Manager of Individual Giving and Special Events

The New Group seeks an ambitious frontline fundraiser as its Manager of Individual Giving and Special Events to lead individual donor engagement and special event planning. This position oversees donor cultivation, fundraising campaigns, and event execution—including the annual Gala—and contributes directly to building and strengthening The New Group’s base of support.

Reporting to the Executive Director and supported by a Development Associate, the Manager of Individual Giving and Special Events manages The New Group’s patron program and a portfolio of major gift prospects.

Working closely with the organization’s leadership team, other departments, and development consultants, this role is ideal for a mid-career development professional looking to gain valuable leadership experience and grow within a small, dynamic team. As The New Group’s donor community continues to expand, we expect the development department to grow as well, offering significant opportunities for professional development as a leader in a small department.

Key Responsibilities

Individual Giving (50%)

• Develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies across individual donor levels.
• Manage and grow the Patron Ensemble program (donors giving $1,250–$9,999), including renewals, acquisitions, communications, and benefit fulfillment.
• Contribute to building the major gifts pipeline ($10,000+) working with the Executive Director and Artistic Director on donor strategy.
• Serve as a frontline fundraiser, cultivating relationships and acting as an ambassador at performances and events.
• Oversee all fundraising campaigns and smaller targeted solicitations.
• Oversee all donor communications, including acknowledgment letters and other fundraising collateral.
• Supervise tracking and reporting on all gifts in Spektrix; maintain accurate donation records, reports, and monthly reconciliations with finance.
• Analyze donor prospect research and regular wealth screenings to develop prospects for cultivation.

Special Events (30%)

• Lead the planning and execution of The New Group’s Annual Gala.
  • Identify prospects for honorees and gala committee members.
  • Work with the Executive Director and Artistic Director to solicit sponsors and table, ticket, and journal ad purchases.
  • Work with internal and external stakeholders on all elements of the event design and execution.
• Supervise the Development Associate in the planning and execution of fundraising and cultivation events including:
  • Opening night parties
  • Patron receptions
  • Artist Salon events
• Oversee solicitation and invitation lists, RSVPs, seating charts, and event communications.
• Provide on-site event support; some evening and weekend availability required.

Board Relations (10%)

• Manage annual Board giving and assist in identifying opportunities for increased engagement.
• Prepare and present development reports for Board meetings.
• Coordinate with the Development Committee and leadership on strategy and stewardship.

Staff Supervision (10%)

• Oversee the Development Associate's performance, approve their work schedules, and manage overtime and time off requests.

Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Progressively responsible experience in development. Prior experience in annual giving, special events, or patron management preferred.
• Proven experience in event planning and project management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of fundraising databases (Spektrix a plus), Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office.
• A collaborative spirit and interest in working cross-departmentally.
• Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), and continuous learning.
• An appreciation for the performing arts; knowledge and passion of contemporary theater a plus.

If you don’t meet all of the criteria listed above but know you have what it takes to do this job, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself in your cover letter.