Development Director for Award Winning Company - Serenbe Playhouse

JOB TITLE: Development Director



DEPARTMENT: Fundraising / Development



Job Type: Full Time 40+ hrs/ week, some evening and weekend availability required. Full health and benefits eligible.



The Serenbe Playhouse seeks an incredibly motivated Development Director with excellent organizational, communication and logistical skills to join our team at an exciting time of accomplishment and growth. The Development Director is collaborative, innovative, out-going, and not afraid of unconventional theater and fundraising techniques. The ideal candidate holds the attitude of an entrepreneur, is passionate about theatre, wants to help build the next amazing theatrical experience, and wants to rally the support to do it.



About Serenbe Playhouse:



Serenbe Playhouse is a professional theater company committed to producing bold reinvented theater stories in an outdoor, immersive setting that connects art, nature and community. Founded in 2009, the Playhouse was named “one of the most innovative companies for live events” by the Fast Company.



Serenbe Playhouse believes that theatre as an art form has the unique power to illuminate the human experience. In pursuit of that vision, we produce artistically rich immersive performances and programming that reduces the barriers between artists and audiences by placing patrons in an environment that amplifies the beauty of nature, and provides opportunities for engagement, conversation, and collaboration.



Role Overview:



Under the direction of the Managing Director, the Development Director will develop and execute strategies for the cultivation and stewardship of individual donors at all levels, taking a lead on strategy and implementation donations and gifts; participate directly in solicitations with members of Board fund raising committee and executive staff. S/he will help develop annual funding and cultivation plans for foundation, corporate and government donors, identifying new potential candidates for support, and evaluating how best to position prospective funders. S/he will also play an integral role in planning benefit events such as the Annual Gala and Season Announcement events, and work closely with management to increase revenue from these events.



Are You All In?:



What makes Serenbe Playhouse different from every other job you’re applying for? We produce groundbreaking, immersive theater that is breaking barriers in the theater industry. That also means we work outdoors, we sometimes work strange schedules, and everything we do is entrepreneurial and team oriented. The candidate for this position should be willing to be a team player and jump in to help however is needed. Whether it is meeting donors, hanging decorations for opening night, or directing traffic to park in a rain storm, our Development Director is part of the team. If that doesn’t sound like you, we get it, and wish you the best in your next position. To confirm your involvement, please include the phrase “I AM ALL IN” in your cover letter or email. Any applications not including this detail may be ignored.



Primary Duties:



Individual Donor Solicitation & Management (40%)

-Manage execution of Patron and other individual giving solicitations in both print and digital formats, assisting with conception and design, and overseeing printing and mailing

-Assist Managing Director with all aspects of individual gift solicitations including efforts to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors

-Effectively execute gift processing, including gift data entry and donor acknowledgement, and ensure gifts are accounted for correctly and reconciled with finance

-Utilize tracking systems to keep databases and donor records current and complete.

Manage and execute all donor benefits and communications.





Events & Fundraisers (25%)

-Take lead in managing production of all Serenbe Playhouse fundraising events, including Annual Gala and Season Announcement.

-In collaboration with the Managing and Artistic Director, assist in planning event programs and selecting event themes.

-Curate and manage all event invitation lists with oversight from the Managing Director and Board

-Ensure the success of overall event logistics in service of positive donor relations

--Help oversee event auctions and fundraising activities, overseeing solicitation of items and fulfillment

Plan and brainstorm new fundraising events and initiatives.



Secondary Duties



Sponsorships and In-Kind Giving (10%)

-Work with Managing Director and board to help identify and solicit corporate sponsorships

-Manage and execute any donor benefits and communications.

Help develop sponsor solicitation materials, both in print and in digital



Grants and Foundations (10%)

-Work with Managing Director to complete grant and foundation applications and report

-Manage grant timelines and keep track of report deadlines and schedules

-Work to find new opportunities for grant and foundation funding at local, regional and national levels.



General Administration (15%)



-Work with Managing Director on budget development and income/expense monitoring

-Develop cost-efficient, creative, and effective ways of increasing net revenue for events and campaigns

-Monitor and report on progress toward projected goals

-Provide regular assessment/analysis and troubleshooting as needed

-Help strategize new ways to increase revenue

-Perform other development-related duties as directed.





Required Experience, Skills & Knowledge



-Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

-Goal-oriented self-starter with a demonstrated ability to multi-task

-Detail-oriented, focused work ethic

-Experience in development, communications, grant writing or event planning within a theater or performing arts organization

-Ability to interact with people of all backgrounds and beliefs

-Computer literate, with previous experience with Windows and Microsoft office

-Experience with Database and CRM platforms is preferable

-Willingness to sometimes work outdoors and in various terrains and weather conditions including extreme heat and humidity, rain, and cold climates

-Must be able to lift upward of 50lbs and be attentive for extended periods of time.

-Must be able to provide exceptional guest and customer service in conditions that are not ideal.



Education

-BA/BS or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

-1-2 years of development or event planning experience, preferably in a performing arts venue.



Additional Requirements:

-Available to work extended hours and weekends when necessary.



Salary competitive; excellent benefits. E-mail cover letter and resume to mickey@serenbeplayhouse.com with subject line “Development Director Search”. NO CALLS PLEASE.





The Serenbe Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.