Director of Development And Communications

Oakland Theater Project (OTP) creates exquisite theatrical experiences that inspire compassion and forge bonds across socio-political and racial barriers. Founded in 2012 by Michael Moran, William Hodgson, and Colin Mandlin, OTP was originally named Ubuntu Theater Project, rooted in the value of Ubuntu—“I am because we are.” Our work explores theater as a vehicle to reveal and invigorate interconnectedness in humanity and society. With a commitment to radical inclusivity, we offer every professional production with pay-what-you-can pricing and are the only year-round professional theater company in Oakland. OTP has produced over 75 unique productions, earning acclaim from the SF Chronicle as “the Bay Area’s most daring theater” and “one of the most exciting young companies to emerge in the Bay Area in the past decade.” Following a 4-year growth plan, we’ve quadrupled in size since the pandemic to an annual budget of $1.3M. Our next 3-year plan includes hiring additional staff, expanding educational programs, and continuing a capital campaign to purchase our own building and theater.

About the Role

The Development & Communications Director reports to the Managing Director and is responsible for managing fundraising and communications. This role blends strategic vision with hands-on execution, translating OTP’s artistic ambition into a compelling case for support and cultivating long-term donor relationships. The position leads individual giving, supports all tiers of donor engagement, and manages foundation and corporate partnerships alongside our grant writer. As head of communications, this role guides public perception of OTP’s brand, develops the organization’s first complete brand guide, and oversees a team of part-time communication contractors to ensure a cohesive aesthetic across written, oral, and visual platforms. The ideal candidate thrives in change management, builds systems from the ground up, and embraces ambiguity to drive tangible outcomes. Humility, compassion, and a collaborative spirit are essential.

Responsibilities

Development (50%)

• Advance the strategy and implement the annual fundraising plan, including individual giving, institutional giving, special events, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, and revenue diversification.
• Leverage OTP’s CRM system to develop and monitor progress toward fundraising goals.
• Contribute to organizational strategy with the Executive Artistic Director, Managing Director, and Board, focusing on fundraising, capacity building, and revenue diversification.
• Individual Giving:
  • Manage a portfolio of major and mid-level donors, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Design and oversee annual giving programs, including appeals, memberships, and donor upgrades.
  • Partner with artistic leadership to create donor-facing experiences and engagement opportunities.
  • Lead strategy for fundraising events and benefit performances, ensuring strong ROI and donor experience.
  • Support special initiatives such as capital campaigns, endowment efforts, or destination theater trips.
• Institutional Giving:
  • Manage day-to-day operations of foundation fundraising, including prospect research, proposal creation, and reporting.
  • Build strategic relationships with key foundation staff and stakeholders.
  • Manage a part-time Grant Writer, review all grant materials, and ensure proposals have the greatest chance of success.
  • Establish and grow a corporate revenue and sponsorship program from the ground up, including prospecting aligned corporate partners.

Communications (40%)

• Strategy & Leadership:
  • Develop cohesive marketing and communication strategies across platforms in partnership with the Managing Director.
  • Leverage new technologies and create inventive approaches to marketing to help OTP stand out in a crowded field.
  • Develop evaluation processes to make informed, iterative changes to campaigns and tactics using tools like Google Analytics, Mailchimp, and AudienceView.
• Communications & Marketing:
  • Oversee the design and execution of marketing and communications efforts, including the website, e-newsletter (7,000+ subscribers), social media platforms, and physical print assets.
  • Lead paid marketing strategy and ROI analysis to direct advertising efforts with current media partners and identify new marketing channels.
  • Develop audience growth strategies aligned with mainstage productions and partner with the Patron Services Manager to execute outreach initiatives.
  • Manage Communication Contractors to create compelling visual graphics, dynamic video content, and persuasive written materials adapted to each platform and campaign.
  • Manage public-facing communications, including press outreach and media partnerships.
  • Coordinate with the Production Manager, Stage Managers, and other creative team members to capture content at rehearsals, performances, and events.

Organizational Leadership & Operations (10%)

• Operations:
  • Partner with Patron Services and Operations Manager to oversee development operations, including CRM management, gift processing, acknowledgments, and donor records.
  • Develop and maintain systems that support donor retention, stewardship, and growth.
  • Keep advertising expenses on budget and track spending and contractor costs in real-time to provide actionable insights to the Managing Director.
  • Maintain up-to-date communication files and archives for the department and each show.
• Leadership:
  • Attend and contribute to weekly OTP staff meetings to support a positive work culture.
  • Build strong relationships with external stakeholders to recruit and maintain ambassadors for OTP’s theatrical and community programs.
  • Represent OTP to donors and community stakeholders at events and meetings; attend fundraisers and other organizational events.

Requirements

• At least five (5) years of experience in a development and/or communications role; performing arts or growth-stage experience preferred.
• Strong desire to use theatrical experiences to achieve social impact and a passion for equity and diversity in the arts and education.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects involving individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Familiarity with Oakland or a similar community; strong relationships with local artists and institutions are a plus.
• Physical ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Willingness to be present at some performances during evening and weekend hours.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• 401(k) (employee contribution only)
• Paid Time Off
• Hybrid/remote work options
• Parental Leave
• Flexible Schedule

This role is part of LinkedIn’s Full-Service Hiring beta program and is open to candidates located in and performing services in the United States, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, South Carolina, or West Virginia.