Director of Development

About the role

The Director of Development is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the fundraising efforts and philanthropic growth of The Cape Playhouse and Cape Cod Center for the Arts. This dynamic individual will lead the organization’s development strategy, including overseeing all contributed income streams, such as individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and government support. Additionally, the Director will play a key role in the planning and execution of a Capital Campaign, while maintaining a focus on operational fundraising and donor stewardship. This position requires a results-oriented, strategic thinker with a proven track record of securing major gifts, cultivating long-term donor relationships, and driving successful campaigns. This work is all centered around a New England historic setting, treasured by both residents and seasonal visitors to beautiful Cape Cod.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
• Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Cape Playhouse, focused on both short-term and long-term growth in contributed income.
• Oversee the development and execution of fundraising campaigns, including an upcoming Capital Campaign, annual fund drives, major donor programs, and corporate sponsorship initiatives.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with individual major donors, board members, corporate sponsors, foundations, and government agencies to secure financial support for ongoing operations and capital improvements.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to establish annual fundraising goals, set priorities, and ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and vision.
• Develop strategies to identify, engage, and cultivate new donor prospects, leveraging research and networking opportunities.
• Capital Campaign Leadership
• Play a leading role in execution and management of the Capital Campaign, working closely with campaign counsel, the Executive Director, and board members.
• Develop and manage timelines, budgets, and strategies for securing gifts for the Capital Campaign, including major and planned gifts.
• Ensure proper stewardship and communication with Capital Campaign donors to maintain long-term relationships and continue engagement throughout the campaign.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Provide guidance and leadership in development best practices to ensure effective execution of fundraising activities and strategic goals.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications teams to ensure alignment on fundraising messaging, donor communications, and promotional campaigns.
• Partner with other departments to ensure fundraising goals are integrated with programming and operations, maintaining a cohesive organizational strategy.
• Operational Fundraising
• Oversee day-to-day fundraising operations, ensuring smooth execution of annual giving programs, donor tracking, and gift processing.
• Maintain accurate donor data in the donor management system, leveraging tools like Tessitura (or similar platforms) to generate reports and analyze trends.
• Events & Special Projects
• Lead the planning and execution of major fundraising events, including the Cape Playhouse’s annual gala, donor receptions, and capital campaign events.
• Oversee event logistics, invite lists, RSVPs, and coordination with external partners to ensure successful and impactful fundraising events.
• Assist with other high-priority initiatives as needed, including project management for new fundraising programs or special campaigns.

Qualifications

• Strategic Vision: Proven ability to design, implement, and assess comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet organizational goals.
• Leadership & Management: Strong leadership skills with a track record of effectively managing and developing fundraising programs.
• Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, and key stakeholders.
• Communications Expertise: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and presentations to engage donors.
• Fundraising Expertise: Significant experience in major gift fundraising, annual giving, capital campaigns, and corporate sponsorships.
• Analytical Skills: Strong proficiency in analyzing fundraising data, preparing reports, and using donor management systems (e.g., Tessitura, Salesforce).
• Event Management: Extensive experience in planning and executing large-scale fundraising events, from galas to donor receptions.
• Operational Focus: Ability to manage day-to-day fundraising operations while strategically planning for long-term sustainability.
• Artistic Passion: A deep passion for the arts, particularly the performing arts, with a commitment to supporting the mission of the Cape Playhouse.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of professional fundraising experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior development role.
• Experience in leading capital campaigns and securing major gifts is strongly preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in nonprofit management, fundraising, or related fields are a plus.

Compensation

Salary for this position is $90,000 – 100,000, with benefits including health insurance and a generous time off policy with paid holidays and vacation time.

Application Instructions

To apply, visit the online application and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include any training or experience relevant to the job profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a good fit for this opportunity, and anything else you’d like us to know about your qualifications that may not be present in your resume. Applications will be accepted until this role is filled, but for best consideration we encourage you to apply by March 20.

Contact Information

For general questions or nominations of prospective candidates, please contact searchteam@tocartspartners.com. We kindly request no phone calls.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Cape Cod Center for the Arts/Cape Playhouse is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.