Development Director

Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $60,000–$70,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Target start date: June 2026

Review of applications begins April 10, 2026

Theatre Lawrence seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven Development Director to join our leadership team and help advance our mission through strategic fundraising, donor engagement, and community partnership-building.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled fundraiser who is passionate about the arts and understands the impact of a thriving community theatre. The Development Director leads all contributed revenue efforts and works closely with the Executive Director, staff, and board of directors to secure the resources needed to sustain and grow Theatre Lawrence’s artistic, educational, and community-based programming.

About the Role

The Development Director is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive development program, including corporate sponsorships, individual giving, grants, fundraising events, donor stewardship, and board-supported fundraising initiatives. This position plays a key role in strengthening relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners while helping Theatre Lawrence build long-term financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Sponsorships

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward local and regional business sponsors
• Develop annual sponsorship packages for the season, productions, education programs, and special events
• Ensure sponsor benefits are fulfilled and recognized across print, digital, and onsite channels
• Secure and steward in-kind gifts and partnerships
• Individual Giving & Donor Cultivation
• Oversee the annual membership campaign, including appeals, donor recognition, and stewardship
• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, including major donors
• Create cultivation opportunities, donor communications, and special experiences that deepen engagement
• Partner with the Executive Director and board members on major gift and legacy giving efforts

Fundraising Events

• Serve as lead staff member for Theatre Lawrence’s annual fundraiser and other fundraising events
• Work with the Executive Director to develop event goals, budgets, and revenue strategies
• Oversee event logistics in collaboration with staff and volunteer committees

Grants & Institutional Giving

• Research, write, and submit grant proposals in partnership with the Executive Director
• Manage reporting requirements, deadlines, and compliance
• Maintain grant calendars and track progress toward goals
• Data, Stewardship & Leadership Support
• Manage the donor database, including gift entry, segmentation, and reporting
• Ensure timely and accurate donor acknowledgments
• Prepare development reports for leadership
• Support board and volunteer engagement in fundraising and stewardship
• Collaborate with the Marketing Director to align messaging and campaigns
• Represent Theatre Lawrence at performances, community events, and donor activities

Qualifications

Required

• At least 3 years of experience in fundraising, development, donor relations, arts administration, communications, or a related field
• Demonstrated success in securing corporate sponsorships and writing grants
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to learn fundraising software and maintain accurate donor records
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the community

Preferred

• Event planning and volunteer management experience
• Knowledge of the greater Lawrence community and local philanthropic networks
• Experience working on capital campaigns
• Knowledge of and passion for theatre, especially the impact of community theatre

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range of $60,000–$70,000
• Health care benefits
• PTO and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Theatre ticket stipend
• Flexible work schedule within a collaborative work environment

Schedule & Work Environment

This is a full-time, exempt position. Evening and weekend attendance is required for certain performances, events, and donor activities.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to Executive Director, Jamie Ulmer at julmer@theatrelawrence.com Applications will be reviewed beginning April 10, 2026. The target start date for this position is June 2026.