About CYT

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is an after-school theater arts training program for students ages 4-18. Since its founding in 1980, CYT has grown to be the largest youth theater program in the nation, with Branches across the country training thousands of students a year.

CYT was brought to Santa Cruz in 2010. Each Branch’s yearly calendar is made up of three ten-week sessions: Fall, Winter, and Spring. These sessions involve after-school classes in theater arts and the opportunity to audition and perform in a Broadway-style musical or work behind-the-scenes. Additionally, CYT offers a Summer session consisting of camps, workshops, and performance opportunities.

CYT stands in the forefront in its commitment to the highest ethical, moral, technical, and artistic standards of excellence. Instructors are professionals, qualified in teaching and/or performing, who understand our mission statement, values, objectives, and goals.

Position Description:

The Director of Development at Christian Youth Theater (CYT) Santa Cruz is responsible for setting and achieving fundraising goals for the organization, growing the donor base, and developing long-term relationships within the community. Duties include planning fundraising events, maintaining relationships with current donors to encourage ongoing support, and seeking out opportunities for both individual and corporate support.

This part-time position (approximately 20-25 hours per week) is a member of the CYT Santa Cruz senior leadership team and reports to the Board of Directors.

Some evening and weekend work is expected.

Job Description:

• Works with the Board of Directors to develop and implement comprehensive, long- and short-term development plans to strengthen financial support and position CYT Santa Cruz in accord with its mission, goals, and growth objectives
• Develops and supervises implementation of a planned giving program to provide for the organization’s long-term financial needs
• Develops and implements a planned approach to identify prospective corporate partnerships and develop those relationships
• Administers the development and implementation of appropriate record-keeping systems for tracking donor gifts, mailing lists, cultivation of prospects, volunteer involvement, grant writing, and other records
• Manages the annual fundraising and other events including outside contractors, invitations, facilities/space, committee development, volunteers and logistics coordination
• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assist the board and other staff with their solicitation (e.g., provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications)
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive schedule of grant inquiries, proposals and reports
• Working with other CYT Santa Cruz staff, oversees proper recognition of donors in both written and online materials
• Manages development efforts in a fiscally sound manner by ensuring that the appropriate systems, staffing, and procedures are in place to support fundraising goals

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated fundraising skills including major donor cultivation and solicitation, grant writing, special event planning and organization, annual appeals and direct mail
• Proven track record as a partnership builder and relationship manager
• Proven track record of turning strategic thinking and planning into successful outcomes
• Demonstrated knowledge of development practices in a nonprofit
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills that would include the ability to distill ideas/visions and clarify issues
• A working knowledge of how to develop long-term relationships with foundations and representatives of companies that might provide support
• Demonstrated leadership skills to participate in the senior management team and provide consultation on development activities to the board and staff

Behavioral Standards:

• Demonstrate an understanding of CYT’s Mission Statement and Values by incorporating them when performing job related tasks
• Adhere to CYT’s Commitment to Character
• Acknowledge CYT’s goal to conduct all business through the lens of strong, moral character and agree to perform all job-related duties in support of this goal
• Work well with other people as a leader and as a team member
• Commit to maintain the highest levels of ethics and professionalism

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 20 per week

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Santa Cruz, CA 95063: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Cruz, CA 95063