Associate Director of Individual Giving & Major Gifts

Company Overview:

The 5th Avenue Theatre’s mission is to nurture, advance, and celebrate all aspects of the great art form: the musical. As one of America's premier musical theater companies, The 5th is a major economic driver, playing a key role in the revitalization of downtown Seattle. We produce multiple musicals annually and proudly employ local talent, with 90%+ of our 700 artists living in Washington. Our renowned education programs serve 35,000 K-12 students annually, and our engagement programs facilitate connections between people, organizations, different cultures, and various art forms. The 5th is an invaluable treasure to Seattle, and central to America's theatrical landscape; we have originated 26 new musicals, 11 of which have gone on to Broadway and garnered 15 Tony Awards®, including two for Best Musical.

Position Summary:

Position: Associate Director of Individual Giving & Major Gifts

Department: Philanthropy

Reports to: Director of Philanthropy

FLSA Classification: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt

Compensation: $78,000 to $88,000.

Work Location: Downtown Seattle. The 5th Avenue Theatre administrative office located within Skinner Building (1326 5th Avenue, Suite 735). This role will require some travel to off-site donor meetings and events.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in all areas of its work, both onstage and off. Qualified individuals from communities that have been traditionally underrepresented in the theatrical industry, and that represent multiple identities, perspectives, influences, and lived experiences, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Overview:

The Associate Director of Individual Giving & Major Gifts will build and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects who give or have the capacity to give $15,000 or more in annual support. They will serve as the team leader for individual gifts, providing guidance and structure for all managers of all tiers of portfolio management. This will require conceiving and implementing solicitation strategies for new and increased gifts as well as identifying opportunities to connect prospects and donors with the programs and leadership of The 5th, leveraging their passions and interests to increase their giving. Building and cultivating relationships will be imperative to maintaining their portfolio, and they are responsible for meeting with donors in person, making phone calls, stewarding donors, and achieving fundraising goals.

The ideal candidate is action-oriented and strategic, and demonstrates outstanding donor relations, customer service, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

• Plan Development: Lead the individual giving strategy in partnership with department professionals and portfolio managers. Develop a detailed calendar that outlines key fundraising activities, campaigns, and events throughout the year to align with artistic programming and mission aligned events (e.g., campaign appeals, reporting, recognition and benefits).
• Oversee and Nurture Donor Portfolio: Manage a portfolio of top-tier donors through strategic moves management to cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships.
• Develop Donor Strategies: Create strategies for donor recognition, growth, and engagement, aligning donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Collaborate for Major Gifts: Partner with team members, executive leadership, consultants, and board members to build out a more robust major gifts program, inclusive of higher levels of giving, cumulative giving appreciation opportunities, donor recognition, and planned giving.
• Prospect Development: Identify and qualify new prospects in collaboration with philanthropy colleagues, and prepare tailored solicitation proposals.
• Ensure Donor Stewardship: Maintain and enhance long-term relationships with major donors and planned giving supporters through proper stewardship.
• Donor Engagement Events: Strategize donor engagement events year-round and collaborate with project managers to develop execution plans. Events include
• fundraising galas, dinners, and other cultivation activities to connect donors with artists, board leaders, and community leaders.
• Campaign Support: The 5th will regularly launch campaigns to support special initiatives, above and beyond the annual operating fund. Campaigns require support and participation from all members of philanthropy for support with list segmentation, portfolio management, events, and more.
• Participate in Donor Activities: Attend donor events, host guests, and undertake additional duties or initiatives as assigned by the Director of Philanthropy.
• Support Team and Mission: Work collaboratively within the philanthropy team to grow support, uphold the mission and values, and contribute to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Desired Qualifications and Competencies:

The ideal candidate for this position will possess most of these skills and qualifications, or relevant experience and achievements to help them meet needs of the role.

• Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, arts or business administration; or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years proven track record of securing gifts, meeting goals, and increasing donor contributions year to year.
• Demonstrated skills in successfully handling significant levels of responsibility, initiating and managing projects, and working both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (particularly Word and Excel). Experience with Tessitura preferred.
• Exceptional skills in fostering relationships, establishing trust and rapport in business partnerships with diverse individuals, and engaging in skillful conversation with tact and sound judgement.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, with great attention to detail, strong customer service skills, and a commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive space for internal/external patrons and stakeholders.
• Maintaining a professional, personable, and positive image.
• Commitment to the importance of the arts and, specifically, musical theater.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Sitting: Much of the work in philanthropy involves working at a desk, meeting with donors, and attending meetings, sitting at a computer, and making phone calls.
• Walking: While the role is primarily office-based, you may need to walk within the office or to attend meetings in different parts of the organization's facilities or in the general Downtown area.
• Standing: You may need to stand during meetings, presentations, or events, such as fundraising galas or donor meetings.
• Travel: There may be a need to meet with donors, attend conferences, or visit other locations, and travel may be a part of the job. This could involve sitting on planes, trains, or in cars for extended periods.
• Lifting and carrying: This could involve transporting and setting up materials for events.
• Communication: This role requires fluency in English.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Requirements:

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background and reference checks.