Development Director

OVERVIEW:
Sound Theatre Company is actively seeking a Development Director to play a pivotal role in shaping our growth and fundraising initiatives. As the driving force behind contributed revenue development, they will guide overall fundraising strategy, develop an annual fundraising plan, lead donor engagement, execute fundraising events like our annual gala, and spearhead online giving campaigns. This role is integral to our mission of empowering artists to give voice to the dignity and diversity of the human experience, moving audiences toward a more just and compassionate world. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented communities in American Theatre and Arts Administration. To that end, we want to highlight that if you need to gain experience in some of the areas listed, please apply anyway We support our staff to learn new skills through professional development.

ORGANIZATION HISTORY:
Established in 2006, Sound Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to staging three fully produced projects per season, complemented by experimental and new works programming. Around 2015, our focus shifted toward social justice, aligning with similar initiatives by the City of Seattle. Despite perceptions of being more resourced, Sound Theatre primarily operated as a volunteer-run organization until initiating professionalization in 2019. Working towards equitable compensation, we now maintain a paid, ten-person permanent staff as of January 2021 and a current organizational operating budget of $600,000+. As we chart a course for growth into a deeply intersectional and accessible theatre producer, we proudly center racial justice, disability justice, and intersectionality in our work. Guided by our accessibility coordinator, we embrace challenges to grow authentically, excited about the possibilities of a more just and accessible tomorrow.

POSITION HISTORY & TRAJECTORY:
Sound Theatre evolved from a volunteer and stipend-based model to a paid staff structure in 2019. As we progress in our journey of professionalization, this new position of Development Director will play a vital role, instrumental in shaping the organization’s trajectory and advancing our mission of providing accessible and intersectional theatre experiences through strategic fundraising and growth initiatives.

COMPENSATION:

This position is part-time, Overtime Non-exempt, and will pay $30/hour amounting to $30,600 annually. The Development Director accrues paid sick leave, has access to a personal $500/year professional development budget, and access to a small child care reimbursement fund. Vacation benefits consist of one week of paid vacation and one week of required unpaid vacation. Sick time accrues in accordance with Washington State law, with one hour of sick leave earned for every 40 worked hours. Sound Theatre does not currently offer health benefits but hopes to include benefits later in 2024. The position has the potential to grow to a full-time role over time with the growth of Sound Theatre’s operating budget.

SCHEDULE:
The Development Director will work an average of 20 hours per week. Actual hours worked per week can range from 10 – 30 hours, depending on active projects. Sound Theatre operates with a variety of show and event schedules, and we expect that, while regular weekly hours are flexible and made by the employee, there will be some requirement to attend in-person events on some evenings and weekends such as opening nights, donor events, the gala, etc.

KEY COLLABORATORS:
The Development Director works closely with the Co-Artistic Directors, General Manager, Fundraising Consultant/Grant Writer (Independent Contractor), Marketing Team, Board of Directors, and volunteers

