Description

Milwaukee Rep Development Department is seeking an organized and outgoing person to join the result-oriented team. The Development Associate will play an important role by providing administrative support to Milwaukee Rep’s fundraising efforts. Working closely with the Major Gifts team, the Development Associate will contribute to our department-wide donor relations and stewardship efforts, including written and verbal communication with Milwaukee Rep supporters and execution of donor benefits. In addition, the Development Associate will support institutional donor cultivation and stewardship events, including our annual gala, the Curtain Call Ball, all while working to uphold the mission and core values of the theater with a raised consciousness towards ED&I efforts.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Annual Fund Donor Events and Special Events

• Assist in event logistics, including but not limited to: drafting copy for invitations, creating and managing invite lists, tracking event RSVPs and communicating with constituents in a timely, professional manner, coordinating needs with outside vendors, and assisting in executing the event plan. 

• Attend and lead events as needed. 

• Each spring, support the Associate Director of Development, Events & Stewardship, with planning of the annual gala. Duties may include those outlined above as well as: managing auction/raffle items, communicating with volunteers, proofing design materials, updating mobile bidding software, and preparing print materials (programs, signs, etc.).

• Attend gala (typically held day before Mother’s Day) and serve as point person during portions of the event as needed.

Donor Stewardship and Prospecting.

• Manage the logistics and execution of select donor benefits, including VIP parking assignments and communication with benefit recipients. 

• Oversee prospect research for both individual and institutional donors and donor prospects. 

• Contribute to stewardship efforts with year-round “check-in” communications; both written and verbal, primarily by phone.

Provide administrative assistance to the Development Department as needed. 

Requirements

•  Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in Arts Management, Communications, or related field; and one year of professional experience in event planning, donor relations, stewardship, or communications; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Knowledge of philanthropy and fundraising principles.
• Detail-oriented person with superior organization skills is essential. This role must be prepared to navigate multiple timelines at once while maintaining consistency in their work.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills in order to respond effectively and diplomatically with a diverse audience of donors, volunteers, and various leaders.
• Experience in Tessitura, or similar customer relationship management (CRM) database preferred.
• Experience in iWave or similar wealth screening software preferred.
• Capacity to work evenings and weekends, as required.

Milwaukee Rep Values Employees Who

• Communicate well with a diverse group of colleagues, and are able to accept and incorporate feedback
• Demonstrate an aptitude and eagerness to learn new skills and processes when necessary
• Solve problems and engage in creative thinking about challenges individually and in a group environment 
• Have excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomacy skills and ability to be self-directed and take initiative
• Demonstrates an understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre and/or a willingness to commit to learning and to the mission, vision, and values of the theater in areas of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts both in the workplace and in our community.