Kelly Strayhorn Theater
Job Description

This is an exciting time for the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST). In 2018, it will be 10 years since the theater made a shift from rental venue to producer. Today, KST is known for the diversity of its dynamic programs — some bold and taking risks, and others grounded in the values of our community. Through an expansive definition of contemporary artistic practice and an inclusive approach to programming, KST has demonstrated its ability to gather racially, economically and generationally diverse audiences to share experiences of top-notch, socially relevant arts and cultural events. The artists we have introduced to Pittsburgh early their careers have gone on to major recognition, winning Guggenheims, MacArthur Fellowships, Doris Duke Awards and many others.

The Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) seeks a creative and dynamic fundraising professional to lead its fundraising and strategic initiatives. The Director of Development and Communications is a champion and representative of the organizational mission, goals and capabilities with artists, partners, our staff, board, and the public. This charismatic leader gets people excited about our work and he/she shares context, history, and vision for our projects and initiatives.

Kelly Strayhorn Theater is an ambitious organization. We take risks and our programs serve as a catalyst for diverse arts programs that make our neighborhood a destination.  We are a nationally recognized leader with two distinct venues in Pittsburgh’s East End. KST is a destination for innovative works in dance, theater, music and live art. The Director of Development & Communications is committed to excellence – a bold thinker who embraces risks and for whom excellence, not average, is the goal.

This full-time position works closely with the Executive Director and in collaboration with senior staff to grow and diversify KST’s fundraising program to achieve growth and sustainability through increased private investment. The Director of Development & Communications is a leader who accepts front-line accountability for meeting annual revenue goals.

The successful candidate demonstrates fundraising excellence with a passion for community engagement in the arts, an ability to articulate our unique mission and values, and a proven track record of creating strategic partnerships. The position requires a confident problem-solver with the ability to initiate, collaborate, and mentor staff and volunteers to achieve fundraising success.

 

The Key Objectives of this Position are to:

  • Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan with a goal of more than $1 million each year, employing a wide range of strategies and tactics to achieve short and long-term financial and strategic goals;
  • Leverage and maximize KST’s programming and existing relationships to increase annual private giving by 30% over the next two years, with an emphasis on major gifts, individual giving, membership and corporate sponsorships;
  • Provide inspiring and visible leadership for the fundraising program that effectively engages and retains donors, Board members and volunteers in working toward its success;
  • Strengthen fundraising systems and infrastructure to effectively manage and maximize growth opportunities. The current system includes a donor tracking database, donor communications, and evaluation/reporting system.

 

Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage the implementation of the annual fundraising plan and calendar.
  • Staff the Development Committee of the Board.
  • Oversee the management and use of the database to facilitate accurate donor records, regular reporting and analysis, and effective and efficient communications through segmentation and customization.
  • Serve as project manager for grants and proposals collaborating on strategy, engaging other staff as needed, writing the proposals and ensuring that deadlines are met and grant reports are accurate and timely.
  • Develop, produce and oversee all fundraising communications including, but not limited to, solicitation letters, corporate sponsorship materials, electronic fundraising promotions, etc.
  • Serve as project manager for all KST fundraising and donor cultivation events including coordinating and supporting the efforts of KST staff, volunteer committees and the Board.
  • Oversee donor stewardship and gift accounting including the timely production of donor acknowledgement letters, recognition events, and activities.
  • Research and respond to external fundraising opportunities and collaborate with programming and marketing staff to develop new fundraising initiatives related to KST program.
  • Produce regular and comparative fundraising reports that inform the ED, senior staff and the Development Committee about fundraising progress. Highlight areas of success and proactively identify areas for improvement and/or concern.
  • Be prepared to accept new challenges and ad hoc responsibilities to advance the KST mission as needed.

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree is required and a minimum of 5 years fundraising experience.
  • Interest in the arts is a must; experience working in a professional arts-related organization supported by a successful and diverse fundraising program is highly desired.
  • High energy, positive attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail; high degree of initiative and sense of urgency. Ability to enthusiastically represent KST to diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to meet revenue goals a must with experience in major gifts, individual giving or membership programs, and/or corporate sponsorships having highest consideration.
  • Working knowledge of Patron Manager or a similar fundraising database program required.
  • Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.
  • Proficiency in MS Office, Mac and Windows platforms is required as is the ability to self-support in daily use and document production using these programs as needed and to be willing to learn and utilize additional applications.
  • Ability to operate with high integrity as the in-house expert on gift accounting and donor stewardship utilizing best practices in the field.

 

Weekend and evening hours are expected. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

  • Reports to Executive Director
  • Exempt/Full Time
  • The Alloy Studios, 5530 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15206

Click HERE To apply!