Development Assistant and Board Liaison - 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.



Position Overview



The Development Assistant and Board Liaison provides operational support to the Development Department by managing the workflow of the Development Director and coordinating all activities of the Theatre’s Board of Trustees. This role works with theatre leadership across departments and interfaces with the Theatre’s key stakeholders and Board of Trustees.



Responsibilities:



Serve as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Development with responsibilities including, but not limited to:



o Scheduling (including solicitation meetings, prospect meetings and board-related activities)

o Coordinating all elements of on-site Development-led meetings

o Managing calendar and workflow for the Development Director

o Provide clerical support for Board/Major Gift solicitations and specialized entertaining opportunities

o Complete Director of Development prospecting and call sheets and track in Tessitura

o Serve as proofreader for Development materials (proposals, reports, letters, brochures, emails, invitations, etc.) and institutional writing support as needed

o Oversee expenses for the Development Department, including the approval of invoices,

expense reports and petty cash

o Manage Development staff time off tracking report





Serve as the staff liaison to the Board of Trustees, with responsibilities including, but not limited to:



o Serve as the point of contact for Trustees regarding performance tickets, general Steppenwolf questions and questions about their philanthropy

o Coordinate Board Subscription Renewals (March-August)

o Track giving plans and upload solicitation materials into Tessitura

o Manage the fulfillment of all sponsorship benefits (e.g., recognition, backstage toasts, complimentary tickets, etc.)

o Support customized annual stewardship plans for every trustee

o Maintain a chart detailing board giving for the fiscal year

o Complete gift and pledge forms and draft acknowledgement letters

o Manage creation/execution/deployment of event solicitation letters/invitations to Trustees

o Create and update Trustee event plans and attendance tracking in Tessitura

o Compose board newsletters and special correspondence about meetings and news

o Maintain complete and accurate Tessitura record for trustees

o Maintain up-to-date board contact information for current and retired trustees and non-trustee committee members; and coordinate annual update of contact information and bios; circulate Board Directory quarterly

o Manage mailings and general Board-related correspondence; maintain updated letterhead stock

o Create annual report for each trustee detailing attendance at board meetings, committee participation and giving summary



Board/Committee meetings

o Manage the operational functions of all board committees

o Create and maintain calendar of board and executive committee meetings

o Coordinate Executive, Board, Board Development, and Development Committee meetings

o Create advance information packets for board meetings, including compiling and distributing minutes from Executive, Board, Development and Board Development Committee meetings

o Track attendance and record in Tessitura for annual Board Activity Report

o Coordinate invitations to staff and ensemble members to attend board meetings

o Draft Executive, Board, Development and Board Development Committee meeting minutes



Board Elections and Inception

o Maintain status of board member, officer terms and committee assignments in Tessitura and Outlook groups

o Coordinate board election/re-election notices and ballots, and track election responses

o Coordinate the orientation of new trustees, including board and ensemble buddies, subscription, orientation meeting, committee assignment and first solicitation

o Research backgrounds on prospective board candidates and archive in Tessitura

o Prepare correspondence, handbooks, and information packets for board candidates

o Prepare correspondence and mementos for retiring trustees and update Tessitura



Desired Qualifications:

• Excellent IT/ database skills (Tessitura or other fundraising database experience a plus)

• Strong writing and editing skills

• Strong attention to detail

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with key stakeholders and executives

• High degree of initiative and confidence to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects

• Ability to attend evening and weekend events

• Steppenwolf gives preference to candidates who have demonstrable experience advocating for inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA)



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 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programming includes a seven-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; the esteemed School at Steppenwolf; and Professional Leadership Programs. 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. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and 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



Compensation:

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, resume and three references by June 25, 2021.



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.

NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS PLEASE










Salary: $35,000 - $40,000