Director of Development

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership (30%)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy aligned with Long Wharf Theatre’s financial goals and mission
• Partner with the Managing Director, Artistic Director, and Board leadership to establish fundraising priorities and strategies
• Identify opportunities to strengthen philanthropic support and expand the organization’s base of donors and supporters
• Contribute to long-range fundraising planning that supports the organization’s continued growth

Individual Giving & Major Gifts (30%)

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects
• Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for individual donors
• Partner with senior leadership and Board members on major gift solicitations
• Oversee annual fundraising appeals and donor communications

Institutional Support (20%)

• Oversee strategy for foundation, corporate, and government funding
• Ensure timely preparation of compelling grant proposals and reports
• Identify and cultivate new institutional funding opportunities

Board Engagement (10%)

• Partner with the Board of Trustees to strengthen fundraising engagement and accountability
• Support Board members in cultivating and stewarding donor relationships
• Prepare development reports and updates for Board and committee meetings

Development Operations & Events (10%)

• Oversee development systems, reporting, and donor data management
• Track fundraising progress and key performance metrics
• Lead strategy for donor engagement events and fundraising initiatives

Leadership & Culture

Long Wharf Theatre values a collaborative, mission-driven workplace culture rooted in trust,

accountability, and shared success. Senior leaders are expected to contribute actively to a work

environment where ideas are welcomed, colleagues support one another’s work, and

challenges are approached with creativity and solution-oriented thinking.

The Director of Development will play an important role in sustaining and strengthening this

culture by:

• Demonstrating initiative and ownership in advancing fundraising strategies and opportunities
• Working collaboratively across departments to align development efforts with artistic and organizational priorities
• Communicating openly and constructively with colleagues, leadership, and trustees
• Proactively identifying opportunities and bringing forward ideas, strategies, and solutions that help the organization move forward
• Supporting a culture of respect, professionalism, and shared responsibility for Long Wharf Theatre’s success

This role requires someone who is energized by working in partnership with colleagues and

leadership to strengthen the organization and advance its mission.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including major gift fundraising
• Demonstrated success cultivating and securing significant philanthropic support
• Experience working closely with Boards and senior leadership on fundraising strategy
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach to leadership and collaboration
• Passion for the performing arts and mission-driven work

Preferred:

• Experience in the arts or cultural sector
• Familiarity with Spektrix and Blackbaud donor management systems and fundraising CRM platforms

What Success Looks Like in the First 6 Months

In their first year, the Director of Development will:

• Gain a strong understanding of Long Wharf Theatre’s fundraising landscape and development operations, identifying opportunities to strengthen strategy and systems
• Advance a clear pipeline of major donor prospects and deepen relationships with existing supporters
• Partner with the Managing Director and Artistic Director to align fundraising strategy with Long Wharf Theatre’s artistic vision and organizational priorities
• Establish consistent systems for tracking fundraising activity, donor engagement, and progress toward contributed revenue goals
• Help cultivate a culture of philanthropy across the organization by engaging staff, leadership, and trustees in supporting Long Wharf Theatre’s fundraising efforts
• Identify and advance new opportunities for philanthropic investment that support Long Wharf Theatre’s evolving model and long-term sustainability

Compensation

Salary range: $90,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health

insurance, paid time off, holidays, and additional benefits.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement

Long Wharf Theatre is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse, inclusive,

and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds,

particularly those historically underrepresented in the arts.

Long Wharf Theatre does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin,

age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any

other protected status under applicable law.

Long Wharf Theatre is dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and belonging

where all team members can thrive.

If you’re excited about this opportunity but don’t meet every qualification listed, we still

encourage you to apply. Research shows that individuals from historically underrepresented

communities often hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. Long Wharf Theatre

values a broad range of experiences, perspectives, and professional paths, and we welcome

candidates who believe they can contribute meaningfully to our mission.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a written cover letter OR video/audio

cover letter no longer than four (4) minutes describing their interest in the position and how

their experience aligns with Long Wharf Theatre’s mission, values, and fundraising goals.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Materials should be submitted to the Hiring Committee at: View email address on click.appcast.io. Please use DD-0826 in the subject line.

References may be requested following the second and final interview.