Director of Advancement

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. 
 
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 [email protected]. No
phone calls, please.