRST NAME - Director of Development.

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Only candidates being considered will be contacted. Application Deadline 05/20/2025

About the Organization

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) offers audiences exhilarating and diverse arts entertainment in its intimate venue, serving as the cultural heartbeat of the greater South Orange/Maplewood region and contributing to the economic and social vibrancy of its highly diverse community. Since opening its doors in 2006, SOPAC has become a premier regional destination for the performing arts, offering audiences experiences across music, theater, comedy, dance, and arts education. The Jennifer & Tony Leitner Performance Hall, a state-of-the-art 439-seat theater, features outstanding acoustics and sightlines.

The Loft, a flexible 2,185-square-foot space, supports rehearsals, classes, and special events. SOPAC also proudly hosts the Herb & Milly Iris Gallery, featuring four to five visual arts exhibitions each year within a striking three-story, glass-enclosed atrium. Arts education is a central pillar of SOPAC’s mission. Each year, SOPAC provides meaningful arts experiences to more than 9,000 local students, engaging young audiences through School Performances, in-school residencies, and community partnerships that foster creativity, self-expression, and lifelong appreciation for the arts.

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