Associate Director of Development

Oct 15

Shakespeare Theatre Company
Washington, DC

Anticipated Start Date: December 1, 2026

Description

Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC), in Washington, DC, seeks an experienced Associate Director of Development to play a central leadership role in the Theatre's fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Associate Director serves as a principal strategic partner in advancing STC's philanthropic goals, helping to shape fundraising strategy, guide major initiatives, and lead a high-performing Development team. The position supervises a five-person team responsible for individual and institutional giving, including membership, midrange giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, and foundation and government support.

Responsibilities

The Associate Director personally manages a portfolio of approximately 80 major donors and prospects, with particular emphasis on Simon's Circle, STC's society for donors contributing $25,000 or more annually. The position works closely with STC's senior leadership, and Board of Trustees to identify, cultivate and solicit major donors.

Additional responsibilities include overseeing donor recognition and engagement opportunities, planning and participating in international donor travel, and providing leadership and mentorship to their team. As a senior member of the Development Department's leadership team, the Associate Director works with other team leaders and serves as a trusted advisor to the Senior Director of Development on department-wide strategy, fundraising priorities, and Trustee engagement.

The position will also play a leading role in STC Transforms, an ambitious $60 million campaign to support the Theatre's next chapter. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with a hands-on approach to donor relationships, team leadership, and achieving ambitious fundraising goals. This is a full-time position with excellent benefits and an annual salary of $125,000–$135,000.

Requirements

Qualified candidates should have at least eight years of escalating experience in individual giving and major gift fundraising, including a demonstrated, quantifiable record of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding significant philanthropic commitments.
Experience managing and mentoring fundraising professionals, developing effective fundraising strategies, and working with senior leadership and volunteer boards is essential.
Familiarity with institutional giving and capital campaigns is highly desirable. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and the ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day execution are critical.
Experience with Tessitura or a comparable fundraising database is preferred. Candidates should thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and bring enthusiasm for the performing arts. Knowledge of Shakespeare and classical theatre is helpful but not required.
This is a hybrid position, with three days per week on-site required and additional evening or weekend availability for performances, donor events, and other activities.

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

$125,000 - $135,000 annual salary

How to Apply for this Job

employment@shakespearetheatre.org

About the Organization

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