Director of Development

Mar 4

The Cape Playhouse via TOC Arts Partners
Dennis, MA

Anticipated Start Date: N/A

Description

The Cape Playhouse seeks a new Director of Development to advance the fundraising efforts and philanthropic growth of the organization. This dynamic individual will lead the organization’s development strategy, including overseeing all contributed income streams, such as individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and government support.

The Director will play a key role in the planning and execution of a Capital Campaign, while maintaining a focus on operational fundraising and donor stewardship. This position requires a results-oriented, strategic thinker with a proven track record of securing major gifts, cultivating long-term donor relationships, and driving successful campaigns.

The Cape Playhouse, named one of the 50 Best Small Stage Theatres in America, has a special place in American theatre history as the longest-running professional summer theater in the country. Referred to as the “Place Where Broadway Goes to Summer” by The New York Times, the mission of the Cape Playhouse is “ to inspire, entertain, and educate through exceptional cultural and artistic experiences involving live theatre, cinematic arts, and horticulture within a vital and historic arts community that honors its past and embraces the present.”

Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Cape Playhouse, focused on both short-term and long-term growth in contributed income.
Oversee the development and execution of fundraising campaigns, including an upcoming Capital Campaign, annual fund drives, major donor programs, and corporate sponsorship initiatives.
Cultivate and manage relationships with individual major donors, board members, corporate sponsors, foundations, and government agencies to secure financial support for ongoing operations and capital improvements.
Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to establish annual fundraising goals, set priorities, and ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and vision.
Develop strategies to identify, engage, and cultivate new donor prospects, leveraging research and networking opportunities.

Capital Campaign Leadership

Play a leading role in execution and management of the Capital Campaign, working closely with campaign counsel, the Executive Director, and board members.
Develop and manage timelines, budgets, and strategies for securing gifts for the Capital Campaign, including major and planned gifts.
Ensure proper stewardship and communication with Capital Campaign donors to maintain long-term relationships and continue engagement throughout the campaign.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Provide guidance and leadership in development best practices to ensure effective execution of fundraising activities and strategic goals.
Work closely with the Marketing and Communications teams to ensure alignment on fundraising messaging, donor communications, and promotional campaigns.
Partner with other departments to ensure fundraising goals are integrated with programming and operations, maintaining a cohesive organizational strategy.

Operational Fundraising

Oversee day-to-day fundraising operations, ensuring smooth execution of annual giving programs, donor tracking, and gift processing.
Monitor fundraising progress, track key performance metrics, and prepare regular reports for the Executive Director, Board, and other key stakeholders.
Ensure all donor data is maintained accurately in the donor management system, leveraging tools like Tessitura (or similar platforms) to generate reports and analyze trends.

Events & Special Projects

Lead the planning and execution of major fundraising events, including the Cape Playhouse’s annual gala, donor receptions, and capital campaign events.
Oversee event logistics, invite lists, RSVPs, and coordination with external partners to ensure successful and impactful fundraising events.
Assist with other high-priority initiatives as needed, including project management for new fundraising programs or special campaigns.

Requirements

Skills & Qualifications

Strategic Vision: Proven ability to design, implement, and assess comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet organizational goals.
Leadership & Management: Strong leadership skills with a track record of effectively managing and developing fundraising programs.
Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, and key stakeholders.
Communications Expertise: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and presentations to engage donors.
Fundraising Expertise: Significant experience in major gift fundraising, annual giving, capital campaigns, and corporate sponsorships.
Analytical Skills: Strong proficiency in analyzing fundraising data, preparing reports, and using donor management systems (e.g., Tessitura, Salesforce).
Event Management: Extensive experience in planning and executing large-scale fundraising events, from galas to donor receptions.
Operational Focus: Ability to manage day-to-day fundraising operations while strategically planning for long-term sustainability.
Artistic Passion: A deep passion for the arts, particularly the performing arts, with a commitment to supporting the mission of the Cape Playhouse.

Education & Experience

Minimum of 5 years of professional fundraising experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior development role.
Experience in leading capital campaigns and securing major gifts is strongly preferred.
A Bachelor’s degree is required.
Advanced degrees or certifications in nonprofit management, fundraising, or related fields are a plus.
Knowledge of the Cape Cod philanthropic landscape is beneficial, but not required.

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

$90,000 - 100,000

How to Apply for this Job

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About the Organization

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