Job Description

Writers Theatre (WT) is a nationally recognized, award-winning non-profit theatre company located on the North Shore of Chicago with an annual operating budget of $6 million. Known for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its productions and having captivated audiences for 31 years, the theatre is a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, the company is charting a path forward for its future – a future that continues our legacy of creating outstanding, award-winning theatre, inviting our community to gather in our spaces for transformative experiences and embracing educational programming throughout the Chicago area.

Job Summary:

Writers Theatre seeks a committed and resourceful Director of Advancement (DOA) who will be responsible for procuring and growing WT’s donor base to ensure the organization’s long-term stability. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with both the Executive and Artistic Directors and the Board of Trustees, the DOA oversees a staff of five and is an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team.

The DOA will be responsible for achieving budgeted goals in all areas of contributed revenue, including government, foundation, corporate, individual, and special events. WT’S fundraising efforts include an Annual Plan to raise $3 million each year to sustain annual operations and a Legacy Project to raise capital/reserve/endowment to ensure the long-term success of WT.

Responsibilities:

The Director of Advancement’s primary responsibilities include:

• Develop, communicate, and implement a Fundraising Plan to secure and achieve annual fundraising goals.
• Lead and manage the Development staff, establish achievable goals to hold the team accountable, and conduct regular performance evaluations.
• Lead the strategies and gift solicitations from individual, foundation, corporate, and government sources.
• Maintain an active portfolio of major donors and prospects. The DOA will spend significant time on major gift development, cultivation, solicitation, and the stewardship of major donors.
• Act as a strategic partner to the Executive Director, Artistic Director, and Board of Trustees to support and advise on their fundraising activities.
• Work closely with staff, Board, and other volunteers to maximize the effectiveness of special events, including the annual Wordplay Gala, to attract and retain donors.
• Prepare and manage the department’s financial reports and budget and provide fiscal oversight to meet revenue goals.
• Participate and report at Executive Committee and Board meetings.
• Oversee the Trustee Governance and Advancement Committees of the Board of Trustees and others as assigned.
• In collaboration with Leadership and the Board of Trustees, develop, communicate, and implement a multi-year plan to raise funds for a Legacy Project to raise capital/reserve/endowment to ensure the long-term success of WT.
• Establish and support a Planned Giving Program.
• Attend WT programming and development events as needed.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess most of the following qualifications:

• At least eight years of fundraising experience.
• Strong leadership and administration skills, with experience in managing staff.
• A proven track record of participating in securing major gifts (5-6 figures). Prior experience as a Director of Development/Advancement and prior experience in campaign fundraising is a plus.
• The ability to establish rapport with high-level donors and trustees, to work effectively with volunteers and staff, and an eagerness to take an active, public role in cultivating and soliciting donors and serve as a representative of WT.
• An interest in theater and the arts; an understanding of and desire to support WT’s mission.
• An existing knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn Chicagoland’s arts and culture philanthropic landscape. Knowledge of the North Shore is a plus.
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills in order to respond effectively and diplomatically to donors and stakeholders and engage a diverse set of patrons.
• Superior organizational skills are essential, with the ability to balance the many challenges and opportunities inherent in a live arts environment.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience is required.

Compensation

Salary and benefits commensurate with experience ranging from $90,000 to $120,000.

Benefits include medical, dental insurance, and disability insurance, vacation and other paid leave, a 403(b) retirement plan (with employer match), and medical and dependent care cafeteria plans. 

How to Apply

To Apply

We are interested in receiving candidates from a broad spectrum of people, including women and people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Writers Theatre is an equal opportunity employer located in Glencoe, IL. We are committed to upholding the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and anti-racism in recruitment of staff in all departments. To that end, for all employment opportunities, we actively encourage applications from persons of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, individuals with disabilities and all other identities and legally protected classes.

To apply, please submit a cover letter that addresses your experience and how you see your work aligning with WT’s goals, values and priorities and a resume to jobs@writerstheatre.org. No phone calls, please.

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 80,000 - 100,000.

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