Director of Development - Classical Theatre of Harlem

The Director of Development will lead the planning and execution of all fundraising efforts to achieve sustainable growth from government, foundations, major gifts, individuals, corporate, and events. The Director will be a critical member of the Senior Team working alongside the Producing Artistic Director and Chief Operating Officer. 

Currently, CTH has an operating budget of $2.5M with approximately 90% coming from contributed sources. The company’s commitment to providing low to no cost theatrical productions and theatre-based education and literary programs in its community and beyond means there is little to no earned revenue. Poised for growth, the company is currently also in the planning phase of finding a permanent home that will become the bricks and mortar emblem of its artistic vision, as well as its community and education impact. The ideal candidate will have experience in New York City cultural arts institutions, community or faith-based organizations, or on economic development projects; a proven history of meeting or exceeding contributed income goals; and enjoy inspiring a wide range of stakeholders and categories of donors to give. This position will appeal particularly to those inspired by both CTH’s unparalleled history and its tremendous potential for expansion, as well as close collaboration with staff and Board to achieve success at a vigorous pace. 

The Director of Development will oversee a team of two: Development Manager (FT) and Development Assistant (PT).

About Classical Theatre of Harlem

Founded in 1999 at Harlem School of the Arts, CTH’s mission is to maintain a professional theatre company dedicated to returning the classics to the stages of Harlem; to create employment and educational outreach opportunities in the theatre arts; to create and nurture a new, young, and culturally diverse audience for the classics; and to heighten the awareness of theatre and of great art in Harlem. 

The company provides theatrical productions and theatre-based educational and literary programs at little or no cost to underserved communities in Harlem and beyond. Since its founding in 1999, CTH has prioritized opportunity and access in the theatrical arts: onstage, backstage, in its administration, board, and audience. By leading with diversity, equity and inclusion as its core values, CTH attracts one of the most racially, generationally and socio-economically diverse theatre audiences in New York City. 

CTH engages with Harlem residents, businesses, schools, and community-based organizations, to directly benefit over 25,000 people each year. 

Key moments in CTH’s recent history: 

2006: Launch of CTH’s Literary Series to nurture playwrights of color  2009: CTH assumes new leadership under Ty Jones, Producing Artistic Director  2013: Uptown Shakespeare in the Park is created  2016: The CTH Annual Holiday Show premieres to provide a low-cost Uptown holiday offering  2019: 20th Anniversary of CTH and the 100th Anniversary of Harlem Renaissance 2020: CTH launches Behind the Curtain online programming

Job Description

CTH is seeking an experienced development professional to serve as its Director of Development. This senior-level position provides an opportunity to be part of a boundary-breaking theatre company and the only professional theatre company above 96th Street dedicated to the classical canon, revivals, new works and musicals. It is essential that the Director of Development enjoys having an active presence in all the communities CTH serves. 

Essential Job Functions 

Leadership 

Develop short and long-term goals and strategies in all areas of development designed to increase contributed revenue Provide supervision and mentorship of the development team, creating a positive workplace environment that promotes employee engagement and satisfaction Serve as a member of CTH’s senior leadership team, collaborating on high-level planning and decision-making Work in service of CTH’s expansive vision as the new great American theatre, where everyone belongs Co-create CTH’s next chapter of institution-building as it evolves into a 21st century theater serving Harlem, New York City, and beyond

Fundraising 

Work collaboratively with CTH leadership team and Board of Directors in fundraising, including establishing goals, training and motivating where necessary, and providing support

Develop a robust individual giving program  Create a major gifts program  Collaborate on board development and expansion  Establish a corporate sponsorship program  As the key figure in development, meet and develop relationships with key prospective and current funders and donors.  Work with development staff on the following in all areas of fundraising: 
Conduct and/or outsource research to identify new targets  Develop effective cultivation strategies  Create tactical plans  Enhance donor/funder recognition and stewardship plans 
Identify and implement a CRM system for plans, actions, results and analysis  Ensure fundraising processes and protocols are being followed  Prepare budgets and forecasts as needed  Employ robust data analytics to help direct plans for individual giving Work with the Director of Marketing to integrate awareness building of fundraising needs and stimulate interest in support of CTH into communications with audiences Ensure senior representatives from the organization meet with potential and current high-end donors and funders  Play a strong leadership role integrating development considerations and effort into all areas of the company

Qualifications 

Background in development leadership, proven fundraising record, and capacity to formulate and execute both traditional and innovative strategies and tactics  Work experience in performing arts, cultural institutions, community or faith-based organizations, or in economic development is a plus  Energetic and enthusiastic leadership style, strong management skills, and a collaborative spirit  Ability to plan both strategically and aspirationally  Experience working successfully and collaboratively with a Board of Directors, senior management, and professional colleagues  Demonstrated ability to select, train, motivate, and inspire staff and board, while holding them accountable for their performance Ability to manage and build consensus across internal and external constituents  Proven understanding of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, the role that racial inequity plays in our society, and a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across differences  Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills  Highly organized, strategic thinker  Knowledge of fundraising software 

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. 

We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you're returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. 

Please use your cover letter to tell us about what you hope to bring to this role.

Compensation

Salary range is $90,000 to $110,000 commensurate with experience. CTH offered individual medical/dental/vision, paid time off, and is currently working in a hybrid work format.

Application Instructions

The search for the Development Director is being conducted on behalf of Classical Theatre of Harlem by Tom O'Connor Consulting Group, a New York-based executive search and consulting firm specializing in the arts and culture industries. The search is being led by Dr. Edie Demas. 

To apply, visit http://bit.ly/CTHDevelopment and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include relevant experience, including any direct experience you've had with similar roles and institutions. No phone calls, please.