Job Posting – Associate Director of Major Gifts (Arts Club Theatre)

We are seeking an Associate Director of Major Gifts to join our Development team and play a key role in deepening relationships with donors who make our work on stage, with our education programs, developing new work and so much more possible.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Fund Development, the Associate Director of Major Gifts is a senior member of the Development team responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of major donors and prospects, while helping to shape strategies that advance the Arts Club’s philanthropic goals. This role works closely and collaboratively with the Fund Development Department, as well as the larger Arts Club team.

This position is responsible for stewarding a portfolio of existing donors, as well as identifying and researching prospects within our existing database and strategically building with relationships with new and potential donors. This role will support the strategic priorities of the Arts Club, including annual and capital campaigns, while fostering a strong culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Associate Director of Major Gifts is a donor-facing role best suited to a results-driven, donor-centric fundraiser who thrives on building meaningful relationships and sharing the impact of theatre.

Key Responsibilities
Major Gift Fundraising & Portfolio Management

• Manage and expand a portfolio of major donors and prospects of gift from $10,000 to six figure gifts annually.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to achieve annual and campaign fundraising goals.
• Develop tailored strategies and proposals for new and existing donors, prospects and foundations.
• Partner with senior leadership, board members, the Board Fund Development Committee and volunteers in solicitations donor engagement, and stewardship.
• Maintain a strong grasp of Arts Club priority projects to confidently articulate their impact to donors and prospects.

Private and Family Foundations

• Research, identify, and cultivate relationships with private and family foundations.
• Prepare proposals, and reports that align organizational priorities with funder interests.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Develop and implement thoughtful, personalized stewardship plans for Major Gift donors that include meaningful touchpoints and moments of surprise and delight. Plans will feature tailored communications, impact reporting, special events, and recognition opportunities.
• Work with the team to design and deliver exceptional stewardship events, such as opening night receptions, donor appreciation gatherings, and other exclusive experiences.
• Represent the Arts Club at performances and events, and engage with donors and patrons.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with team members and colleagues across the Arts Club to align messaging, donor experiences, and philanthropic opportunities.
• Contribute to campaign strategy and execution, supporting donor pipeline development and major gift solicitations.
• Represent the Arts Club at select community and networking events, cultivating relationships and building visibility.

Operations & Administration

• Maintain accurate donor records, research, proposals, and activity tracking in Tessitura, our ticketing and fundraising CRM.
• Contribute to department-wide planning, strategy development, and goal setting from a major gifts’ perspective
• Prepare donor briefings, solicitation materials, gift agreements, and stewardship reports.
• Monitor progress toward fundraising goals and provide regular updates to the Director of Development.
• Stay current on trends in philanthropy, donor relations, and stewardship.
• Perform other related duties as required to fulfill any changing business needs of this role

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• 5–7 years of progressive fundraising experience, with a minimum of 3 years managing a major gifts portfolio (gifts of $10,000+ to six-figure gifts preferred).
• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts, including from individuals, foundations, and donor-advised funds.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in database management and CRM systems, with strong analytical and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Fundraising, Arts Administration, Marketing, Business, or a related field (equivalent experience may be considered).
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in development or fundraising in non-profit organizations, with demonstrated success in meeting revenue goals.
• Membership in the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) or eligibility for membership considered an asset.

BENEFITS

• Employee Benefit Plan: Extended Health Care, Dental Care, Life, AD& D & LTD Insurance.
• Vacation time starting with 15 days per year.
• 5 paid sick days off per calendar year.
• 5 additional paid personal days per calendar year, prorated in first calendar year for portion of year worked.
• In addition to statutory holidays, the Arts Club is closed on Easter Monday, Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
• 4 Complimentary tickets to every production.
• Invitation to dress rehearsals.
• Invitation to first rehearsal, and other artistic initiatives.
• Discount on all bar and concession items in our venues.

If this role sounds exciting and you’d like to learn more, please send your resume and cover letter to humanresources@artsclub.com. with the subject: Associate Director of Major Gifts – Arts Club Theatre Company – Your Name.