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Fundraising Oversight:
  Set and coordinate the overall strategy with support from the Fundraising Consultant/Grant Writer to grow Contributed Revenue (budgeted at $500,000+ in 2024), through multiple channels with a focus on advancing Individual Giving, including Major Gifts and the Annual Fund. Continue to develop Institutional Giving, including researching and writing grant applications, sponsorship proposals, and reports to corporate, foundation, and government funders.
• Building an Organizational Culture of Philanthropy through Collaboration:
  Work collaboratively with key staff and board, including Leadership, Marketing, and Production teams, to accomplish projects and goals. Over time, develop a culture of philanthropy across the organization, using principles of Community-Centric Fundraising, including offering fundraising training and skill development for the Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff. Provide fundraising training for the Board of Directors.
• Prospect Research, Donor Portfolio Management, and Relationship Building:
  Prospect and maintain donor portfolios, build donor pipelines, and execute personalized solicitation and stewardship strategies for Major Donors ($500+) in collaboration with leadership. Oversee all fundraising activities and guide donor engagement and stewardship processes.
• Event Planning and Execution:
  Lead the planning and execution of one annual fundraising gala and the development of a calendar of donor cultivation and stewardship events. Organize and implement special fundraising campaigns as needed. Attend performances and community events to meet, greet, and thank donors.
• Development Communications and Correspondence:
  Draft all development communications including donor correspondence, annual appeal solicitations through direct mail, email, website, and social media, acknowledgment letters and other stewardship communications, event materials, the annual report, and with the support of the contracted Grant Writer, grant and sponsorship proposals and reports. Ensure proper donor recognition on the website, e-blasts, and other digital and print materials.
• Financial Forecasting and Budgeting:
  Provide advice/input in revenue and expense forecasts and assist in the budgeting process, including revenue goals and expenses.
• Professional Development and Commitment:
  Demonstrate a passion for the arts, interest in developing leadership skills, and a career trajectory. Showcase commitment to social justice and art activism. Engage in ongoing self-reflection, awareness, and analysis-building.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage Development Files and Database:
  Ensure the systematic organization of the digital development files and oversee donor data collection, management, and analysis. Familiarize yourself with CRM (Audience View) and TRG arts data systems, and other database reporting tools. Assist in database management by supporting data entry, producing database queries, and generating reports. Manage fundraising income and event tracking systems for efficient revenue projections and reporting. Assist with database management, and cleanup to ensure accurate tracking of donor information.
• Networking and Representing the Organization:Attend relevant events, such as Fundraising for the Arts and other sector convenings, to stay informed about industry trends and network with potential partners.
• Financial Support and Audit Preparation:Collaborate with the General Manager and account providers to collect information for financial statements and annual audit. Provide necessary support to ensure accurate financial reporting.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEXT DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR:
REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience or interest in fundraising, including individual giving, major gifts, grant writing, and fundraising events.
• Commitment to intersectional anti-oppressive practices, including anti-racism, disability justice, accessibility, and decolonization frameworks.
• Experience in managing staff, interns, board members, or volunteers, highlighting strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of individuals.
• Flexible availability, with the ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed to meet organizational demands.
• Experience with donor database systems, emphasizing strong data management skills.
• Attention to detail and pride in developing strong systems and structures to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to set priorities, develop work schedules, monitor progress toward goals, and track details, data, information, and activities.

DESIRED:

• Embraces fundraising as the joyful practice of offering individuals the opportunity to connect deeply with issues they care about, fostering meaningful engagement and support.
• Affinity for and knowledge of the local arts and theatre community, understanding its dynamics, and cultivating connections within the cultural landscape.
• Familiarity with crm and communication platforms such as or similar to Audience View, Constant Contact, Facebook, Instagram, etc. demonstrating proficiency in digital communication strategies.
• Skills in planning and executing fundraising events, from small donor stewardship events to larger galas.
• A strong network and the ability to cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and other stakeholders.
• Familiarity with grant writing processes, including research, relationship development, , writing, and reporting.

WORKING CONDITIONS & LOCATIONS:
This position will start off as primarily remote, with occasional in-person involvement following state and local safety guidelines. If desired, the Development Director may shift to working mostly at the Sound Theatre office, located on the second floor of the Jack Straw Cultural Center Offices in the University District. The open office space is shared with one other organization, and there is an elevator and accessible bathroom. There is no kitchen/break room, although there is a small refrigerator and microwave. 

A computer device is necessary for this position. If the Development Director does not have access to a personal computer, Sound Theatre can provide one.

ACCESSIBILITY:
Sound Theatre Company is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, STC will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact riley@soundtheatrecompany.org .

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please submit a resume and brief expression of intent in any format (written, video, audio, etc.) addressing your interest in the position and relevant skills to General Manager, Riley Gene at riley@soundtheatrecompany.org using the subject line “LAST NAME – APPLICATION – DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR.”

HIRING PROCESS:
Applications are due by 5:00 pm on February 16th. Interviews will be conducted the week of February 19th, with an offer sent by February 29th. Ideal start date is March 4th.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
If more in-depth background about the Development Director position is desired, applicants are welcome to reach out to General Manager, Riley Gene, at riley@soundtheatrecompany. 

Sound Theatre Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity organization. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, protected veteran or disability status or any factor prohibited by law. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups.