What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development position at TADA! Youth Theater?
DESCRIPTION
TADA! is a unique, Drama Desk award-winning nonprofit youth theater that produces original musicals performed by youth for family audiences as well as a variety of Arts Education Programming. TADA! offers a free, year-round, pre-professional training and a positive youth development program for the Resident Youth Ensemble for ages 8–18; musical theater classes/camps for children 4–12; as well as musical theater residencies in NYC schools and community centers.
TADA! has an annual operating budget of almost $3 million, with goals to continue growing contributed revenue, particularly in individual giving and institutional support.
TADA! is seeking a full-time Director of Development to work with the staff and Board to raise contributed income that supports TADA! institutionally as well as all programming across education, the Resident Youth Ensemble (RYET), and theater departments. Reporting to the Executive and Producing Artistic Director, the Director of Development manages the Associate Director of Development and a part-time staff member.
We’re looking for a passionate individual who believes in our mission and values (see below) to join our senior leadership team. You must be a friendly, joyous “people person” who likes to actually do the work as well as inspire, manage, and collaborate with staff and volunteers. You will drive the organization’s fundraising strategy, including individual giving and major gifts, special events (including the Annual Gala), and institutional support (foundations, corporations, and government).
This is an opportunity to shape the fundraising future of a beloved NYC arts organization at a moment of growth. The Director of Development will play a key leadership role in expanding TADA!’s base of support, deepening relationships with a highly engaged community of families and alumni, and building toward long-term sustainability, including increased major giving and future campaign potential.
TADA! Youth Theater is committed to building and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the young people we serve. Priority will be given to candidates dedicated to anti-racism and aligned with our mission and vision. BIPOC candidates, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA individuals are encouraged to apply.
Reports to: Executive and Producing Artistic Director
Key Responsibilities:
With the Board and Leadership Team, significantly grow the organization’s contributed income and visibility through:
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Increased engagement and giving of current donors
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Identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and managing new donors (individual and institutional)
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Creating and implementing a strong strategic fundraising plan that leverages Board members, staff, alumni, current families, audiences, and volunteers
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Creating, executing, and managing an annual fundraising strategy, plan, and budget, including timelines and reporting across all revenue streams
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Reimagining and strengthening contributed revenue streams, including support for new and existing programs
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Monitoring department expenses and revenue to ensure goals are met or exceeded
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Managing relationships with corporate, foundation, and government funders; writing compelling proposals, applications and reports
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Serving as a key liaison to the Board, which has 100% participation in annual giving, and actively engaging them in fundraising efforts
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Staffing and supporting the Board Fundraising and Gala Committees and the Junior Board
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Serving as an ambassador to build strong relationships across TADA!’s communities
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Collaborating with Marketing to increase visibility and create fundraising materials
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Designing and enhancing systems for integrated fundraising, including major gifts, institutional giving, and future campaign readiness
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Overseeing stewardship and donor engagement strategies
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Defining and tracking performance metrics and reporting regularly
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Leading planning and execution of fundraising events, including the Annual Gala
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Hiring, training, and managing Development staff, consultants, and volunteers
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Serving as a member of the senior leadership team
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Producing the Annual Report in collaboration with staff and designers
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Partnering with Finance on grant budgets, reporting, audit, and filings
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate has:
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5-7 years of nonprofit fundraising experience (preference in the arts), with demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding revenue goals for individual giving, institutional support, and event income
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Experience managing staff and working closely with a Board of Directors, and other volunteer groups such as a Junior Board and Parents
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Passion for and alignment with TADA!’s mission and communities served
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Commitment to equity, accessibility, inclusion, diversity and anti-racism
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Strong strategic thinking, planning, and problem-solving skills
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Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
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Outstanding written and oral communication skills with diverse audiences, internally and externally
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Strong interpersonal skills and positive attitude and the ability to build rapport with diverse colleagues & external stakeholders
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Solid experience with budget development and oversight
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Comfort with data systems; Salesforce experience a plus
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Ability to manage and prioritize multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
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Confidence in donor cultivation and solicitation at all levels
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A hands-on, high-energy approach with both strategic and day-to-day execution
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Interest in musical theater and familiarity with the industry
Additional Information:
Reports to: Executive & Producing Artistic Director
Hours: Hybrid (4 days in the office). M-F, 10AM-6PM with some evening and weekend commitments (hours will vary depending on seasonal programming demands)
Salary/Benefits: $85,000 - $95,000 Full-time exempt with benefits package: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)-approved organization; Health, vision, dental, and life insurance; Pre-tax: Flexible spending, transportation, Aflac, 403(b); 10 paid holidays, 5 sick days, 3 personal days, 10 paid personal vacation days, summer ½ day Fridays, week off between Christmas and New Year; week off end of August into Labor Day. If you have children that are in the age range of on-site classes and camps - free enrollment; free tickets to productions.
TADA! is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, class, physical ability, or veteran status.
We believe there are great candidates who may not meet every qualification but bring transferable skills and experience. We encourage you to apply and share why you are the right fit.
SALARY
$85,000.00 – $95,000.00 per year