Director of Special Campaigns and Major Gifts

The Director of Special Campaigns & Major Gifts reports to the Managing Director and works directly with the Director of Development. As part of a 50-year celebration campaign and a new initiative to grow and expand GSP’s engagement with donors, this position is responsible for the overall planning, execution and effectiveness of new high-level fundraising.

The Director of Special Campaigns & Major Gifts is involved in all phases of the fundraising process, from cultivating prospects lists and developing outreach special campaigns all the way through to the stewardship arrangements. This position also works closely with board members to coordinate and execute long-term fundraising initiatives.

This position is entrusted with sensitive and confidential information, so a high level of discretion, good judgment and unquestionable professionalism is necessary. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with staff leadership to plan and lead a major gift program and/or a special campaign to support the new strategic Vision of GSP.
• Secure major gifts at the five- and six-figure levels.
• Identify prospects on the corporation and foundation levels.
• Work with the Director of Development, Managing Director and Board Members to craft individualized asks.
• Actively develop, manage and maintain a portfolio of +100 prospects with specific cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
• Provide leadership to assure that special campaign communications and cultivation event activity plans are met.
• Plan and run special campaign meetings as needed.
• Lead special campaigns as needed in addition and/or in coordination with the annual fund.
• Coordinate in-person and virtual meetings to cultivate donor and prospect relationships.
• Lead in the identification and qualification of new prospects and donors in the region.
• Work collaboratively with the rest of the development team, as well as with the marketing team, to facilitate reporting, research and analysis.
• Draft major gift proposal documents.
• Manage special grant processes with the Director of Development and Managing Director as needed.
• Provide coordination and administrative support to the special campaign committee as needed.
• Create and edit campaign communications, such as acknowledgements, follow-up letters, newsletters, etc., with the development team.
• Acknowledge major gifts through public and private recognition.

Other Projects and Duties as Assigned by the Managing Director.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of experience in a development department with a proven history of closing donor deals and meeting fundraising goals is essential.
• This position is ideal for a dynamic, results-driven and well-organized development professional who is committed to the mission and vision of George Street Playhouse.
• Experience managing, developing and maintaining a portfolio of +100 prospects/donors of five/six-figures.
• Thorough background in fundraising best practices and donor databases for managing donor and solicitation records.
• Proven history of developing strategies and innovative tactics to meet fundraising goals.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills, and the ability to develop effective communication strategies is desired.
• Entrepreneurial ability to develop alliances and coordinate shared interests that result in successful fundraising campaigns.
• Able to navigate through diverse and sometimes competing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and an advanced level of Microsoft Excel expertise desired.
• Demonstrated sound judgment.
• Experience with Tessitura and TNEW is a plus.
• Strong marketing skills are a plus.

WORK CONDITIONS

In addition to regular office hours (Monday through Friday 10am - 6pm), weekend and evening hours are, at times, required. This position is expected to attend the following:

• All company “Meet and Greet” / First Rehearsals, Opening Night pre- and post-show activities, dress rehearsal/photo calls and at least one preview performance for each mainstage production.

• Major events produced by the company including the Annual Gala Benefit, one-night only events and special events related to the activities of the Education and Community Engagement Departments.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt, annual salaried position of $90,000 - $110,000. George Street Playhouse offers a benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance with annual allowance for out of pocket medical expenses, 9 paid holidays, vacation time, sick leave, paid parking near the theater and complimentary tickets to George Street Playhouse productions.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to:  Edgar Herrera, Managing Director.   Please note that only candidates who submit a resume and cover letter will be considered.