Director of Development

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Development is a key member of the Theatre's leadership team, responsible for the strategic and day-to-day oversight of the organization's fundraising program, including sponsorships, individual giving, foundation and grant relationships, the annual appeal, and special events. This position plays a vital role in advancing the organization's mission by building and sustaining the relationships and revenue that make the Theatre's programming possible. As a member of a small, collaborative team, you will take on a broad range of responsibilities across multiple functions. This role is well suited to a versatile professional who values variety, adapts readily to shifting priorities, and is comfortable working independently.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Development Strategy

In partnership with the Executive Director, the Director of Development executes a comprehensive development strategy encompassing sponsorship, individual giving, foundation support, the annual appeal, and special events, setting and tracking fundraising goals. They help foster a collaborative, respectful, mission-driven approach to donor engagement across the organization.

Corporate & Business Sponsorship

Cultivates, solicits, and stewards relationships with corporate and business sponsors, developing sponsorship packages and benefits tied to performances and seasonal programming, and ensuring sponsor benefits and recognition are fulfilled on time.

Individual Giving & Annual Appeal

Builds and manages a donor pipeline from first-time givers to major donors, developing personalized cultivation and stewardship plans for key supporters, and maintaining accurate donor records and giving history. The Director plans and executes the annual appeal campaign including messaging, segmentation, timeline, and materials across mail, email, and digital channels. Analyzes results to strengthen future campaigns.

Foundation & Grant Relations

This includes researching and cultivating relationships with foundations and grant-making institutions, preparing compelling grant proposals and reports, and tracking application deadlines and compliance requirements.

Administration & Reporting

On the administrative side, the Director maintains the development database, gift processing, and acknowledgment procedures, prepares regular reports for the Executive Director and Board, and ensures compliance with fundraising regulations and best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates should bring demonstrated fundraising experience, ideally in a nonprofit, arts, or cultural setting with a strong track record of success. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and campaigns at once are essential, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with donor databases and fundraising software is required. The role also requires the flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as performance and event schedules demand.

POSITION DETAILS

This is a full-time, year-round, in-person position reporting to the Executive Director, with a salary range of $85,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience.

BENEFITS

Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays); optional 401K plan participation (no employer match); professional development and training opportunities; and complimentary or discounted tickets to theatre events.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The Criterion Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

To apply, please send a letter of interest, CV, three references, and one fundraising writing sample to Executive Director Courtney Sale at courtney@criteriontheatre.org. Use Director of Development in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays); optional 401K plan participation (no employer match); professional development and training opportunities; and complimentary or discounted tickets to theatre events.