Development Director

Asolo Repertory Theatre-Sarasota Florida

Full Time Exempt $110K-120K

Please apply: https://asolorep.wufoo.com/forms/su4no2l1cp5mlb/

Leadership

The Development Director is a key senior staff member who demonstrates a passionate commitment for establishing and meeting the contributed income goals that will assist the theatre in achieving its mission and objectives. The Development Director designs, manages and implements comprehensive strategies and programs to maximize philanthropic support for the theatre’s priorities and achieve Asolo Rep’s fundraising and engagement goals.

The Development Director coordinates all development functions for the organization, working in close alliance with Asolo Rep leadership and board committees, assembling and mentoring a development staff that strongly supports the fundraising objectives for the annual operational community income and the Capital and Endowment Campaign. A strong team player and strategic thinker with an intense work ethic, the Development Director is a trusted leader of the development team and is well-respected by Asolo Rep Board, staff and supporters.

Key responsibilities

Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Development Director will:

Create and execute a Development Plan that renews and increases support of the annual fund and campaign goals of the theatre.  The plan identifies viable donors, sponsors, grant-makers, in-kind supporters and partners, fundraising events and the short term and long-term strategies for securing the necessary funds to support Asolo Rep and FSU/Asolo Conservatory programs.

Build and supervise a high performing team of fundraising professionals. Hire, manage, evaluate, develop, and terminate development staff as needed and as assigned. Actively encourage staff members' professional growth and participation in the life of the Theatre.

Establish departmental and individual annual performance goals, optimize and allocate resources, set strategies for the identification, cultivation and solicitation of each staff member’s donor portfolios, and assess annual performance.

Provide leadership to the Board in their fundraising work, transforming Board members from donors to fundraisers and building teams of development staff and Board members to achieve community income goals.

Create, monitor and manage an annual development budget. Supervise and approve all expenditures in the department. Ensure staff understands and works within approved budgets and budget policies. Adapt departmental plans and priorities to resource and operational challenges. Address budget variances as they occur; track income and expenses.

Keep the Managing Director and Producing Artistic Director informed of fundraising trends and progress throughout the season, to ensure accurate and timely reforecasting.

Keep meticulous donor profiles and track donor communications and meetings in Tessitura to support the moves management process and safeguard institutional memory of donor relationships. Personally become familiar with Tessitura, and ensure there is high proficiency with the program in the department. Oversee donor research.

Be an intergenerational staff ambassador through active listening, critical thinking, and data analysis, always making well-informed, non-impulsive decisions. 

Work respectfully and collaboratively with other Asolo Rep senior staff and their teams in all departments, including Artistic, Marketing, Production, Education/Engagement, Finance and Box Office, on a daily basis. Work closely with the Marketing department to create a holistic view of marketing that includes development needs and provides mutual support for both departments.

Serve as staff liaison for several board development committees. Attend monthly meetings and provide reports for Executive and Nominating & Governance committees and the full Board. Work with and support Board members and committees on methodologies, resources, and tools for fundraising efforts, particularly for capital and endowment campaigns and special projects.

Serve as the lead point person on ongoing and future capital and endowment campaigns. Seek new sources of funding to support institutional initiatives.

Maintain personal portfolio of major gift donors and negotiate gift agreements in collaboration with theatre’s legal counsel.

Maintain relationships and network with donors and prospects through visits, events, correspondence, and regular calls. Determine and fulfill donor and sponsor benefits throughout the season.

Become familiar and comply with all HR requirements in hiring, supervising and managing staff. Contribute to establishing an institutional culture of respect and ethical behavior. Foster partnership and collaboration internally and externally.

Supervise the preparation of timely, accurate, and relevant proposals, presentations, and other fundraising materials for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.  Provide development data for marketing materials, grants and other reports or materials as needed.

Be an advocate for IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) work in philanthropy and performing arts structures. 

Inspire engagement of Asolo Rep staff, artists, Board members, and outside supporters through professional, articulate, enthusiastic, and informed leadership. Demonstrate stewardship and serve as an effective ambassador to the local and national community.

Attend at least one performance of every Asolo Rep and FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training production.

Other duties as appropriate or assigned.

Experience:

• Minimum seven years of development experience with at least five years in a management/leadership position.
• Proven success at organizing fundraising programs, meeting and exceeding revenue goals and soliciting and closing major gifts.
• Proven successful interactions with Boards and a diverse array of community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success leading development teams and collaborating with other departments.
• Excellent computer/technology skills, especially in Outlook, Word and Excel, and preferably in PowerPoint and social media platforms.
• Experience using a CRM database, preferably Tessitura or similar software.
• Experience in an arts environment preferred.
• Knowledge of the Sarasota/Manatee communities is a plus, but not required.

Qualities/Attributes:

• Effective and enthusiastic communicator with a broad spectrum of individuals.
• Inspirational leader for board members and departmental employees.
• Highly organized and dedicated team player.
• Passion for and understanding of theatre.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to prepare and analyze budgets and spreadsheet data.
• Resilient, adaptable and collaborative.
• Sense of humor and positive attitude.

Education:

 Minimum Qualifications: College or University degree in related field.  Post-graduate level training, such as Master’s Degree, CFRE certification or other relevant education preferred.