Major Gifts Director - 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 a passionate individual with excellent communication and relationship-building skills to join our development team as the Major Gifts Director, a new position. The Major Gifts Director is a front-line fundraiser with the experience, creativity and commitment to identify, cultivate and solicit donors and prospects for major gifts. The ideal candidate will have a donor-centered approach to fundraising that is patient, authentic and creative.



This position is a senior member of the fundraising team and reports to the Director of Development. They will be supported by the development team to be focused on donor engagement. Steppenwolf currently operates under a hybrid work model allowing for flexibility in remote and onsite work.



Responsibilities

You will be responsible for the following:

• Managing a portfolio of major gift donors and new prospects with the goal of deepening their connection to

Steppenwolf’s mission and leadership and securing annual gifts of $15,000 to $100,000.

• Developing an annual strategy built around Steppenwolf’s season of plays to achieve revenue goals, and

creating solicitation strategies unique to each donor.

• Managing a robust engagement and qualification program to identify major gift prospects, drawing upon

lower-level donors, season ticket holders and trustee networks.

• Collaborating with the Individual Giving Manager, who manages major donor stewardship programs (e.g.

Production Sponsor benefits), and personally maintaining regular touchpoints with donors.

• Partnering with trustees, theater leadership and artists to engage donors and preparing briefing materials

and research as needed.

• Writing solicitations letters and customizing proposals and pitch decks.

• Acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of Steppenwolf programming and artists and clearly

communicating the theatre’s mission and impact to donors in conversation and in writing.

• Attending opening nights, pre-performance events, board meetings and other Steppenwolf events that

may be on weeknights or weekends.

• Entering patron contact reports in the CRM (Tessitura) and tracking moves-management steps.



Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• A proven track record in cultivating and closing significant philanthropic gifts or comparable client

management/sales success.

• Professional confidence and strong ability to build rapport and trust with donors by listening deeply and

building connections to the theater leadership and artists.

• A high degree of self-motivation to achieve goals and ability to plan and schedule one’s own work.

• Ability to organize, track and prioritize 100+ prospects and numerous cultivation steps.

• Strong belief in the value of arts and culture; familiarity with theatre, as practitioner or audience member,

preferred.

• Knowledge of donor database systems; Tessitura experience preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

• 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: $81,099 - $90,183 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 and professional resume through the link provided. The cover letter should speak to the applicant’s passion for arts and highlight a new project or program they initiated in their career.

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=72328&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: $81,099 - $90,183 salary/per year