What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Advancement at Kelly Strayhorn Theater position at Arts Finance Cohort?

Job Description

ARE YOU OUR NEXT DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT?

Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is looking for a dynamic fundraiser and storyteller to fuel the future of one of Pittsburgh’s most vital arts institutions. If you’re passionate about amplifying the power of the arts, skilled in building connections, and ready to drive real change, we want to hear from you. And by the way : KST's work centers BIPOC, women, and LGBTQIA people. So, if you’re a member of these or of other historically marginalized communities, we strongly encourage you to apply.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

The Director of Advancement plays a key leadership role in driving financial sustainability, organizational messaging, community engagement, and institutional growth for the organization. This position focuses on developing and executing strategies to increase and diversify revenue streams through individual giving, corporate sponsorships, donor engagement, and public relations initiatives. The Director works closely with the Co-Executive Directors and key stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, to advance the organization’s mission and build impactful partnerships.

A results-oriented professional, the Director uses creative problem-solving and strategic thinking to meet ambitious resource development goals while maintaining a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all interactions and efforts.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This is an in-person, full-time, exempt position and pays $60,000 annually.

Benefits include access to group healthcare, dental and vision plans, paid vacation, holiday and wellness leave, a 401k retirement savings plan with access to a financial advisor and a career immersed in arts and culture. You’ll also get the chance to drive performance at one of the most innovative arts nonprofits in the city (more on that below).

REPORTS TO : Co-Executive Directors, Joseph Hall & Melanie Paglia

DIRECT REPORTS : Marketing Specialist; Some projects and reports assisted by Grants Manager

SCHEDULE :

This is an in-person, non-remote, full time position that includes 40 hours per week. Our typical office hours are 10am-6pm on weekdays; however, this position requires occasional evening and weekend hours and as required by event and cultivation schedules.

DEADLINES : We are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis, with a projected start date of April 7, 2025 or sooner upon successful completion of a background check. Interviews will be scheduled as applications are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER

Named after 20th-century entertainment legends and Pittsburgh natives Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, Kelly Strayhorn Theater is a home for creative experimentation, community dialogue, and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people. KST takes a multidisciplinary approach to presenting contemporary performing arts while examining the questions that define and inspire us as individuals and communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborate with the team to develop and maintain a well-balanced departmental budget that aligns with organizational goals and financial objectives.
Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan targeting more than $1 million in revenue, using multifaceted strategies to meet financial objectives.
Increase individual and corporate giving over the next two years by leveraging the organization’s programs, robust partnerships, and untapped opportunities.
Strengthen internal individual and corporate fundraising systems and processes to support growth and scalability and identify new revenue sources.
Collaborate cross-departmentally to align fundraising, marketing, and programming efforts to ensure consistent institutional messaging and stakeholder engagement.

Donor Stewardship & Engagement (60%)

Cultivate and maintain strong personal relationships with key donors and corporate partners, directing tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.

Design and execute innovative donor and corporate sponsorship campaigns, securing contributions and overseeing timely acknowledgment and fulfillment of sponsorship obligations.

Craft compelling donor-centric communications, such as case statements, sponsorship proposals, and stewardship letters, for a variety of platforms and audiences.

Plan and coordinate donor engagement events, such as cultivation receptions and recognition activities, to foster lasting relationships.

Maintain accurate and comprehensive donor and sponsor records in Salesforce, documenting relationships, contributions, and communications

Board & Community Engagement (20%)

Serve as a strategic partner to the Board of Directors, regularly updating members, supporting cultivation efforts, and organizing committee initiatives and events.

Lead the Cultivation & Special Events Committee by assigning actionable tasks to Board members that align with organizational goals, providing tools for effective relationship-building and fundraising success.

Maintain accurate records of Board contributions, providing consistent updates to ensure alignment with organizational fundraising goals and transparency.

Represent the organization at community functions and donor events, enhancing visibility and contributing to a positive public image.

Communications & Public Relations (20%)

Review institutional language prior to public release to ensure it aligns with organizational messaging goals.

Collaborate with the marketing team to highlight donor and sponsor contributions across newsletters, social media, and other channels.

Support press release writing and media outreach, ensuring coverage aligns with institutional goals and reinforces brand visibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrates deep commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility, including experience in creating environments that celebrate diversity across identity and background.

At least three to five years of experience in fundraising or institutional development, with a proven track record in major gifts and corporate sponsorships.

Exceptional relationship management skills, capable of effectively engaging donors, sponsors, and diverse stakeholders.

Experience achieving ambitious revenue goals by managing multi-tiered donor engagement strategies and building growth-oriented infrastructure.

Experience in donor management systems like Patron Manager

Familiarity with the arts and cultural sectors is preferred, alongside strong knowledge of best practices in donor stewardship and solicitation.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Relationship Management : Develops and sustains authentic relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners.

Strategic Thinking : Excels in long-term planning and creative problem-solving to advance fundraising objectives .

Communication : Demonstrates exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills .

Organization : Highly skilled in time management, attention to detail, and executing complex projects .

Collaboration : Thrives in team environments, fostering cross-departmental connections and synergy.

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Salary : $60,000

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