Deputy Director of Development, American Associates of the National Theatre

Purpose of the Job

To work with the Director of Development and Board of Trustees as a critical senior front-line fundraiser to oversee significant growth of the AANT’s foundation and corporate support in the US. To lead the day-to-day operations of the AANT and to deputize for the Director of Development in all aspects of running the organization.

About the National Theatre of Great Britain

The National Theatre of Great Britain (NT) is dedicated to making the very best theatre and sharing it with as many people as possible. It aims to reach the widest possible audience and to be as inclusive, diverse and international as possible. The NT’s doors on the South Bank in London reopened in June, typically staging up to 30 productions in its three theatres each year, ranging from re-imagined classics – such as Greek tragedy and Shakespeare – to modern masterpieces, musicals, new work by contemporary writers and theatre-makers, and work for young audiences. The National's work is also seen on tour throughout the UK and internationally, and in collaborations and co-productions throughout the world. Popular shows transfer to the West End and to Broadway and, through the National Theatre Live program, the NT shares its productions with audiences around the world.

Over the last 12 months, the NT’s focus has been on sharing their work digitally via the National Theatre at Home streaming service. The NT also released Romeo and Juliet, filmed in the Lyttelton Theatre during lockdown, on Sky Arts and PBS, as well as other new digital initiatives such as the Life in Stages conversation series on YouTube.

The National Theatre's extensive learning and participation program supports young people and schools through established participatory programs. The NT have worked closely with schools and community groups to adapt their offering and the National Theatre Collection, which makes recordings of shows available to the global education sector, has seen remarkable demand over the last year, recently expanding to include free access for New York City public middle and high schools.

The NT have now returned to sharing work through NT Live, which broadcasts some of the best of British theatre to over 2,500 venues in 65 countries.

Whatever the medium, the NT works with some of the world’s greatest actors, writers, theatre artists and technicians, aspiring always to the levels of excellence that make the NT a world leader.

About the American Associates of the National Theatre

The American Associates of the National Theatre (AANT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, based in New York, that promotes and supports the work of the National Theatre in both Great Britain and the United States. Since 2005, the AANT has granted more than $25 million to the National Theatre, providing essential funding which supports the NT’s mission to develop world-class productions with affordable ticket prices, while reaching out to artists and audiences of the future through extensive education programs.

The success of Tony Award-winning Broadway transfers including War Horse, One Man, Two Guvnors with James Corden, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Angels in America with Andrew Garfield and Nathan Lane, Network with Bryan Cranston and, returning to Broadway this September, The Lehman Trilogy and Hadestown, combined with the opportunity to share the National Theatre’s productions with US audiences year-round through NT Live, has enabled the AANT to capitalize on the high profile and reach of the National Theatre in the US and significantly increase its fundraising year on year: granting $4 million in FY2020/21.

Working closely with the Director of Development (who is based in California), the Deputy Director of Development is one of six highly collaborative team members based in New York (two Individual Giving staff, two Events staff and a Development Operations Officer), who are supported by a Board of Trustees and Honorary Council, as well as the National Theatre team in London.

The AANT secures the majority of its income from individual donors, through major gifts, appeals and a membership program with levels from $1,000 - $20,000, but has a mixed model of support which includes corporate sponsorship and grants from US Foundations. A year-round events program is in place to cultivate and steward support and high-profile fundraising Galas are planned when appropriate opportunities arise.

The AANT and NT have embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign, NT Together, to support the National Theatre’s recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Between April 2020- 2022 the AANT and NT teams aim to raise £40 million from all income streams, with £29 million raised to date (23% of which is from our US donors).

Overview

The funding that the American Associates of the National Theatre grants to the National Theatre is critical to the future of the NT. The talented and driven individual who joins our AANT team will be instrumental in engaging current and new supporters in the US and encouraging them to give, in order to help deliver the NT’s powerful mission and vision. As the NT’s program of work in the US continues to grow, we are committed to further developing our AANT fundraising and are seeking a candidate with the skills, aptitude and drive to accomplish this.

Background

US Foundation and Corporate Fundraising

With the addition of the Deputy Director of Development as a dedicated foundation and corporate fundraiser, our goal is to significantly increase support from these areas moving forward.

Currently, the AANT raises up to $500,000 each year from US Foundations, for a range of work including NT productions, digital programs, and a program dedicated to New American work. Current funders include the Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, Annenberg Foundation, Sidney E. Frank Foundation and Edgerton Foundation, among others. We aim to secure major, long-term partnerships with US Foundations, building strong relationships with Trustees and grant-makers to demonstrate the proven international impact and reach of the NT.

The AANT’s corporate support is focused around sponsorship of Broadway transfers of NT productions and client entertaining around these productions, as well as productions touring the US. Fundraising ranges from $150,000 - $500,000 annually, dependent on the NT productions in the US, and current corporate supporters include Northern Trust, American Express and Bank of America, among others. Our aim is to grow our current partnerships and, critically, establish new partnerships with US sponsors for client entertaining, the potential launch of an arts based corporate training program, the NT’s global digital program, and NT Collection education program. Additionally, corporate support is sought for fundraising galas, both table sales and sponsorship.

AANT Development Operations

Our goal for AANT Development Operations is to ensure effective systems and processes are in place for running the 501(c)(3), other AANT administration, HR and office management, as well as maximizing fundraised income through prospect development, stewardship and compliance.

