Director of Development

Job Type

Full-time

Description

What We Do...

Children's Theatre of Charlotte is driven in the belief that there is power behind simple acts of kindness. Throughout our work, staff, patrons, and community, we strive to spread kindness wherever we can and to encourage children to act kindly toward others. We are proud to be an organization where a dynamic mix of talented, committed, and enthusiastic people come together to do their best work. As we inspire generations to explore the wonder of our world, we desire to see the unique and amazing, expanding tapestry of this world and community reflected in all our programming, behind the scenes, and in our team members, board and volunteers.

What You Will Do...

Our Director of Development is equal parts strategic visionary and detail-oriented project manager. This is the perfect opportunity for a team-oriented collaborator, active and compassionate listener, bridge builder and a champion for theatre for young audiences. Our next Director will play a key role in leading all aspects of contributed income including annual operating income, restricted grant income and endowment activity through meaningful relationships and unique partnerships. The ideal candidate is a proven leader with a passion for our mission and our place in the arts sector and in the fabric of the Charlotte region.

Our Current Environment

• Children's Theatre of Charlotte's budget for FY 2024-25 operates with revenue ratios of 54% earned and 28% contributed. The organization also has an endowment with earnings contributing to the annual budget of $5.5 million.
• We engage professional adult actors and, in one to two shows per season, also include youth actors in the cast.
• We serve nearly 250,000 young people and families in the Charlotte metro area and are dedicated to creating vibrant and engaging theatre experiences, both on the stage and in the classroom. This includes grant-funded free and reduced-fee education programming for families and students.
• Our performance spaces include the McColl Family Theatre (563 seats) and the Wells Fargo Playhouse (248 seats) at the ImaginOn facility, which also houses a full library for children and youth.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead, Direct and Manage our Development Initiatives

• Develop, drive, and continuously improve every aspect of Children's Theatre of Charlotte's contributed revenue streams.
• Develop, execute and communicate a comprehensive development plan and budget based on the annual contributed revenue goals.
• Retain, cultivate, expand, and elevate individual donors through relationship building, meaningful connections, and effective storytelling.
• Lead efforts to cultivate, secure, and expand institutional support including foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and government support.
• Oversee all departmental responsibilities including: transaction and fiscal reporting; diligent preparation and punctual submission of required reports pertaining to grants, sponsorships, and donations; accurate and timely contribution tracking and donor recognition that is characterized by thoughtfulness and alignment with the Theatre's patron experience standards.
• Serve as the theatre's ambassador, working to build and maintain strong relationships with key funders, community leaders, board members and other relationships critical to the fundraising efforts.

Board Relations

• Strategically leverage the time, talent, resources, and connections of all Board members to support the fundraising strategy in collaboration with the Managing Director.
• Collaborate with and support the Board Development Committee and its efforts.

Senior Leadership Team Member

• Participate as a contributing member of Children's Theatre of Charlotte's Senior Leadership Team.
• Take an organizational view of key challenges and opportunities from a strategic planning standpoint, adding insight and ideas as an organizational leader.
• Take active role as a department leader that facilitates positive communications and collaborations with the other departments and external partners.
• Work in tandem with other organizational leaders in support of the mission, values, and vision of the theatre.

Reporting Relationship

Our Director of Development reports directly to the Managing Director, serves on the Senior Leadership Team and leads a Development Team of three. Children's Theatre of Charlotte has a dual management structure with the Managing Director and Artistic Director serving as our executive leaders, with both reporting to the Board of Directors.

Requirements

We would love to hear from you if...

• You are driven by the mission, vision and values of Children's Theatre of Charlotte. You embrace and posses a spirit of camaraderie, collaboration and flexibility.
• You demonstrate and value transparent, collaborative, empowering, consistent and confident leadership. You are driven to work with and alongside others and, as a team leader, you make others feel like important contributors. Most importantly, you treat others with respect, kindness and dignity and are sensitive to team members' unique needs and to their "motivators".
• You lead through a lens of equity, cultural awareness, and sensitive.
• You have the enthusiasm, drive, experience and success in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding all contributed revenue streams (individuals, corporate, foundation, government, events).

Skills and Abilities Required

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual development plan that successfully achieves the institution's fundraising goals and builds support for its mission, vision and values.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to develop long-term and constructive relationships with people from all segments of the community, volunteers and colleagues.
• Strong planning, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills, with demonstrated consistent sound judgment and decision making.
• Ability and willingness to collaborate on projects with others, establishing procedures for effective information management and research, and managing multiple projects simultaneously, while maintaining organization of own work.
• Bottom-line oriented, steadfastly pushing towards and achieving agreed-upon results, while working effectively and efficiently within the organization. Leads with a sense of ownership, pride, continuous improvement, and urgency about tasks.
• Ability and drive to think "outside of the box" and inspire others to do the same. A leader who anticipates potential problems and opportunities, excited to encourage and manage personal and departmental creative processes and effective brainstorming.
• Fiscally responsible leader who can work within an approved budget. Leads and achieves good stewardship of organizational resources.
• Ability to direct, inspire, mentor, and motivate staff toward common goals and objectives. Involves team members so that they feel ownership, empowered, energized, and inspired.
• Model a high level of accountability and personal integrity; able to communicate across the organization openly, honestly and with respect.
• Willing to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of the position. Night and weekend work may be necessary at times.
• Expert proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications, Google Workspace and other commonly used applications. Our current donor system is Bloomerang.

Education/Experience

• B. S. or B.A. required or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven successful fundraising experience. Proven successful experience in recruiting, engaging and leading volunteers.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary will be competitive with other theatre companies of comparable stature and size. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits package.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan and Employer Match.
• Generous paid time off benefit with built-in, guaranteed company closures and holidays and flexible personal time off.
• Flexible, hybrid work environment.
• Education class tuition waiver.
• Complimentary tickets.

Application Process

Please submit your rsum and a cover letter (ideally in PDF format). Application review will begin immediately and continue until the Director of Development is selected. In your cover letter, we recommend including how your gifts, talents and abilities will contribute to Children's Theatre of Charlotte's mission as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in this position announcement.

Salary Description

Minimum salary $85,000