Director of Development

Position Summary

The Development  Director will plan and implement SCS’s fundraising programs, including the annual fund campaign that provides general operating support for seasonal productions. In addition, the director will manage exclusive events, corporate sponsorships, the planned giving program,  benefits fulfillment, capital campaigns, and all other aspects of fundraising to advance the mission of the organization. SCS’s contributed revenue currently accounts for nearly half of its $2.7 million operating budget.

A successful Director of Development will:

• Be a dynamic member of our core staff who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the value and impact of live theatre (and the other arts) for people of all backgrounds
• Be a professional, articulate, and informed ambassador for SCS in the philanthropic community and beyond
• Inspire the engagement of other staff, artists, board and committee members, and outside supporters, leading by example
• Lead the crafting of, and supervise the implementation of, a comprehensive strategic development plan to meet or exceed contributed income goals with particular focus on increasing individual membership at major giving levels
• Effectively manage a portfolio of donors while working with the Managing Director, Artistic Director, and Board of Directors to maintain and grow their respective portfolios

Key Responsibilities

• Execute SCS’s annual development plan to solicit and secure funds, meeting specific quantifiable goals across corporate, foundation, individual, and earned income revenue streams
• Equip and mobilize Managing Director, Artistic Director, Board of Directors, and Development Committee to play integral roles in fundraising by strategizing to identify, cultivate, steward, and solicit new corporate, individual, major donor, and planned giving supporters
• Communicate and coordinate with the organization’s Artistic, Education, Marketing and Box Office staff to ensure that fundraising is in alignment with SCS’s vision, programming, and messaging.

Compensation includes a starting salary (full-time, exempt) of $80-90K (commensurate with qualifications) and a competitive benefits package, including paid holidays and generous PTO, as well as high-quality health, vision, and dental insurance (100% employer-paid at present). Coverage for family members and/or dependents is available at the employee’s expense.

Organizational Summary

Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s mission is to create and strengthen community by bringing audiences and theatre artists  together to celebrate  stories  about our collective humanity. Our historic summer festival matches unparalleled professional performances with unparalleled outdoor beauty in the heart of Santa Cruz, CA. SCS is in its 11^th year as an independent nonprofit, and it carries on the treasured 43-year tradition of Shakespeare in our region, attracting multi-generational theatregoers (both local and visiting) to a shared experience of exceptional classical theatre that provides a canvas to explore, question, and celebrate the human condition. Our company is currently growing into year-round programming, and we are building a new facility where our offices will be located starting in mid-2025. At that time, this position will shift from hybrid-remote to fully in-person.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are asked to please submit a cover letter and résumé outlining relevant accomplishments to Lorne Dechtenberg, Managing Director, at Lorne@santacruzshakespeare.org.
Please include your full name and “Development Director” in the subject line.

The deadline for submissions is 5pm PST on Friday October 4, 2024.