Director of Development

Director of Development

McCarter Theatre Center, a leading, independent, nonprofit theater located in Princeton, NJ, seeks an innovative and strategic Director of Development to expertly lead all fundraising and engagement efforts on behalf of the organization. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a key member of the senior management team, the Director of Development is responsible for elevating and enhancing the fundraising capabilities of the organization during an exciting new chapter for one of the country’s leading performing arts venues.

McCarter is a nationally regarded and Tony Award-winning producing and presenting company. Since its inception, McCarter has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to and investment in the ongoing work of making its theatre more inclusive, diverse, and welcoming. To reflect the diverse local community on stage and behind the scenes, McCarter is committed to the essential work of supporting artists, employees, audience members, and students with diverse cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. Charged with developing innovative fundraising strategies and engaging with an increasingly diverse group of theatre practitioners and enthusiasts, the Director of Development must similarly possess a demonstrated interest in and track record for advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. McCarter's inclusive workplace promotes new perspectives which contribute to a more creative, innovative, and engaged organization, and it is critical for the Director of Development to be additive to fostering this environment.

This role is an exceptional opportunity for a high-performing individual to lead a development program in support of McCarter's mission through the implementation of best practices, team and capacity building, and the application of innovative strategies which will create a philanthropic enterprise of unsurpassed effectiveness.

The Director of Development will guide and support the Executive Director in their role as chief fundraiser, as well as engage with the Artistic Director, the Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders through fundraising and engagement activities. While personally engaging a select portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, this individual will take leadership in cultivating and soliciting transformative gifts and operationalize bold new ideas as well as time-tested techniques that will lead McCarter to even greater levels of funding. This role will also maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues across the organization to coordinate and execute philanthropic initiatives. With initial management responsibility for a team of three development professionals, this individual will inspire and motivate staff to meet ambitious goals across annual, major, and planned giving; institutional support; membership (or subscription) programs and campaign endeavors. In anticipation of advancing the development program at McCarter Theatre Center, the Director of Development will have the opportunity to strategically grow the team in the near term to meet the demands of a more robust development program.

The ideal candidate will embrace the opportunity to further advance a bold and distinctive vision for McCarter. With leadership experience in development, the Director of Development should possess strong managerial, strategic planning, and motivational skills; a keen understanding of fundraising best practices; and a history of significant personal success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship at the major gift level. The individual in this role will demonstrate a commitment to McCarter's mission and core values, as well as an appreciation for and understanding of its contributions to the local community and beyond.

Financial & Fundraising Overview

McCarter Theatre Center operates on an annual budget of approximately $15 million, derived primarily from ticket sales and philanthropic contributions. On average annually, McCarter receives approximately $5 million in philanthropic support from its generous benefactors. After recently completing a successful capital campaign, McCarter's endowment has grown to more than $25 million, providing added financial stability as it refines its vision for the future and welcomes new artistic leadership.

Position Summary

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for, and supervises staff members involved in, all fundraising activities of McCarter Theatre Center including individual and institutional giving; capital and comprehensive campaigns; major gift initiatives; annual and planned giving; operational support; and special projects and events. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position partners with senior management and a dedicated development team to elevate and enhance the fundraising capabilities of McCarter during an exciting time of growth and innovation.

An inspiring and inclusive leader, the Director of Development will possess the ability to motivate staff, board members, donors, and key stakeholders throughout the local and national artistic community. A passion for the performing arts is critical to success, as is the fundamental belief that arts and creativity are of great value to society.

The salary range for this position is between $145,000 - $175,000. 

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