Development Director - Veterans Repertory Theater

Title: Development Director



Organization: Veterans Repertory Theater



Location: Cornwall, NY



Position Type: Full-time, Salaried, $50-60K/yr.



About Veterans Repertory Theater:

Founded in February 2021, VetRep is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501c3 organization which provides a platform for current or former military, law enforcement, fire/EMS, intelligence services, foreign service, DoD employees and contractors and their immediate family members to create compelling, professional live theater and events.

Through an ongoing series of playwrighting competitions, VetRep assesses, develops and produces the work of veteran playwrights. The 2023 Staged Reading Season at our Parlor in Cornwall, NY gives us a chance to perform classic comedies and veteran-authored ten-minute plays weekly while developing the theater-going audience in Orange County, NY and our roster of professional NYC-based actors. Our Savage Wonder literary blog and Savage Wonder podcast are both year-round productions. Our literary blog focuses on veteran writers and poets, while our podcast features long-form, one-on-one conversations with veterans in the arts.

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Development Director, reporting to the Artistic Director and the Board, plays a crucial role in securing financial resources, ensuring the theater's growth and sustainability. An integral part of the leadership team, the Development Director advances the theatre’s mission through strategic financial management and community engagement. They will spearhead fundraising efforts, build community partnerships, and drive marketing strategies to enhance the theater's visibility and revenue.



Qualifications:

- Must be a current or former military, law enforcement, fire/EMS, intelligence service, foreign service, Department of Defense employee/contractor veteran OR an immediate family member.

- A love for the arts and a strong belief in VetRep’s mission.

- Proven success in fundraising, budget management, community engagement, donor relations, and social media management.

- Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with a capacity to inspire and lead a team.

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as necessary.



Key Responsibilities:



Leadership:

- Advocate for the theater in the community, nurturing relationships with local entities and stakeholders.

- Collaborate with the Board and Committees to achieve fundraising goals on a daily basis.

- Support VetRep’s mission and be an articulate, enthusiastic ambassador of the organization.

- Inspire engagement of staff, artists, Board members, and supporters through exemplary leadership.

- Represent VetRep at community meetings and contribute to the performing arts scene regionally.

- Engage in professional development, mentoring, and training.

- Monthly meetings with the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and other Directors.



Development:

- Spearhead fundraising activities including grant writing, donor cultivation, and special events.

- Generate contributed income as part of VetRep’s operating budget.

- Create and execute the Development Plan for the current season.

- Maintain meticulous donor profiles and track donor communications.

- Serve as the lead on ongoing and future capital campaigns and special projects.

- Strategize and execute the annual Development Plan to meet or exceed budgetary goals.



Marketing:

- Oversee marketing strategies, ensuring effective community outreach and audience development.

- Participate in the creation and distribution of marketing materials.

- Identify and solicit playbill advertisers and manage relationships with community partners.

- Execute community outreach and special events throughout the season.

- Participate in the creation and dissemination of marketing materials.

- Co-supervise a part-time assistant



Operations:

- Assist in formulating the annual budget, ensuring financial transparency and accountability.

- Manage CRM databases for accurate record-keeping and donor engagement.

- Active role in annual departmental and organization-wide budget preparation.



Responsibilities:



- Report to the Artistic Director, working closely to achieve VetRep’s comprehensive revenue goals.

- Build and maintain strong relationships with key donor constituents, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.

- Develop and implement strategies to solicit and steward multi-year commitments, including major gifts.

- Incorporate planned giving opportunities into ongoing development work.

- Oversee and execute social media strategy and implementation for both routine and multi-year strategies and efforts.

- Spearhead marketing and outreach efforts to ensure fundraising efforts are comprehensive of operating and capital needs.

- Spearhead planning and execution of fundraising events.

- Attendance at evening and weekend events as required.



Other:

This position performs other support functions and duties as needed. Veterans Repertory Theater is a growing organization with a small staff, and employees are often called upon to contribute to accomplishing goals and meeting important deadlines.



Additional Information:



The Development Director will also be closely involved with VetRep’s Savage Wonder initiatives, promoting veteran-authored works and organizing events like the Savage Wonder Festival. The Development Director should embody a passion for the theater's mission, being a resilient and proactive leader, dedicated to elevating the theater and ensuring its financial stability and community relevance.



Application Deadline: Open until position is filled.



How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications, experience, and connection to the veteran community to info@vetrep.org. Please include "Development Director Application" in the subject line.


Salary: $50,000 to $60,000