Director of Development

POSITION OVERVIEW

SOPAC is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Director of Development to lead and grow its fundraising efforts at a pivotal time in the organization’s history. This is a senior leadership role for a dynamic and strategic professional who thrives on building meaningful relationships, driving philanthropic impact, and elevating community engagement. The position offers the opportunity to join a passionate and collaborative team in a highly visible role, where your work will directly support artistic excellence, educational access, and community vibrancy. 

Reporting directly to the Executive Director and partnering with a Board of Governors, the Director of Development will play a key role in shaping SOPAC’s future—especially as it approaches its milestone 20th Anniversary Season in 2026–and meeting the goals of the current strategic plan. Crafted in July 2022, this plan was developed collaboratively by SOPAC Board and staff and is built on four strategic pillars: curating transformational arts experiences for a dynamic and diverse audience; building community and engaging audiences; ensuring long-term viability and sustainability; and strengthening operations and impact across board and staff. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to design and implement a multi-year fundraising plan aligned with SOPAC’s strategic goals.
• Lead the Development Department, supervising a Development Manager and a part-time grants-writer, working collaboratively cross-departmentally

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Lead all donor and funder cultivation and solicitation—individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors—building on our current stewardship efforts, with a focus on the identification of new income sources and direct solicitation of major gifts, and with an aim to raise approximately $750,000 in the upcoming fiscal year with an ambitious growth over the next three years.
• Support the Executive Director and the Board of Governors in their fundraising roles, partnering to create and implement strategies for leveraging directors’ networks and empowering them to act as key spokespeople and fundraisers for the organization. 
• Manage and continuously refresh a portfolio of 150 to 200 major donor prospects, working independently and in partnership with staff and board members to identify and initiate contact with new prospects..
• Design and execute annual giving and membership campaigns in partnership with the programming, marketing, and audience services teams.
• Lead the planning and execution of fundraising events and donor cultivation activities in partnership with internal teams and the Board of Governors.
• Partner with internal teams in the creation of donor recognition and stewardship materials.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for SOPAC in the community to grow philanthropic relationships.
• Oversee and support grant writing and foundation outreach efforts, taking a lead role in building relationships with current and potential funders.

Operations & Analytics

• Oversee development operations, ensuring accurate data management and donor tracking using PatronManager (Salesforce), SOPAC’s CRM system.
• Monitor performance metrics and ensure fundraising goals are aligned with SOPAC’s annual budget and strategic plan.
• Monitor development budget and prepare financial /grants reports in collaboration with finance team and Executive Director

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years of senior-level fundraising experience with proven success in campaigns, individual giving, and major gifts

• Knowledge of NJ/local philanthropic landscape and cultural sector strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree or CFRE certification a plus
• Genuine passion for the performing arts and SOPAC’s mission
• Experience supervising staff in mission-driven organizations
• Excellent communication skills and strong project management ability
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Success working with Boards and volunteer committees
• Proficiency with CRM platforms, preferably Salesforce/PatronManager
• Experience with Emma or similar email marketing software a plus

POSITION DETAILS

Salary: $100,000 – $110,000, based on experience

Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), minimum 4 days in-person at SOPAC, including evening/weekend events during the season. Must live within reasonable commuting distance.

Benefits:

• Generous PTO including vacation, 10 paid holidays, and office closure between Christmas and New Year’s
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Mobile phone stipend
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Mileage reimbursement (valid driver’s license and vehicle required)

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

SOPAC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds, including people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, and people with disabilities. If you’re excited about this role but unsure if you meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

• Submit your cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (major donor solicitation, grant proposal, etc.) as a single PDF file to SOPACjobs@sopacnow.org with subject line: LAST NAME, FIRST NAME – Director of Development. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Only candidates being considered will be contacted.