Director of Development

About Tara

Tara Institute of the Performing Arts is composed of Tara Performing Arts High School and the historic Nomad Playhouse.

Tara Performing Arts High School is a one-of-a-kind Waldorf high school in North Boulder with over 30 years of academic excellence. Tara’s mission is to awaken students’ minds and hearts, to foster their sense of connection to each other and the world, to engage them in meaningful work and activities, and to excite them about life itself. Students embark on a transformative, culturally rich journey that focuses on both intellectual engagement and spiritual growth. Every aspect of Tara's curriculum demands that the students immerse themselves in the subject matter in a way that expands their understanding and supports strong principles and honor in their daily lives.

The Nomad Playhouse is an historic theatre in North Boulder, a beloved venue where artists and audiences have come together to explore ideas through art for over 50 years. As owners of the Nomad, Tara Performing Arts High School is committed to revitalizing the theatre's legacy of community engagement by providing high-caliber performances and cultural offerings. Tara students serve as the resident theatre company at the Nomad, following in the footsteps of the original troupe of Nomad Players. As part Tara Performing Arts High School’s ambitious vision for the Nomad as a vibrant center for the arts, the theatre is home to an eclectic assortment of theatre, film, music, and dance.

Director of Development

Tara Institute of the Performing Arts is seeking a skilled and visionary fundraising professional to lead its development efforts. An integral part of the community, the Director of Development is the champion of Tara’s culture of making a transformational education available via a robust scholarship fund, is a steward of the school and its resources including the Nomad Playhouse, and is a strategic thinker who will fuel and oversee a dynamic fundraising program.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on and collaborative leader with proven experience in fundraising and business development. The Development Director will collaborate with the Board of Trustees, and will engage actively with Tara’s community, parent and alumni constituencies.

This is a full time, exempt, on-site position.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Work with Tara Leadership to ensure that annual fundraising and enrollment goals are achieved. Evaluating progress toward these goals, the Development Director will refine as needed, and communicate progress.
• Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans encompassing individual giving, major gifts, events, and grants, focusing on sustainable revenue growth.
• Work with the Enrollment team on outreach, events, attainment and retention efforts.
• Work with the Marketing and Communications Manager to create solicitation and communication materials that align with Tara’s brand identity specifically aimed at the needs of potential donors, sponsors, and students.
• Participate in Tara and Nomad events throughout the year to directly learn and integrate the culture and mission of the school and speak to the critical, life-changing aspects of the school with potential donors.

This job may be a great fit for you if:

• You have a demonstrated history of successful experience in fundraising, business development and nonprofit leadership
• You are mission driven and passionate about education
• You are a self starter who looks forward to making an impact
• You are someone who takes initiative, likes working independently, thinks boldly, and has the confidence to lead with both strategy and action
• You value collaboration and enthusiasm to build community
• You are comfortable representing a Waldorf school that is based on the works of Rudolf Steiner

Salary And Benefits

• Annual salary in the range of $85,000 - $100,000
• Employer paid medical insurance for employees, employee paid dental/vision/life insurance available.
• Generous Paid Time Off (5 wks)
• Annual Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution option
• Tuition remission for students enrolled in Tara after 1 yr of employment

Qualities And Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in development or advancement, preferably in a school environment
• Demonstrated success in planning and executing comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including annual giving, capital campaigns, grant acquisition, events, planned giving and major gifts
• Established connections with the greater Boulder community preferred
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills
• Excels working collaboratively with diverse groups, including faculty, staff, volunteers, trustees, donors, and other community members
• Flexibility to work after-hours and occasionally on weekends, especially around key donor events.
• Strong events planning and execution skills, with experience overseeing fundraising events from conception to execution.
• Proven track record of personally securing five-and-six figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners
• Understands the power of donor communications and how storytelling supports donor engagement and retention.
• Experience in retention and recognition programs
• Excellent writing skills
• Intermediate level experience with FACTS and Google Suite
• Passion for education and strong alignment with Tara’s mission

• Employer paid medical insurance for employees, employee paid dental/vision/life insurance available.
• Generous Paid Time Off (5 wks)
• Annual Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution option
• Tuition remission for students enrolled in Tara after 1 yr of employment