About the position
Signature Theatre, one of New York's leading off-Broadway theatres, is seeking a DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT. Founded in 1991, Signature Theatre celebrates playwrights and gives them an artistic home, producing six to eight productions annually. In 2005, Signature began its groundbreaking Signature Ticket Initiative, providing affordable tickets to all of its productions. In 2012, Signature opened The Pershing Square Signature Center, the Frank Gehry-designed 75,000 square foot Center featuring three theatres, two rehearsal studios, a central, public lobby with a café and bookstore, as well as administrative offices. The Director of Development serves as head of the development department, leading the organization in raising approximately $6MM annually in operating support, as well as $10MM over the next three years as part of The Next Act Campaign to secure Signature’s future. The Director of Development is a member of the senior management team and is a key partner to the Executive Director, Artistic Director, and Board of Directors. This position oversees four direct reports and is supervised by the Executive Director.
Responsibilities
- Lead the fundraising strategy that incorporates Individual, Corporate, Foundations & Government, Major Gifts, Special Events, and Planned Giving.
- Manage, mentor, and guide a high-functioning department, empowering the team to achieve goals.
- Build a strong, trusting relationship with executive and board leadership, and motivate and inspire the entire staff and board to be partners in meeting development goals.
- Collaborate with the Board and Development Committee to increase trustee participation in fundraising.
- Work closely with the Executive Director and Nominating Committee to drive an aggressive Board development strategy.
- Grow, steward and solicit a robust pipeline of Individual, Corporate, Foundation and Government donors and prospects, including leadership gift funders.
- Oversee the strategy and execution of large fundraising events including the annual gala and benefit reading.
- Ensure a standard of excellence in donor communication and activities.
- Create annual revenue goals in conjunction with executive and board leadership.
- Represent the organization at meetings, public events, and other activities.
Requirements
- At least 7 years of experience with increasing responsibility in Development, preferably in a theater or other cultural organization.
- Strong communication skills.
- Organized and detail-oriented, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Benefits
- Group health, dental, and vision plans.
- Opportunity to participate in tax-saving flexible spending, commuter and 401(k) plans.
