Director of Development

Director of Development

Position Profile

About the Opportunity

The Director of Development is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the fundraising efforts and philanthropic growth of The Cape Playhouse and Cape Cod Center for the Arts. This dynamic individual will lead the organization’s development strategy, including overseeing all contributed income streams, such as individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and government support. Additionally, the Director will play a key role in the planning and execution of a Capital Campaign, while maintaining a focus on operational fundraising and donor stewardship. This position requires a results-oriented, strategic thinker with a proven track record of securing major gifts, cultivating long-term donor relationships, and driving successful campaigns. This work is all centered around a New England historic setting, treasured by both residents and seasonal visitors to beautiful Cape Cod.

About The Cape Playhouse

The Cape Playhouse, named one of the 50 Best Small Stage Theatres in America, has a special place in American theatre history as the longest-running professional summer theater in the country. Referred to as the “Place Where Broadway Goes to Summer” by The New York Times, the mission of the Cape Playhouse is “ to inspire, entertain, and educate through exceptional cultural and artistic experiences involving live theatre, cinematic arts, and horticulture within a vital and historic arts community that honors its past and embraces the present.”

The storied history of the Playhouse dates back to the 1920s and its founding by the legendary actor Basil Rathbone who attracted the top stars from both Broadway, the West End, and Hollywood to spend summers on the Cape, appearing in multiple productions in classic summer stock tradition. Entering its 100th year, The Cape Playhouse is the oldest continuously operating summer theater in the U.S. Anchoring a beautiful cultural campus, visitors to the Playhouse enjoy experiencing not only top quality theater, but the opportunity to explore multiple artistic venues and grounds, all in the charming Cape Cod town of Dennis, considered the heart of the Cape. With a laid back lifestyle in picturesque towns and villages, the Cape offers easy access to nature while also providing top quality arts and culture opportunities. Boston is a 90 minute drive away for ease of access to an international airport and city amenities when desired, so a life in the Dennis area offers the best of both worlds.

Job Description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Cape Playhouse, focused on both short-term and long-term growth in contributed income.
• Oversee the development and execution of fundraising campaigns, including an upcoming Capital Campaign, annual fund drives, major donor programs, and corporate sponsorship initiatives.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with individual major donors, board members, corporate sponsors, foundations, and government agencies to secure financial support for ongoing operations and capital improvements.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to establish annual fundraising goals, set priorities, and ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and vision.
• Develop strategies to identify, engage, and cultivate new donor prospects, leveraging research and networking opportunities.

Capital Campaign Leadership

• Play a leading role in execution and management of the Capital Campaign, working closely with campaign counsel, the Executive Director, and board members.
• Develop and manage timelines, budgets, and strategies for securing gifts for the Capital Campaign, including major and planned gifts.
• Ensure proper stewardship and communication with Capital Campaign donors to maintain long-term relationships and continue engagement throughout the campaign.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide guidance and leadership in development best practices to ensure effective execution of fundraising activities and strategic goals.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications teams to ensure alignment on fundraising messaging, donor communications, and promotional campaigns.
• Partner with other departments to ensure fundraising goals are integrated with programming and operations, maintaining a cohesive organizational strategy.

Operational Fundraising

• Oversee day-to-day fundraising operations, ensuring smooth execution of annual giving programs, donor tracking, and gift processing.
• Monitor fundraising progress, track key performance metrics, and prepare regular reports for the Executive Director, Board, and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure all donor data is maintained accurately in the donor management system, leveraging tools like Tessitura (or similar platforms) to generate reports and analyze trends.

Events & Special Projects

• Lead the planning and execution of major fundraising events, including the Cape Playhouse’s annual gala, donor receptions, and capital campaign events.
• Oversee event logistics, invite lists, RSVPs, and coordination with external partners to ensure successful and impactful fundraising events.
• Assist with other high-priority initiatives as needed, including project management for new fundraising programs or special campaigns.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strategic Vision: Proven ability to design, implement, and assess comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet organizational goals.
• Leadership & Management: Strong leadership skills with a track record of effectively managing and developing fundraising programs.
• Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, and key stakeholders.
• Communications Expertise: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and presentations to engage donors.
• Fundraising Expertise: Significant experience in major gift fundraising, annual giving, capital campaigns, and corporate sponsorships.
• Analytical Skills: Strong proficiency in analyzing fundraising data, preparing reports, and using donor management systems (e.g., Tessitura, Salesforce).
• Event Management: Extensive experience in planning and executing large-scale fundraising events, from galas to donor receptions.
• Operational Focus: Ability to manage day-to-day fundraising operations while strategically planning for long-term sustainability.
• Artistic Passion: A deep passion for the arts, particularly the performing arts, with a commitment to supporting the mission of the Cape Playhouse.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of professional fundraising experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior development role.
• Experience in leading capital campaigns and securing major gifts is strongly preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in nonprofit management, fundraising, or related fields are a plus.
• Knowledge of the Cape Cod philanthropic landscape is beneficial, but not required.

Compensation

Salary for this position is $90,000 - 100,000, with benefits including health insurance and a generous time off policy with paid holidays and vacation time.

Application Instructions

The Director of Development search is being conducted on behalf of The Cape Playhouse by TOC Arts Partners, a national consultancy aligning strategies, structures, and leadership toward a thriving cultural sector. The search is being led by VP, Executive Search Cynthia Fuhrman, in consultation with and support from the TOC Arts Partners search team.

To apply, visit the online application and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include any training or experience relevant to the job profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a good fit for this opportunity, and anything else you’d like us to know about your qualifications that may not be present in your resume. Applications will be accepted until this role is filled, but for best consideration we encourage you to apply by March 20.

For general questions or nominations of prospective candidates, please contact searchteam@tocartspartners.com. We kindly request no phone calls.

Specific questions about the position may be directed to:

Cynthia Fuhrman

VP, Executive Search

cynthia@tocartspartners.com

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that cis men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria, while others tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you're returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

EEO STATEMENT

The Cape Cod Center for the Arts/Cape Playhouse is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.