Director of Development - Virginia Repertory Theatre

DEPARTMENT: Development Department

REPORTS TO: Managing Director

Position Summary:



The Director of Development (DOD) is responsible for planning, implementing, overseeing, and assessing Virginia Repertory Theatre's (Virginia Rep) fundraising plans in support of the organization's strategic vision and growth. Reporting to the Managing Director and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the DOD will be responsible for securing contributed revenues through the theatre's ongoing fundraising drives; foundation, corporate, and government grants; special events; major giving, including planned gifts; and donor stewardship programs, The DOD is also responsible for developing strategies for capital and endowment campaigns. The DOD will strengthen the culture of philanthropy at Virginia Rep in partnership with the Managing Director, Board of Trustees, senior staff, partners, and community to identify and cultivate new donors while energizing and stewarding the donor base.



Roles and Responsibilities

Development Leadership and Planning



Develop, coordinate, and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, including appeals, special events, membership, gifts and grants, sponsorship, endowment, capital and special projects, with goals, objectives, timelines, and assigned responsibilities to meet the theatre's strategic goals.

Create individualized strategies for identifying, engaging, cultivating, and stewarding institutional and individual stakeholders for operational and capital giving.

Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with the Board, major donors, foundations, public agencies, grantors, and corporate funders to grow significant contributed revenue opportunities.

Collaborate with the Managing Director, Artistic Director, development staff, and Board of Trustees to secure the necessary funding for productions, events, education programs, and outreach opportunities that are vital to community engagement and the reputation of the theatre.

Guide, cultivate, and increase the individual donor base, creating compelling opportunities for donors, while actively developing a pipeline for community engagement and support.

Maintain knowledge of best practices in nonprofit governance, state and federal laws and regulations, and significant trends in philanthropy, adapting fundraising strategies, as necessary.

Embrace other development leadership and planning responsibilities, as needed.

Board Engagement



Partner with the Managing Director and the Board Governance Committee Chair to identify and recruit new board members, educate members about their role in advancing a culture of philanthropy, cultivate and solicit them for financial support, and leverage their respective networks to expand the donor base and support for the theatre.

Serve as the liaison to the Development and Board Governance Committee, devising strategies that create meaningful paths for Virginia Rep's community to engage in supporting the theatre as donors, patrons, advisors, partners, sponsors, and community ambassadors.

Ensure efficient and timely development and distribution of agendas and reports for above committees to inform decisions that advance the mission and goals of the theatre.

Advise board members, both individually and collectively, on best practices in community ambassadorship and donor cultivation.

Embrace other board engagement responsibilities, as needed.

Team and Organizational Oversight



Lead and oversee the development team in creating and promoting effective cultivation and solicitation opportunities that involve the Managing Director, Artistic Director, Board of Trustees, and other staff members.

Partner with the Managing Director and Director of Finance to ensure sound fiscal operation of the fundraising function, including timely, accurate, and comprehensive budgeting, monitoring, forecasting, and reporting of charitable contributions and department expenses.

Collaborate with the Director of Marketing to ensure consistent messaging and outreach strategies as they affect all fundraising efforts.

Recruit, diversify, coach, inspire, and motivate a strong fundraising team that represents the diverse communities that Virginia Rep serves.

Create a supportive, collaborative, productive, and healthy work environment based on respect; teamwork; and the equity, diversity, and inclusion values of the theatre.

Ensure the strategic management and use of the database and other development communication tools, coordinating communications with existing and potential donors to ensure the highest level of donor engagement and satisfaction.

Ensure high-quality, individualized, and meaningful stewardship of donors, coordinating with development and theatre staff, and Board of Trustees, and personally stewarding donors, as needed.

Embrace other team and organizational oversight responsibilities, as needed.

Traits and Characteristics

The DOD will be a proven leader and confident development professional, with an affinity for Virginia Rep's mission, productions, and programs, and a passion to positively impact the organization's long-term success. The successful DOD will be goal-oriented and highly self-motivated, balancing both autonomy and collaboration with finesse. They will be both highly accountable with strong attention to detail and exceptional follow-through in partnership with the Managing Director, Artistic Director, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership team. This individual will have the ability and cultural competence to build authentic relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms.

Other key competencies include:



Leadership and Teamwork – The ability to articulate a vision and create a sense of purpose and direction for internal and external stakeholders, build trust by demonstrating respect and integrity, and create of sense of trust, order, direction, and active participation among the Board, staff, and other stakeholders to achieve collective goals.

Time and Priority Management – The aptitude to ascertain competing priorities, resolve difficulties, overcome obstacles, and maximize the use of time and resources to attain the desired outcomes.

Planning and Organizing – The competence to identify and oversee all resources, tasks, systems, and people to establish courses of action to ensure that work is completed effectively.

Diplomacy and Interpersonal Skills – The dexterity to connect with a diverse array of people and personalities, while effectively communicating, building rapport, and relating well to all kinds of people.

Qualifications

A minimum of seven years of experience in progressively responsible development leadership roles is needed with a clear understanding of all functional areas, which include but are not limited to individual giving, institutional giving, ongoing appeals, foundation and government grants, planned and endowment gifts, stewardship, and board relations. Participation in a major capital, endowment, or comprehensive campaign is preferred but not required. Excellent written and interpersonal skills, a genuine enthusiasm for theatre and theatre education, and a high degree of professionalism and integrity are needed. Educational credentials supporting leadership acumen, organizational growth, arts and culture experiences, and community engagement are highly desired.



Compensation and Benefits

Virginia Rep offers an annual salary estimated to be $70,000; a generous benefits package, including paid vacation based on years of employment, a Simple IRA retirement program with company match, health insurance, and the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule. This position requires full-time residency in the Richmond area for the DOD to become fully immersed in the mission and overall objectives of the theatre. A fractional approach to the position is possible for the candidate with the right experience and skill set.



Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume and 3 references to employment@virginiarep.org with the subject line (your last name) – Director of Development. No phone calls please.



Virginia Repertory Theatre is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices and constructing an environment centered around anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices in our daily business. We invite applicants of all identities to apply as we continue to build a strong and diverse staff that represents our whole community.
Salary: $70,000