Development Manager

Ensemble Studio Theatre (EST) is seeking a dynamic Development Manager who will be responsible for the strategic planning and execution of all fundraising efforts, including individual, institutional, government and corporate giving. The Development Manager will collaborate with the Interim Transition Manager, Development Consultants (Donorly) and work closely with the Marketing Team. The Development Department is responsible for raising approximately $1.3 million in annual revenue of EST’s $1.9 million annual operating budget in contributed revenue including individual giving, grants and government funds. EST seeks applicants who are determined to advance our mission statement, and who know how to work in a collaborative environment and have diverse perspectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Development Manager will benefit from working closely with the organization’s leadership team, other departments, and Development Consultants (Donorly), gaining valuable mentorship and experience. Donorly has provided strategic advising support since 2020 and has served as EST’s Interim Development Manager since 2021. Donorly will support the Development Manager’s onboarding, ongoing strategic advising, donor and prospect research, and provide additional support as needed.

As EST’s donor community continues to grow, we expect the development department to grow as well, offering significant opportunities for professional growth as a leader in a small department. EST’s three-year fundraising plan includes strategically increasing development support, including the addition of a full-time development associate.

The ideal candidate is passionate about incorporating and applying an anti-racism lens to fundraising and is energized by reinventing the strategies and processes of the development department. This position reports to EST leadership staff and has responsibilities in the following categories:

Strategy and Administration:
- Plan and implement multi-year development strategy with guidance from Donorly
- Administer CRM database (PatronManager and Salesforce); manage donation records and maintain donor lists
- Collaborate with the Marketing team on outreach, audience building and embedding fundraising language in all communications
- Coordinate activities of fundraising committees in partnership with Donorly and Interim Transition Manager

Individual Giving
- Serve as primary contact for individual donors, including the Board of Directors
- Build donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship (performance invitations, notes, greetings, etc.) strategies for existing donors and new prospects with direction from Donorly
- Accompany Managing and Artistic Director(s) to high-level donor meetings and Board meetings
- Design, implement, and direct large-scale fundraising campaigns in collaboration with the Marketing team and with support from Donorly
- Coordinate and manage biennial telefunding campaigns (with support from telefund consultant from Donorly)
- Manage donor acknowledgments and correspondence

Institutional Giving
- Maintain a detailed grants calendar and manage the preparation and submission of grant applications and award report materials, with support from a freelance grant writer, EST staff, and Donorly as needed
- Collaborate with research service (through Donorly) to uncover new grant opportunities and funding prospects
- Build relationships with program officers and other corporate and institutional contacts in partnership with leadership staff
- Fundraising and Cultivation Events
- Plan and execute special events (approx. 4 per year) while supported by EST staff, volunteers, Donorly, and potential freelance event planner(s)
- Collaborate with Marketing team on sales strategy and invitations
- Maintain relationships with sponsors, vendors and community partners for in-kind donations

Requirements

This position is ideal for an ambitious early- to mid-career fundraising professional who is ready to take the next step in their career and who is interested in reimagining systems, piloting new ideas, and building a culture of community-centric fundraising.

Necessary Skills:
- Self-motivated and able to thrive in an environment without direct supervision
- Exceptional program, project, and time management skills, while remaining highly organized, creative, and detail-focused
- Able to apply and adapt an anti-racism lens
- Collaborative with strong interpersonal skills
- Comfortable interacting and building relationships with donors and funders
- Experience with word processing (Google/Microsoft suite or similar)
- Some fundraising or non-profit administration experience required
- Any experience with Salesforce, PatronManager, or any CRM a bonus
- Is reflective and adaptive when giving and receiving feedback and participating in meetings
- Passion for or interest in American theatre, particularly new plays