Development Director

Job Title:        Development Director

Department:  Development

Reports To:    Executive Director

                      Exempt salaried position

Scope of Responsibilities:

The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) seeks a dynamic, strategic and accomplished fundraiser who will act as a thought partner with the executive director and OCP leadership team. The primary role of this job is fundraising; however, the development director is not the sole fundraiser for OCP. The duties of fundraising belong to all those associated with OCP, including the executive director and all Board members. 

Performance Responsibilities:

The development director’s job includes but is not limited to creating, planning and working with others to successfully raise funds (and friends) for OCP and the OCP Foundation to:

• Create effective short-term and long-term development plans for cultivation and solicitation of gifts and pledges.

• Identify and research prospective new donors.

• Cultivate donors and prospective donors through visits, phone calls, events, publications, etc.

• Solicit charitable gifts and oversee appropriate forms of gratitude.

• Soliciting and secure in-kind gifts and partnerships.

• Build and strengthen corporate and foundation relations. Once a corporate sponsor is secured, ensure they are properly recognized and receive all appropriate benefits of sponsorship.

• Create new sponsorship opportunities based on the shows selected for the season, needs of the organization and other factors. 

• Lead the fundraising efforts on a major capital campaign.

• Create and execute a planned giving campaign.

• Oversee grant proposals, follow-ups, reports, letters, case statements, action plans, etc.

• Ensure appropriate donor stewardship of all gifts, especially designated gifts.

• Work closely with marketing to create captivating appeals and campaigns that reflect the significant work of OCP. 

• Coordinate and organize all fundraising branches of OCP by planning and working closely with artistic, Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, executive director and all other appropriate areas to ensure optimum results for OCP efforts.

• Supervise the development staff and maintain ultimate responsibility for the Development Department’s activities. This includes assisting with gift processing, grant writing, database updates and all other development coordinator duties as needed.

• Generate content and oversee facilitation of appeals.

• Design, plan and execute donor events including an annual gala and other events with the purpose of raising funds, as well as cultivating and thanking donors.

• Analyze trends in OCP’s development results to guide budgeting year-to-year for contributed income. Monitor progress of budgeted revenue numbers throughout the season to ensure success.

• Work with the development coordinator to effectively utilize ticketing and donor software, Tessitura, for tracking contact with OCP patrons and stakeholders.

• Act as the conduit for all information regarding any fundraising for the Omaha Community Playhouse. Ensure thoughtful and cohesive cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of all relationships on behalf of OCP.

• Keep accurate records of all meetings, strategies, requests, follow-ups and results in the Development Office via Tessitura. The Development Office shall maintain a calendar with all requests, grants, etc. and their deadlines.

• Participate in promoting OCP and contributions to OCP by attending and/or presenting at meetings, lunches or events, as well as assisting regularly with curtain speeches, marketing promotions/materials, and all other publicity activities.

• Serve as the point person for Development-related Tessitura software issues, updates and work. The development director is responsible for ensuring the training of all appropriate Development Tessitura users and their accordance to all Ticket Omaha regulations. 

• Serve as the staff liaison for the Board of Trustees Development Committee.

• Maintain an open working relationship with all those associated with OCP.

• Oversee compliance efforts.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Prior development experience, preferably in a leadership role. 

• Superb communication/relationship building skills to effectively represent OCP in personal and written contexts, internally and externally.

• Familiar with state and federal laws pertaining to fundraising and tax benefits.

• High attention to detail, extremely organized and able to meet deadlines.

• Ability to work independently and with a team.

• Maintain a high level of integrity.

• Ability to master fundraising computer software and maintain accurate donor records and correspondence. Understand and protect the rights of others when dealing with confidential information.

• Ability to conduct multiple projects simultaneously.

• Some night and weekend work required.

• A valid drivers’ license and ability to travel within the community.

• Contribute to an inclusive environment and culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

• Share the values of the Omaha Community Playhouse, which are inclusivity, artistic and educational impact, excellence, stewardship and community.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Tessitura Software
• Grant writing skills
• Experience working on capital campaign