Irish Repertory Theatre seeks a self-starting collaborator to join our small but mighty Development Team of 3. As our Development Manager, you’ll be a driving force behind our fundraising initiatives, playing a pivotal role in helping to realize our mission and ensuring our patrons have unforgettable experiences. From crafting compelling communications and managing solicitation campaigns to composing thoughtful grant narratives and helping to orchestrate unforgettable special events, you’ll be at the heart of everything we do. The Development Manager will report to the Director of Development and will play an active role in all fundraising activities for Irish Rep, including individual giving & membership support, institutional support, and special events.
THE ORGANIZATION
Now entering our 36th year, Irish Repertory Theatre was founded by Charlotte Moore and Ciarán O’Reilly in 1988 and has become a vibrant part of New York’s Off-Broadway theater scene. Our award-winning programming includes classics by Irish and Irish-American playwrights, new plays focused on the Irish and Irish-American experience, and works from other cultures interpreted through an Irish sensibility. We’re dedicated to providing a platform for artists of all backgrounds and fostering a collaborative environment where creativity thrives. Our audiences are composed of a broad spectrum of those who seek singular theatrical experiences Off-Broadway. Irish Rep is not just a theatre company; we’re a supportive community united by our love for storytelling and commitment to inclusivity.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Development Manager will report to the Director of Development and will play an active role in all fundraising activities for Irish Rep, including individual giving & membership support, institutional support, and special events. The role is a dynamic, empowering position that will
- Spearhead development communications efforts, helping to weave captivating narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
- Manage member benefit fulfillment with finesse, ensuring every patron feels valued and appreciated.
- Dive into the world of grants: researching prospects, managing calendars, and crafting persuasive applications and reports.
- Cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, providing impeccable stewardship and support.
- Plan and organize special events, from opening nights to our annual gala, leaving no detail overlooked.
- Provide support and collegial oversight to our Development Associate.
- Become an expert in and maintain the integrity and accuracy of our CRM software (Spektrix)
The specific responsibility portfolio of this position will be devised collaboratively by the Director of Development with the incoming Development Manager.
The ideal candidate will be
- An excellent and persuasive verbal and written communicator, adept at honing messaging for various audiences.
- Technologically savvy with broad computer proficiencies including a familiarity with robust CRM software platforms (i.e. Salesforce, Spektrix, Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge).
- A strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute a diversity of projects. working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- A passionate and resourceful individual with a knack for storytelling and synthesizing a narrative with information from various stakeholders.
- A problem-solver at heart, always ready to find creative solutions and lend a helping hand.
- High energy with a positive attitude and a scrupulous attention to detail.
- A joyful collaborator that enjoys working in cross-functional teams.
- Committed to an equitable and inclusive community.
The ideal candidate will likely have
- 2-5+ years experience in fundraising, marketing or related experience, preferably in the arts
- A passion for the work that Irish Repertory Theatre produces and for performance of all kinds and/or a willingness to become passionate and gain acumen.
- Talents for building and cultivating relationships with individuals and other organizations.
- A pleasant and helpful telephone manner and a love of clear, concise email communication.
- A track record of fundraising success via direct solicitations, written grant proposals, and special events.
- Project management experience, including creating timelines, running meetings, and ensuring that work is done on time, on budget, and to organizational standards.
- Experience working with and engaging a Board of Trustees and other volunteer stakeholders.
- Proficiency (or a hunger to gain one) in various technologies, including the Google Suite, Microsoft Office, WordPress, InDesign, email platforms like MailChimp and DotDigital, and project management software like Airtable or Asana.
- The ability to challenge status quo thinking and foster innovation to increase contributed income.
People of color, and/or persons from diverse backgrounds or underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
This position is based in Chelsea, New York. It is an in-office opportunity with some remote hours possible. Some weekend and evening hours will also be required. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, printers, and filing cabinets.
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this position is $60,000-$68,000, commensurate with experience. Irish Rep provides 100% employer paid comprehensive benefits (health, dental and vision) from the start, offers participation in 403b retirement plan with a 2% employer match after one year of service, professional development allowance, and a generous vacation policy.
TO APPLY
Please address the following three application materials to Jim Bredeson, Director of Development, at jobs@irishrep.org, with “Last Name | Development Manager” in the subject line of the email. Our aim here is to understand the work you’ve done before and what you bring to the opportunity we are offering. We are open to and interested in learning from folks across the spectrum of experience and industry.
- A short 2-3 paragraph introduction submitted as a .pdf attachment that tells us why you are interested in this position, how you believe you are up for the opportunity, and what you might be interested in learning in this role. We anticipate that this introduction will be no more than 300 words.
- Your work/skills/training history or résumé as an attached .pdf only
- A powerful short writing sample you have composed attached as .pdf only. This might include a solicitation letter, marketing blurbage, a pitch email, grant narrative, essay, song lyrics, note to a family member, etc. We are not asking for new work here. Please submit something you have written for another purpose that highlights your ability to communicate. We’re happy to review whatever you choose to send.
Submissions are encouraged by July 1, 2024. Qualified applicants will receive a reply within ten business days to schedule a conversation.
Position open until filled. Start date flexible – ideally a candidate will begin full time by the end of August 2024. No calls, tweets, or DMs, please. Simply submit the materials as requested.
Thank you for your interest in Irish Repertory Theatre.