Development Associate

South Orange Performing Arts Center

Development Associate

Job Description

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (in-person 4 days/week and remote 1 day/week)

Salary: $47,500-$52,500 with additional benefits including health insurance, 403(b) contribution, and generous paid time off (including vacation, sick days, floating holidays, and office closure between Christmas and New Years)

Reports to: Director of Development

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) offers audiences exhilarating and diverse arts entertainment in its intimate venue, serving as the cultural heartbeat of the greater South Orange/Maplewood region and contributing to the economic and social vibrancy of its highly diverse community. Since opening its doors in 2006, SOPAC has become a premier regional destination for the performing arts, offering audiences experiences across music, theater, comedy, dance, and arts education. SOPAC's Development Department plays a critical role in fostering meaningful relationships with patrons, donors, and other stakeholders, stewarding them to a greater connection with the organization.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Associate is a key member of SOPAC's development team, supporting the Director of Development and grant writer, and assisting generally with all fundraising functions and maintaining development operations. This position offers comprehensive experience across membership, grants, events, and operations. The ideal candidate should have an overall interest in arts management (though specific experience is not necessary), as this role collaborates with various departments to support SOPAC's mission including marketing, patron services, production, and more.

The Development Associate should have a strong interest in the performing arts, enthusiasm for meeting patrons and building relationships, excellent communication skills, and a strong attention to detail. This role is ideal for both emerging and established professionals seeking a collaborative and cross-disciplinary support role. Opportunities for advancement within this growing organization are available.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Membership (Individual Giving)

• - Manage member stewardship and cultivation through excellent customer service and timely responses via email, phone, and in-person communications
• - Manage the Member Services inbox and phone line as the primary contact
• - Create, track, and report on membership renewals in SOPAC's database (Salesforce/Patron Manager)
• - Make solicitation calls in relation to specific fundraising appeals
• - Support the administration of donor portfolios for the Director of Development and Executive Director

Grants (Institutional Giving)

• - Support grant writer as needed on time-sensitive proposals
• - Assist with research for new fundraising opportunities
• - Assist with compiling information and analyzing data
• - Assist with some grant writing

Operations

• - Lead acknowledgement letter processing
• - Execute email correspondence sent on behalf of the development department with support from SOPAC’s marketing team
• - Assist with the production and distribution of other printed materials including invitations, brochures, etc.
• - Maintain SOPAC database (Salesforce/Patron Manager) including data entry, record upkeep, and pulling reports
• - Manage third-party fundraising websites for matching gifts
• - Maintain Local Business Network list and serve as point of contact

Events and Engagement

• - Assist with the production of member and community events including parties, galas, and stewardship activities
• - Coordinate event logistics and communications
• - Identify and help secure in-kind event sponsorships
• - Manage events list tracker
• - Represent SOPAC at performances, events, and community initiatives, acting as a key point of contact for members and donors
• - Engage with funders, members, and other stakeholders during performances and events to strengthen relationships and promote SOPAC’s mission

Qualifications for the ideal candidate

• Strong attention to detail, extremely organized, deadline-driven
• Excellent written and in-person communication skills
• Competency and comfort with Microsoft Excel and Word
• Preferred experience working with CRM systems (notably Salesforce/Patron Manager)
• Collaborative attitude, skilled at working in a group or working independently
• Driven and hard-working, take pride in the process and the product
• Ability to juggle multiple projects without dropping the ball
• Creative and strategic thinker
• Passion for the performing arts and belief that arts access is intrinsic to the wellbeing of a community; committed to making the arts accessible, inclusive, and sustainable
• Sense of humor
• Experience and past success in customer service role
• Preferred experience with events
• Preferred experience at a non-profit arts organization
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

SOPAC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds, including people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities. If you're excited about this role but unsure if you meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (major donor

solicitation, grant proposal, etc.) as a single PDF file to

SOPACjobs@sopacnow.org with subject line: LAST NAME, FIRST NAME – Development

Associate. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Only candidates being

considered will be contacted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

October 1, 2025

Health insurance, 403(b) contribution, and generous paid time off (including vacation, sick days, floating holidays, and office closure between Christmas and New Years)