Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer

Bay Street Theater seeks an experienced and dynamic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead development efforts and serve as a key member of the senior management team. This leadership position offers significant growth potential and the opportunity to shape the fundraising strategy of a prestigious regional theater at a pivotal moment in its evolution.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Artistic Director, Deputy Director, and Board of Trustees, the CDO will drive revenue growth, deepen donor relationships, and build sustainable funding streams to support a $6 million annual budget and ambitious artistic vision. The role will have a significant impact on the organization during a time of growth and change, shaping the fundraising strategy of an internationally recognized regional theater.

Overall CDO Strategic Leadership Role

• Develop and execute a strategic, comprehensive advancement strategy that supports the annual operating and capital needs of the organization for the present and the long term, with particular focus on major gifts ($25,000+).
• Create a robust individual giving program, identifying prospects and moving donors through the cultivation pipeline while establishing and deepening relationships with individual donors, business entities, foundations, and government agencies.
• Build year‑round giving campaigns including membership, special events, and annual appeals.
• Mentor and lead the development team to create a culture of collaboration and innovation in philanthropic efforts (team includes the Director of Sponsorships and Associate Director of Development).
• Serve as a strategic collaborator with executive leadership and the Board to further the successful realization of Bay Street’s mission and vision in serving its community.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Relations & Major Gifts

• Personally manage a portfolio of major donor prospects and current supporters.
• Partner with the Executive Director on principal gift strategies and solicitations.
• Identify and re‑engage lapsed donors while upgrading current supporters.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships between donors and Bay Street’s mission and impact.

Institutional Giving

• Oversee foundation and corporate giving strategies.
• Guide grant applications and reporting, identifying new funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources.

Development Operations

• Oversee management of Tessitura CRM system, ensuring data integrity and strategic reporting.
• Oversee gift processing, donor acknowledgment, and stewardship communications.
• Create financial projections and track fundraising metrics.
• Ensure proper donor recognition across all platforms (Donor Wall, Playbill, website, etc.).

Special Events

• Lead planning and execution of high‑level donor cultivation events.
• Collaborate across departments to create memorable donor experiences.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong background in the cultivation and solicitation of individual, corporate, foundation, and government donors, with a demonstrated track record in managing successful development programs, including staff and volunteer management.
• Effective leader and administrator, with solid experience in managing, mentoring, and motivating staff, inspiring them toward common objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; knowledge of not‑for‑profit operations.
• High level of initiative, creativity, and ingenuity, and a commitment to cultural institutions in vibrant communities.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts and building donor relationships.
• Experience managing and mentoring development teams.
• Strong analytical skills, balancing data‑driven strategy with compelling storytelling.
• Proficiency with donor CRM systems (Tessitura experience strongly preferred).
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments in a small, mission‑driven organization.
• Willingness to be based in Sag Harbor during the summer season (May‑September) and flexible for day trips to the East End or NYC year‑round.
• Minimum seven to ten years of development experience, with at least five years in a management role.

Preferred

• Higher education degree.
• Experience with endowment or capital campaign fundraising is a major advantage.
• Established relationships with individual donors, foundations, or corporate funders.
• Knowledge of and passion for theater and the arts.

Compensation

The salary for this position is $150,000 – 175,000 (based on experience). Bay Street Theater offers a health plan, a generous holiday and PTO policy, and summer housing provided while in residence for the mainstage season.