Executive Director of Development and Planning

ABOUT LINCOLN CENTER THEATER: Established in 1985, Lincoln Center Theater (LCT) has produced over 200 plays and musicals at the Vivian Beaumont, Mitzi E. Newhouse, and Claire Tow Theaters at Lincoln Center and other theaters on and off-Broadway, as well as touring productions nationally and around the world. LCT is committed to developing and producing new works and classics. LCT’s education program, Open Stages, reaches thousands of public-school students annually with curriculum-related projects, teaching artist support, and tickets to LCT productions.

LCT welcomes candidates who are fully committed to joining an organization that is proactively focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants from populations underrepresented in theater and who align themselves with LCT’s values and goals are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit lct.org.

FUNDING: LCT has a current annual operating budget of approximately $35 million, of which $13 million is philanthropic support. Revenue sources include income from performances, endowment, space rentals, charitable support from board members, and other individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government.

THE OPPORTUNITY: The Executive Director of Development and Planning (EDDP) is a key member of the senior leadership team. As LCT’s primary liaison with the Board of Directors, the EDDP facilitates board development and communications with member of the Board. The EDDP is responsible for raising annual philanthropic funding for the Theater’s operations and program activities, including productions at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, the Clair Tow Theater, and on Broadway, as well as additional funding for capital, endowment, and special projects.

The successful candidate will lead the Development team in all facets of fundraising and board relations, and will lead a development strategy and program that enhances the existing culture of philanthropy and greater public awareness of LCT. It is anticipated that LCT may launch an endowment campaign in the foreseeable future.

The EDDP reports to the Producing Artistic Director and also works closely with the Managing Director and members of the Board of Directors. The EDDP leads a team of 8.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Deep appreciation for American theater and Lincoln Center Theater as one of the premiere performing arts theaters in the country.
• Extensive experience in development strategy for not-for-profit institutions, with a strong preference in theater or the performing arts.
• A history of soliciting and closing major gifts at the six-figure level and above.
• Experience working with organizational leadership and an engaged board.
• Success in helping to drive philanthropic growth for a not-for-profit cultural or educational enterprise.
• Openness to innovation, creativity, and willingness to incorporate new modes of fundraising techniques and strategies.
• Knowledgeable about the NYC philanthropic, social, and business communities. Candidates from other geographic regions will be considered provide they have experience in a large, competitive philanthropic market.
• Sophisticated communication skills: able to craft proposals and articulate a compelling case for support for LCT.
• Able to cultivate and manage donor relationships at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and to cultivate talent.
• High emotional intelligence (EQ).
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access and to building and leading a diverse team.
• Current with the latest trends in development donor management systems; savvy with fundraising and commonly used business software.
• Ability and willingness to attend evening/weekend activities to cultivate/steward key donors and prospects.
• Ability to work closely and effectively with artists and performers.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

 Howe-Lewis International is please to assist Lincoln Center Theater with this exciting search. Please click here to apply online via the Howe-Lewis Talent Portal. You may also email your resume and letter of interest to kirk@howe-lewis.com