Development Strategy Partner (Part-time Contractor)

About UrbanTheater Company

UrbanTheater Company (UTC) is a cultural hub rooted in Humboldt Park that amplifies the voices of the Puerto Rican diaspora and BIPOC communities. Through storytelling, mentorship, and education, UTC preserves cultural identity, archives Chicago history, and incubates new artistic work.

Founded in 2005 by a Latino ensemble deeply rooted in their community, UTC has grown into a vital platform for multicultural representation in the arts. The organization continues to serve as a bridge between artists, communities of color, and youth—using theater as a vehicle for transformation, healing, and social awareness. To learn more about UTC, visit our webpage.

Position Overview

UrbanTheater Company is seeking a part-time Development Strategy Partner to help strengthen and expand its fundraising approach.

This role will serve as a strategic advisor and collaborator, working closely with leadership to identify new funding opportunities, build a focused prospect pipeline, and shape clear development priorities. The Development Strategy Partner will play a key role in helping UTC move toward a more proactive, strategic, and sustainable fundraising model. UTC has a current annual budget of $652k, and annual fundraising goal of approximately $600k.

The ideal candidate brings both strategic clarity and practical fundraising insight, and is excited to support a small, community-rooted organization in deepening its impact and growing its base of support.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Assess current development efforts, systems, and funding history
• Identify gaps and opportunities across foundation, corporate, and individual giving
• Help shape a clear, focused development strategy and priorities
• Advise leadership on where to focus limited time and resources

Prospect Identification & Pipeline Building

• Research and surface new funding opportunities aligned to UTC’s mission
• Build and maintain a curated prospect pipeline with clear rationale and prioritization
• Identify corporate philanthropy and new funding streams not yet explored

Collaboration & Internal Partnership

• Work closely with UTC leadership and Development Coordinator
• Provide guidance and structure for ongoing fundraising efforts
• Act as a sounding board for strategy, prioritization, and decision-making

Grant Strategy Support

• Provide input on grant positioning, framing, and approach
• Support early-stage narrative development
• Collaborates with the Development Coordinator and Admin team to support the submission of strong grant proposals.

Qualifications & Experiences

• 5–15+ years in nonprofit development or fundraising strategy
• Background in fundraising or development for nonprofits, arts, or mission-driven organizations
• Experience across multiple funding streams (foundation, corporate, individual)
• Track record of building or expanding funding pipelines
• Strategic thinker who can see gaps and opportunities quickly
• Strong judgment on where to focus limited resources
• Comfortable operating in small, evolving organizations
• Ability to balance structure with flexibility

Working Style

• Collaborative and values-aligned
• Comfortable serving as a connector rather than owning relationships
• Able to work independently with limited oversight

Compensation

• Part-time engagement, flat rate pay of $2,050 per month
• Anticipated hours of work will average 10-12 hours per month
• Initial 3-month pilot, with potential to extend
• Flexible hours and structure based on agreed scope and priorities
• Remote, with preference for Chicago-based

To Apply

Please use this link to submit your application. The priority deadline to apply is June 12, 2026; applications received after this date will not receive priority review. The hiring team will review all applicants submitted by the deadline and, upon qualification, contact you to discuss the next steps.

Urban Theater Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages leaders of color, women, and those who identify as LGBTQI to apply. We comply with federal, state and/or local laws that prohibit discrimination in employment based on race, religion, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision-making, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizen or intending citizen status, disability, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. Information provided during the application or employment process will not be used to discriminate against any individual in any manner. The Company complies with ADA regulations as applicable.