Senior Philanthropy Officer

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESSIBILITY Theatre lies at the intersection of storytelling and community. The stories we tellrepresentand influenceourshared human experience. We believe that to tell these stories authentically, it is essential to employ equitable practices that are inclusive of and led by a diverse and culturally rich community.Village Theatre has a responsibility to mindfully support and design the impact these stories have on the audiences we serve, the artists we engage,the students we nurture,and the staff we entrust.Centering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in ourwork allows us to create a storytellingspace that welcomes, celebrates, and honors all people. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Village Theatre we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you are excited about a role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the candidate we are looking for! More information about our journey to be an anti-racist organization and our DEIA Committee can be found here: ABOUT THE POSITION The Senior Philanthropy Officer is a senior member of Village Theatre's Development Department and reports to the Managing Director. This position leads major donor fundraising and relationship-building efforts, managing an assigned portfolio of supporters while cultivating new philanthropic relationships that expand Village Theatre's community of supporters. The role combines frontline fundraising and community relationship building with a clear focus on growing major-gift revenue and strengthening long-term philanthropic support for Village Theatre's mission. The Managing Director supervises the position and establishes portfolio expectations, performance goals, and institutional priorities. As a member of the Development Department, the Senior Philanthropy Officer works closely with the Director of Development to align fundraising strategies, donor communications, prospect management, and departmental priorities. The Senior Philanthropy Officer serves as a primary relationship contact for assigned donors, connecting them with Village Theatre experiences, information, people, and opportunities that deepen their engagement with the organization. The position also partners with organizational leadership and Board members to cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic support. This position requires regular participation in donor meetings, cultivation events, performances, and community activities. Occasional evening and weekend work is expected and typically planned in advance. The position also requires travel between Village Theatre locations and community-based meetings as needed. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES Manage an assigned portfolio of major donors and qualified prospects. Develop and implement individualized strategies for cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, retention, and donor growth. Personally solicit and secure significant gifts that advance Village Theatre's mission and strategic priorities. Build and deepen donor relationships that increase engagement, philanthropic investment, and long-term support for Village Theatre. Establish and achieve annual goals related to donor engagement, retention, revenue, and philanthropic growth. Maintain timely and accurate records of donor relationships, contacts, cultivation and solicitation strategies, commitments, follow-up, and fundraising projections in Village Theatre's donor database, ensuring institutional knowledge is accessible to the Development team. Identify opportunities for planned, legacy, and other long-term gifts within donor relationships and coordinate appropriate cultivation and stewardship strategies with the Director of Development and outside advisors as needed. Philanthropic Community Growth Develop and cultivate philanthropic relationships beyond Village Theatre's current donor community, expanding the circle of individuals who invest in and champion the organization's mission. Identify, qualify, and engage prospective supporters through audience engagement, community relationships, referrals, events, and Board connections. Create pathways for deeper engagement and connect prospective supporters with organizational leadership, artists, and Board members when appropriate. Develop strategies that move new relationships from initial engagement toward meaningful philanthropic investment. Participate as an active member of the Development Department, supporting department-wide fundraising, stewardship, donor engagement, and campaign initiatives. Participate in Development Department planning, fundraising strategy, campaign execution, and prospect review. Partner with the Director of Development to coordinate prospect strategies, donor communications, stewardship, and fundraising priorities. Partner with organizational leadership and Board members to cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic supporters. Share fundraising expertise and relationship‑building practices that strengthen Development Department effectiveness. Represent Village Theatre and serve as an ambassador for its mission and philanthropic priorities. Organizational Collaboration Collaborate across departments to support organizational priorities, donor engagement, fundraising events, and stewardship activities. Support Village Theatre's mission, values, and commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Five or more years of fundraising, philanthropy, relationship-development, or comparable experience, with increasing levels of responsibility. Proven track record of personally soliciting and securing significant gifts and generating new contributed revenue. Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, stewarding, and growing major donor relationships, including management of a donor portfolio from qualification through stewardship. Demonstrated ability to develop new philanthropic relationships and broaden a community of supporters through networking, referrals, audience engagement, and community relationship building. Experience coaching, mentoring, leading, or supporting fundraising staff, volunteers, or fundraising initiatives. Ability to develop strategy, establish goals, evaluate results, and adjust plans as needed. Strong relationship‑building, communication, and interpersonal skills. Experience partnering effectively with organizational leadership, Board members, and colleagues across departments. Experience or familiarity using donor databases and related fundraising technology, along with strong organizational skills, judgment, discretion, and attention to detail. Ability to use Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint. Must be able to travel independently between Village Theatre locations and off-site meetings. COMPENSATION The annual salary range for this position is $95,000 to $100,000. Additionally, Village Theatre offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Insurance; 403 (b) Retirement Plan with employer match; paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick time; Flexible Spending Account; Life and AD&D insurance. Additional information, such as waiting periods and premium rates, will be made available to final candidates. #J-18808-Ljbffr