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Director of Annual Giving

Employer
Aurora Civic Center Authority
Location
Illinois, United States
Salary
Salary Commensurate with experience
Closing date
Mar 18, 2021

The Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA), an innovative organization located on Stolp Island in the Fox River in the heart of historic Aurora, Illinois (one hour from downtown Chicago), is seeking a Director of Annual Giving. ACCA is the parent organization, which also includes a 501(c)3 arm under the name of Paramount Arts Centre, Inc. It operates three performance venues: the 6,000-person RiverEdge Park, the 1,843-seat landmark Paramount Theatre, and the 165-seat Copley Theatre. ACCA produces and presents over 300 performances each year, including star-studded touring productions and a self-produced Broadway Series of musicals for an annual audience of 350,000 patrons from over 250 communities. ACCA proudly operates the Paramount School of the Arts in the new John C. Dunham Aurora Arts Center, right next door to Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora, and the company looks forward to producing a new, Bold Series of plays and musicals in the newly renovated Copley Theatre beginning in the 2021-2022 season. Paramount Theatre also hosts free community events, $1 Classic Movie Mondays and its opulent interiors provide a spectacular backdrop for private functions such as wedding receptions or corporate galas. Across the street from Paramount Theatre are the gorgeous Meyer Ballrooms which play host to multiple wedding receptions and rental events throughout the year.

 The Aurora Civic Center Authority is committed to being a defining catalyst for personal and community transformation by:

  • making the performing arts accessible for every age and socioeconomic background,
  • introducing the magic of live theater across generations to encourage expansive imaginations and broad views of people and the world,
  • and contributing to the future stability and growth of Aurora’s downtown.

 The highest purpose of any theater is to inspire its community toward a more perfect humanity. Such humanity can exist only when every member of the community is included and valued, empowered and heard. To express this truth, ACCA commits its leaders, volunteers, artists and staff to the active, continual and accountable pursuit of the following principles: equity, inclusion and diversity.

 ACCA truly believes and lives by its mission statement and its commitment to equity, social justice and inclusion.

DEPARTMENT – Development

DIRECT REPORTING – Chief Development Officer

POSITIONS SUPERVISED – Development Operations Manager

WORKS CLOSELY WITH – Development Team, Director of Marketing, Director of Audience Services

POSITION STATUS & SCHEDULE – Full time exempt, approximately 40 hours per week. Hours may include evening and weekend hours.

 COMPENSATION – Commensurate with experience; excellent benefits package including health, paid time off, and 401k

HIRE DATE – May/June 2021

POSITION SUMMARY – The Director of Annual Giving is responsible for working with the Development staff to plan and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Aurora Civic Center Authority annual giving programs in order to promote and enhance a culture of philanthropy. This individual is a key contributor to the Development team focused on broad-based participation and the entry-level tiers of giving, is responsible for securing acquisition and renewal gifts, increasing participation and demonstrating appreciation to donors at all levels. Furthermore, this role provides support on day-to-day fundraising operations to increase the donor base and build a robust pipeline for individual and major gifts. This person reports to the CDO and is part of a growing development team that works closely with staff throughout the Aurora Civic Center Authority.

  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES –

  • Increase the number of donors who give annually, concentrating on acquisition, renewal, and upgrades within the prospect pool
  • Create and implement strategic fundraising based on donor segmentation and research
  • Oversee the development and execution of Annual Giving marketing collateral and communication plans
  • With Marketing and Communications, devise donor communications and appeals to encourage new and increased gifts through personal solicitation, direct mail, email, social media, and other online platforms
  • Analyze and report annual fund results on a weekly, monthly, quarterly basis or as needed; evaluates annual giving programs; and implements changes to improve results of various fundraising methods and messages; adapt future appeals accordingly
  • Maintain and introduce best practices, particularly in the area of annual giving initiatives including, but not limited to, Premiere Society, Spotlight monthly giving, corporate matching gifts, peer-to-peer fundraising, and employee giving
  • With Donor Relations, work to develop and implement stewardship events and activities such as recognition for leadership annual donors and cultivation of the annual giving pipeline
  • With Development Operations Manager, maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor contacts and outgoing communication with current donors and prospects via database record-keeping
  • Write and send acknowledgement letters; review all pledge reminders and correspondence for annual donors
  • Prepare and administer, in collaboration with CDO, a yearly budget for the annual giving program
  • Meet and host donors while they are attending shows at Paramount Theatre and RiverEdge Park
  • Play a vital role in overall fundraising efforts
  • Support Development Department staff as needed

In addition to the duties listed above, ACCA expects the following of each employee:  adheres to ACCA’s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets productivity standards; participates in ACCA events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.

 REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS and ABILITIES –

  • Minimum three years of successful fundraising experience in non-profit organizations; preferably 5+ years fundraising experience and demonstrated expertise in annual giving for complex arts and cultural institution
  • Proficiency with donor database software platforms (i.e. Raiser’s Edge, Audience View, Bloomerang)
  • Excellent writing and proofreading skills and ability to write appeals, proposals, correspondence and reports independently
  • Project management experience with a strong ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
  • Collaborative leadership skills with the ability to work well both independently and on a team
  • Detail oriented, well organized, focused and goal oriented, with a high level of initiative and energy as well as problem solving skills
  • Experience with data analysis, technical competencies, and sophisticated reporting 
  • Flexibility and willingness to change fundraising tactics and strategies to achieve stated program goals
  • Comfortable with initiating contact with current donors, diverse constituents, and is friendly and outgoing
  • Willingness and ability to travel
  • Supportive of the mission of Aurora Civic Center Authority
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume using the online job application at https://paramountaurora.com/opportunities/

Or mail/drop off to: Aurora Civic Center Authority, ATTN: Patty Stefanski, 8 East Galena Blvd., Suite 230, Aurora, IL 60506

ACCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability status, marital or familial status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  ACCA encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who are eager to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

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