Reports to: Director of Development & Community Engagement

Work hours and location: Full Time at the theatre office

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Associate plays a key role in advancing the Company’s mission by supporting fundraising, donor engagement, and community partnership efforts. Working closely with the Director of Development, the associate will help to cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, businesses, and community leaders while supporting annual fundraising initiatives, grant development, special events, stewardship activities, and group sales. The associate will be involved in all aspects of fundraising, including donor communications, stewardship, prospect research, grant writing and administration, campaign support, event coordination, and data management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Support

• Provide administrative and project support for the Development Director as assigned.
• Proofread development materials, grant proposals, correspondence, marketing pieces, show programs, and website content.
• Assist with Development Advisory Committee meetings, agendas, meeting materials, minutes, and follow-up.
• Assist with Group Sales efforts, soliciting prospects, reserving tickets, managing payments, and hosting groups during their visit.

Fundraising & Development

• Assist in planning and implementing fundraising initiatives, including the Annual Campaign, Capital Campaign, special appeals, and other fundraising initiatives.
• Conduct foundation and grant research; assist with proposal writing, applications, reporting, and relationship cultivation.
• Support the planning and execution of donor cultivation events, patron engagement activities, community engagement events, and fundraising events, including the Annual Gala.
• Research grant opportunities and maintain grant calendars, deadlines, submission schedules, and reporting requirements.

Donor Relations & Communications

• Write donor acknowledgments, stewardship letters, solicitation materials, invitations, newsletters, and other development communications.
• Assist with pre-event and post-event donor communications and follow-up.
• Help ensure timely and meaningful donor recognition and stewardship activities.

 Database & Reporting

• Become proficient in Patron Manager CRM to accurately maintain donor records, gift entry, constituent activity, acknowledgments, group sales, and reporting.
• Generate donor and sponsorship reports, recognition lists, and program acknowledgments.
• Maintain accurate records to support fundraising strategy, donor stewardship, group sales, and organizational reporting.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to outstanding donor service.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff, volunteers, board members, donors, and community partners.
• Interest or experience in nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, or arts administration preferred.
• Experience with CRM software (Patron Manager, Salesforce, or similar) preferred.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday position that requires flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of performances, fundraising events, donor engagement, group hosting, and community outreach activities.

Please send resumé and cover letter to Cheryl Willoughby at Cheryl@theencoretheatre.org by Sept. 11, 2026.