Annual Fund and Operations Manager - Steppenwolf Theatre

STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY



For over 40 years, Steppenwolf Theatre Company has been a cultural leader in Chicago and model for theatre companies in the United States and around the world. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, stage managers and playwrights. Steppenwolf’s artistic ambitions are made possible by its incredible workforce of individuals, who help create a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and accountability. To that end, we attempt to use an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens in our roles and everyday decision-making. Join us in this ongoing process, as we navigate, together, our complex world.



Steppenwolf Theatre Company is seeking candidates for the full-time position of Annual Fund and Operations Manager. This role is an essential part of the Development team, supporting the team’s efforts to raise $7+ million annually. The Annual Fund and Operations Manager will oversee and expand the Annual Fund (all gifts <$2,000) and lead the department to ensure timely gift processing and effective use of Tessitura, Steppenwolf’s donor database/CRM.



The position reports to the Deputy Director of Development and will oversee, in partnership with the Director of Development, the Board Relations Coordinator. Steppenwolf currently operates under a hybrid work model allowing for flexibility in remote and onsite work.



Annual Fund Responsibilities:

• Lead an integrated, multi-channel Annual Fund campaign that solicits, renews, and secures new gifts <$2,000, growing Steppenwolf’s base of individual supporters. Develop and execute all campaign timelines and coordinate with internal departments (design, marketing, audience outreach, audience services) to achieve fundraising goals.

o Mail – Manage a highly-personalized direct mail campaign consisting of renewal and acquisition

mailings; drive the design, writing and production of all materials and incorporate board and

Steppenwolf ensemble voices accordingly.

o Digital – Expand Steppenwolf’s overall usage of digital platforms to solicit and renew donations,

including stand-alone email campaigns, digital integration to mail/phone campaigns, social media

messages, add-on gifts during online ticket purchases, as well as ensure development’s overall online

presence.

o Add-on Gifts – Coordinate with the Marketing and Audience Services departments to solicit ticket and

subscription “add-on” gifts through all channels (web, phone, mail).

o Telefund – Alongside Development leadership, strategize and coordinate future campaigns with

external vendors.

• Provide ongoing analysis of the Annual Fund campaign for senior leadership and develop strategy

adjustments.

• Track best practices, trends, and technologies to identify innovative approaches to annual fund giving.



Database and Gift Operations Responsibilities

• Manage the Board Relations Coordinator as they administer timely and accurate gift processing,

acknowledgment, and reporting for all gifts to Steppenwolf.

• Serve as Development department lead for Tessitura, Steppenwolf’s CRM.

• Maintain overall data integrity and maximize department’s usage and proficiency to collect and store donor

information and efficiently extract it.

• Train new department members in Steppenwolf’s use of Tessitura.

• Partner with Finance team and Director of Development on monthly and yearly gift reconciliation; ensure

the accuracy of all fundraising reports.

• Establish all gift processing and acknowledgement policies and practices.

• In coordination with the Board Relations Coordinator, serve as editor and Development department liaison

for digital and physical donor listing content.



Qualifications and Abilities:

• Previous experience with Annual Fund solicitation or similar marketing communications experience.

• Knowledge of donor database systems; Tessitura experience strongly preferred.

• Excellent written and oral communications skills and ability to build relationships with donors.

• Self-motivated and able to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously with great attention to

detail.

• Discretion with handling confidential information.

• Proficiency in MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Ability to train colleagues and teach technical skills and processes.

• Evening and weekend hours required as needed.

• Steppenwolf gives preference to candidates who have demonstratable experience advocating for inclusion,

diversity, equity, and access (IDEA).



Compensation:

Salary range: $59,885 - $65,874 with excellent benefit package for full time employees, including medical, dental, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, vacation pay, paid sick time, personal days, Ventra transit benefit program, employee assistance program and 401(k) matching retirement program.



How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, professional resume and three references through the link provided: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=72361&clientkey=FFA63F8D7510DAA0AAC6BCEC71DBE021





NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS PLEASE



About Steppenwolf:

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier ensemble theater. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 400-seat Ensemble Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programming includes a five play season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multigenre performances series. Education initiatives include the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 15,000 participants annually from Chicago’s diverse communities. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Audrey Francis and Glenn Davis are the Artistic Directors and E. Brooke Flanagan is the Executive Director. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.

Steppenwolf Mission:

Steppenwolf Theatre Company strives to create thrilling, courageous, and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world.

Steppenwolf Core Values:

Equity + Inclusion

Integrity + Curiosity

Courage + Collaboration

Accountability + Leadership

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Steppenwolf complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.


Salary: $59,885 - $65,874 Salary/per year