Senior Director of Development

About Shakespeare Theatre Company

Shakespeare Theatre Company creates world-class Shakespeare productions and innovative contemporary work, addressing the most urgent questions with scale and audacity.

Shakespeare inspires us to see ourselves better. A statue comes to life; a youngest daughter brings down a king; a prince finds wisdom in the skull of a fool. Shakespeare evokes our common humanity with images engraved on our hearts. Across two stages—Harman Hall and the Klein Theatre—and in hundreds of classrooms across the nation, STC is a learning space where different generations gather, unified by a shared curiosity about our time together on earth and the power of great stories to make a difference.

Position Overview

The Senior Director of Development plays a strategic and high-impact leadership role at STC, overseeing a dynamic fundraising program that supports both annual operations and long-term growth.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Senior Director will drive all development efforts – from annual fund campaigns to multi-million-dollar capital initiatives – while cultivating lasting relationships with some of the Theatre’s most dedicated supporters. This position offers a unique opportunity to work side-by-side with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and influential philanthropic leaders to ensure a vibrant future for classical theatre in the nation’s capital.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of comprehensive fundraising strategies across individual, corporate, foundation, and government channels.
• Oversee all aspects of a major capital campaign in partnership with senior leadership.
• Build and mentor a high-performing development team, inspiring staff, consultants, and volunteers to meet and exceed ambitious fundraising goals.
• Drive donor engagement and recognition efforts, ensuring excellence in stewardship and cultivation practices.
• Manage a robust calendar of fundraising and cultivation events that elevate the Theatre’s visibility and deepen community connection.
• Serve as a liaison to the Board of Trustees, managing key committees and helping mobilize their influence and networks.
• Directly supervise the Associate Director of Development, Individual Giving; Director of Development Operations; Director of Corporate and Government Relations; Director of Events and Donor Engagement; while leading the department as a whole.
• Guide departmental workflows, manage performance, and shape the team’s culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Shape and refine development systems and processes to increase efficiency, transparency, and impact.

Qualifications & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in arts, business, or arts management with equivalent professional experience; a master’s degree is preferred.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising and team leadership
• Proven expertise in major gifts, capital campaigns, special events, planned giving, sponsorships, and donor stewardship.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a natural ability to inspire trust, communicate vision, and build lasting partnerships.
• A strategic mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Additional Information

• Salary starting at $185,000 annually.
• Must be able to work flexible hours with occasional evening and weekend availability required for donor events.
• In-person leadership presence expected at our D.C. offices and events; minimum three days onsite per week.