What are the responsibilities and job description for the Arts Partnership Development Manager position at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts?
The Arts Partnership: In 2006 the Arts Partnership—Minnesota Opera, Ordway, Schubert Club, and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra—was formed to solve the challenges of scheduling and usage of our premier performing arts venue, the Ordway. Today this unique, strategic alliance ensures the equitable sharing and effective stewardship of the Ordway Center as a vital cultural asset in the Twin Cities.
The Ordway: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is one of the leading performing arts centers in the United States and a catalyst for vibrant arts in Minnesota. Powered by hundreds of talented and dedicated staff members and volunteers, the Ordway is renowned for its multidisciplinary programming, welcoming atmosphere, and comfortable environment. The Ordway welcomes audiences of all ages and backgrounds for year- round eclectic and entertaining offerings, including Broadway musicals, concerts, dance, vocal artists, and new works. Performances take place in the 1,900-seat Music Theater and a 1,100-seat Concert Hall. The Ordway serves tens of thousands of students and families each year through its arts education and community impact programs, and is a proud member of the Arts Partnership, a collaboration comprising the Ordway, Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Schubert Club.
Position Purpose: The Arts Partnership Development Manager, reporting to the Ordway Vice President of Advancement, will plan, execute, and manage an annual fund strategy in coordination with Advancement staff in each of the Arts Partnership organizations, and be familiar with best practices in philanthropic messaging and digital communications. This position is responsible for spearheading and developing a strategic fundraising plan that will generate growth for the Arts Partnership Annual Fund which is currently $585,000.
Position Details:
- Posting Date: 4/8/25 - The Ordway is dedicated to building an equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from populations underrepresented in the theater field.
- Pay: $62,000 - $72,000
- Employee Type: Full-time, Salaried, Exempt
- Department: Advancement
- Reports to: Ordway VP of Advancement
Key Performance Areas:
- Coordinate activities of Annual Fund Committee, staff, and others as they relate to Annual Fund planning and implementation.
- Prepare Annual Fund communications—written and web-based—including solicitations and acknowledgements.
- Prepare corporate and foundation grant applications and maintain calendar of application and reporting deadlines.
- Schedule and prepare materials for committee meetings including notifications, agendas, prospect lists, action plans, reports, and reminders.
- Schedule and coordinate bi-weekly meetings with Annual Fund staff team.
- Maintain donor database and regularly review top prospects and status of gifts, volunteer and staff assignments, cultivation strategies, solicitations, and contact reports.
- Support creation and use of Annual Fund materials including support of staff and volunteers in preparing cultivation and solicitation presentations.
- Maintain thorough, accurate, and secure donation and pledge records and oversee accuracy of weekly annual fund progress reports for committee members and staff.
- Ensure timely and effective acknowledgement of all gifts and pledges.
- Attend monthly Arts Partnership marketing meetings as liaison to the development staff team. Work with marketing team lead to delegate and assign marketing projects for fundraising needs.
- Attend monthly CEO meetings to report on fundraising progress.
- Event Support – Assist with planning of Arts Partnership Annual Meeting, Arts Partnership Presents special events, and other donor cultivation events.
Other Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED required, bachelor’s degree preferred.
- At least three years’ work experience in annual fundraising and memberships.
- Reliable transportation required.
- Knowledge of philanthropy and the nonprofit world with an emphasis on annual giving and direct response.
- Proven track record of creating annual direct response fundraising plans and achieving revenue targets.
- Ability to function independently and in a team setting.
- Proficiency with MS Office including Excel and experience managing data.
- Ability to employ strategic and analytical thinking.
- Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
- Audience View database experience.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and the enthusiasm to help build the capacity of the Arts Partnership.
- Requires honesty, integrity, and the ability to work confidentially.
- Ability to work with a diverse group of people including vendors, donors, staff, volunteers, and the general public.
- Knowledge of the performing arts industry.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
To Apply: For more information or to apply, visit ordway.org/employment. Ordway is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, age, local human rights commission activity, national origin, and veteran, or disability status. The Ordway Theater and administrative office are wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcomed. All applicants who have questions or would like to request a reasonable accommodation or interpreting assistance for job interviews are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources.
Salary : $62,000 - $72,000