Criteria for Success

After 12 months in the role, the successful candidate will have:

• Worked with the Director of Development to develop the fundraising strategy for significant growth of foundation and corporate support for the AANT in the US, implemented this strategy and made notable progress in personally raising revenue, in line with this strategy.
• Built strong relationships with existing and potential corporate and foundation supporters of the AANT and deployed the appropriate fundraising plans to develop their engagement or secure new support.
• Ensured the continued smooth running of the 501(c)(3) from an operational point of view, enhanced any systems as needed and provided personnel support.
• Led the successful transition from the AANT team working remotely to a hybrid model of working from home and in the office.
• Become a respected senior member of the team.
• Worked closely with the Board of Trustees, and established personal credibility with the Chair and individual board members.
• Understood the value, culture and mission of the National Theatre and formed a strong relationship with the NT Development team.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Director of Development to implement and further develop the AANT’s foundation and corporate fundraising strategy, including setting long and short-term financial targets, and deliver on those targets.
• In year one, responsible for raising a minimum of $500,000 from new foundation and corporate supporters.
• Engage effectively with the AANT’s network of corporate and foundation funders and, crucially, develop and grow this network.
• Monitor and evaluate NT programs and projects on a regular basis, as well as upcoming opportunities, with a view to maximizing foundation and corporate support for these (currently including NT Collection digital learning program for New York City middle and high school students, the transfer of NT productions to the US, the NT Together fundraising campaign, and a potential Spring Gala).
• Manage the annual AANT income and expenditure budget, including reporting and analysis.
• Oversee the HR function of the AANT, including payroll, delivery of benefits, pastoral care.
• Manage the AANT office in New York.
• Represent the AANT and NT externally for the purposes of increasing profile and income in the US.
• Utilize the AANT Board’s skills, expertise and networks for developing foundation and corporate prospects.
• Work with the Director of Development to motivate and support the AANT team to deliver results and be proactive in developing and supporting staff and promoting confidence and capability within the team.
• Work collaboratively with the Development team at the National Theatre to ensure that the work of the AANT is fully integrated and supports the delivery of the NT’s overall objectives.

Person Specification

Experience and Skills

• A talented fundraiser with a proven track record of having successfully generated significant income in a senior leadership role in a fundraising department
• Minimum of 8 years of fundraising experience
• Experience as a front-line fundraiser, with a proven track record of soliciting and, crucially, closing foundation and corporate gifts at the $50,000+ level
• Deep experience of foundation and corporate fundraising
• Systematic and strategic approach to fundraising, with excellent attention to detail
• Proven experience in Gala fundraising, including table sales, sponsorship and auctions
• Experience of overseeing financial, HR and fundraising systems
• Knowledge of individual giving and events fundraising
• Proven experience in identifying and maintaining external relatio­­­nships with high level funders and Board members
• Able to represent the NT in the US at the highest level and command respect within the philanthropic and theatre communities
• People management skills to support and develop a high performing team, as well as creating a positive and inclusive working environment
• Outstanding and proven organizational skills
• IT literate with knowledge of relationship databases, ideally Tessitura

Personal Attributes

• Goal oriented, driven and highly motivated
• Passion for and knowledge of the arts and theatre, as well as interest in and commitment to the overall aims of the National Theatre
• An exceptional communicator with the gravitas, presence and positivity to inspire and motivate current and potential donors, Board members and the AANT team
• An open and inclusive communication style which inspires trust
• Entrepreneurial flair and the ability to spot income generating opportunities and move ideas forward to increase income
• Articulate and persuasive both orally and in writing, with capacity to negotiate through personal influence
• Clear thinking with sound judgement
• Ability to engage with an international network of donors and a willingness to undertake both domestic and overseas travel
• Confident, authoritative and socially at ease, plus resilient and resourceful in solving problems and coming up with solutions

Terms and Conditions

Contract Type: Permanent, full time

Hours: 35 hours per week from 10am – 6pm, subject to additional hours, including evenings and occasional weekends, both with notice, to fulfil the post’s requirements. Time off in lieu can be taken for these hours.

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Location: 247 West 30th Street, New York, NY 10001 (currently working remotely; planning to transition to a hybrid model from September 2021)

Annual Leave: 18 days in the first year, increasing with length of service (up to a maximum of 20 days after two years)

Probationary Period: 3 months

Notice Period: 3 months (1 month during probationary period)

Health & Life Insurance: Provided after successful completion of 3 month probation period. Covered in full by the AANT.

401k: Provided after successful completion of 3 month probation period – employees can opt to contribute up to 6% of basic pay and the AANT will make a matching contribution

Other benefits: Complimentary tickets for NT Live screenings and New York transfers of National Theatre productions, subject to availability. Theatre ticket allowance. Travel to London at least once a year, to meet with the National Theatre team and engage with NT productions, projects and programs.

Recruitment Process

Applicants should submit their resume, along with a cover letter and salary requirement in one document to kirsten@aarnt.org by 12:00pm ET on Friday, July 30, 2021 quoting Deputy Director of Development in the subject line. For enquiries in the meantime, please contact elana@aarnt.org

AANT is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment) based upon any protected characteristic. AANT does not discriminate for reasons of race, color, creed, religion, age, marital status, membership in a domestic partnership, veterans or uniform service member status, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnic or national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, medical condition, history of domestic violence or assault, caregiver status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state and local laws. AANT ensures equal and fair treatment of any employee or applicant with known mental or physical disabilities.