Irish Repertory Theatre, “New York’s finest Off-Broadway theater” according to The Wall Street Journal, is an award winning year-round producing company located in Chelsea, Manhattan. Irish Rep is seeking a dynamic and highly skilled professional to join the executive team. The Director of Development will report to the Producing Director and Artistic Director and will oversee all fundraising activities for Irish Rep, including major gifts, individual gifts, grants (corporate, foundation, and government), memberships, sponsorships, and fundraising events. This is an ideal position for a self-starter interested in a multi-faceted and influential role in a fast-paced environment.
About Irish Repertory Theatre:
Irish Repertory Theatre is in its 34th season and owns and operates a newly renovated 148-seat mainstage and a 60-seat flexible studio theatre space at 132 West 22nd Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in Manhattan.
Irish Repertory Theatre produces evocative works of theater, music, and dance that provide a context for understanding the contemporary Irish-American experience. Its mission is accomplished by staging the works of Irish and Irish-American classic and contemporary playwrights (including O’Casey, O’Neill, Spallen, McCarrick, Beckett, Carr, McPherson, Yeats, Lady Gregory, and more), encouraging the development of new works focused on the Irish and Irish-American and immigrant experience, and producing the works of other cultures interpreted through the lens of an Irish sensibility.
Irish Rep is committed to the diversity of its artists and staff; applicants of both Irish and non-Irish descent are encouraged to apply. Irish Rep is an equal opportunity employer.
As an integral member of the Irish Rep team, the Director of Development will:
- Build and foster relationships with individuals, foundations, governmental entities (federal, state, city, and Irish government) and solicit new or continued financial support for Irish Repertory Theatre, its mission, and its activities;
- Supervise a Senior Development Associate and a Development Assistant;
- Collaborate closely with the General Manager and Director of Marketing to create an organizational budget, provide progress reports to the board, and advise leadership on sources of revenue;
- Seek out new sources of funding and guide the writing of compelling grant proposals and reports to foundation and government sources;
- Partner with theater’s leadership to create unique and mission-inspired individual giving campaigns and solicitations, and execute these communications with team support;
- Engage donors and members through the planning and execution of donor appreciation evenings and cultivation events;
- Work closely with theater’s leadership, board, marketing, and development staff on coordination and execution of annual gala event, which is usually involves a dinner and a show with high profile honorees and performers (Recent hosts and honorees have included Tom Hanks, Pres. Bill Clinton, Saoirse Ronan, Angela Lansbury, Sarah Jessica Parker);
- Provide high-level and logistical support to the theater’s board of directors, with a focus on fundraising, governance, and organizational planning;
- Represent Irish Rep at external functions and community activities, including some evening and weekend events.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of 5 years of fundraising experience, preferably at a not-for-profit theatre, with demonstrated results in developing and implementing various fundraising activities;
- Excellent written communication skills required, with an ability to write clear and compelling grant proposals;
- A creative and adaptive approach to fundraising within a non-traditional organizational structure;
- Exceptional interpersonal skills as well as a collaborative and flexible working style;
- Experience supervising personnel;
- Familiarity with the New York City philanthropic sector and/or Irish community a plus.
The salary range for this position is $88-100k commensurate with experience. This is not a remote position but there can be some remote hours per week.
Irish Rep provides 100% employer paid comprehensive benefits (health, dental and vision) offers participation in 403b retirement plan with a 2% employer match after one year of service, professional development support and a generous vacation allowance.
Send resume and cover letter with references to Lisa Fane at jobs@irishrep.org. Please reference “Director of Development position-[NAME]” in the subject line. No calls or social media messages, please.