Director of Development

Quintessence Theatre, now in its 16th season of producing epic, classic theatre in Northwest Philadelphia, seeks an experienced, strategic and mission-driven Director of Development to join our team.In 2024, Quintessence purchased its longtime home, the historic Sedgwick Theater on Germantown Avenue, and is embarking on an ambitious renovation project and Capital Campaign to create a performing arts center for its community. The Director of Development leads Quintessence Theatre Group’s capital campaign while driving sustained growth in major gift revenue. This role focuses primarily on campaign strategy, major donor cultivation and solicitation, and long-term relationship management. The Director of Development supervises the Associate Director of Development, who leads annual fund efforts, and works collaboratively to ensure strong alignment between campaign and annual giving initiatives.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Producing Artistic Director, Board of Directors, Campaign Committee, and Development Committee, the Director of Development plays a central leadership role in advancing the Campaign for Quintessence at the Sedgwick and strengthening the organization’s culture of philanthropy.

Primary Responsibilities

Capital Campaign and Major Gift Leadership

Provide strategic leadership for all capital campaign and major donor fundraising efforts in partnership with the Executive Director, Producing Artistic Director, and Campaign Committee. Develop and implement comprehensive campaign strategies designed to meet ambitious fundraising goals.

Support for the Campaign, Major and Planned Gifts

• Building and managing a robust major donor pipeline
  • Developing campaign gift tables and solicitation strategies
  • Conducting prospect research and qualification
• Strategically engaging the Executive Director and Producing Artistic Director in donor conversations as appropriate
• Implement a Planned Giving strategy

Donor Cultivation, Stewardship and Event Support

• Leading and participating in donor cultivation and solicitation meetings
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, plan and execute campaign cultivation and fundraising events.
• Support opening night events and additional Classics Forward Society (CFS) gatherings, as well as other theatre-related events as needed.
• Represent Quintessence at external engagements to build visibility and strengthen donor relationships.

Campaign Specific

• Support development of campaign materials, including the case for support, pitch decks, etc.
• Partnering with board and Campaign Committee members to identify and cultivate high-capacity prospects and implement a plan for the committee role and engagement efforts
• Planning and executing campaign-focused cultivation and fundraising events
• Ensuring that the entire leadership team is meeting and achieving campaign fundraising goals throughout the campaign
• Ensure campaign fundraising efforts are coordinated with annual giving strategies in collaboration with the Associate Director of Development.

Systems, Documentation & Gift Management

Strengthen and oversee campaign and donor systems and processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and strong donor stewardship. Responsibilities include:

• Drafting and managing campaign gift agreements
• Ensuring timely and meaningful gift acknowledgments, signed by the Executive Director
• Maintaining detailed records of prospect strategies, meeting outcomes, solicitations, pledges, payment schedules, and reminders

Annual Fund Strategy & Oversight

Supervise and support the Associate Director of Development in annual fund planning and execution. Work collaboratively to qualify prospects for campaign participation while maintaining strong annual giving performance.

Provide strategic input on:

• Twice-yearly annual fund campaigns (calendar year-end and fiscal year-end)
• Donor movement from annual giving into major and campaign-level support
• Alignment between campaign messaging and annual appeals

Board & Internal Engagement

Serve as a key staff partner to the Board of Directors, Campaign Committee, and Development Committee. Responsibilities include:

• Attending board and committee meetings
• Meeting regularly with the Associate Director of Development and Development Committee Chair to review goals, progress, and engagement strategies
• Supporting board members in fulfilling fundraising responsibilities, including donor outreach and campaign solicitations

This role is ideal for a strategic, relationship-driven fundraising leader who is passionate about building long-term philanthropic partnerships and helping position Quintessence Theatre Group as a national home for the classics.

Health and dental benefits are provided with a partial employee share. Paid time off provided.