Director of Development

About The Oxford Theatre:

As we rebuild the Oxford Theatre after the devastating fire of 2023, we are reimagining a cultural cornerstone for our community. Rooted in Chester County, the Oxford Theatre will offer transformative performing arts experiences while honoring its historic legacy. We believe in the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and uplift—all through a lens of equity, accessibility, and shared storytelling.

Position Summary:

The Development Director will lead and implement all fundraising and development strategies for the Oxford Theatre during its capital campaign and beyond. This strategic and hands-on role is essential in securing funding, cultivating donor relationships, managing sponsorships, and supporting a sustainable future for the theatre. The Director will work closely with the Project Manager and Board of Directors to build financial momentum and long-term community support.

Key Responsibilities:

·       Fundraising & Campaign Management

·       - Lead and implement the $7M capital campaign strategy, ensuring milestones are met.

·       - Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors—individuals, foundations, and corporations.

·       - Develop compelling proposals and presentations tailored to donor interests.

·       - Manage donor database and track pledges, gifts, and reporting deadlines.

·       Relationship Building

·       - Cultivate deep relationships with local businesses, community leaders, and potential supporters.

·       - Work with board members, especially the Fundraising Chair, to leverage networks for new funding opportunities.

·       - Represent the theatre at public events, donor meetings, and arts-focused gatherings.

·       Grant Writing & Sponsorships

·       - Research and write grant applications to local, regional, and national funding agencies.

·       - Develop sponsorship opportunities and customized benefits packages for corporate partners.

·       Communications & Materials

·       - Collaborate with marketing to create fundraising collateral, donor updates, and campaign materials.

·       - Ensure consistent messaging aligned with Oxford Theatre’s values and mission.

·       Reporting & Accountability

·       - Provide regular fundraising progress reports to the Project Manager and Board.

·       - Establish benchmarks and KPIs to track development efforts.

·       - Ensure compliance with nonprofit fundraising best practices and legal requirements.

Required:

·       - Proven success in fundraising and/or nonprofit development, ideally with experience in capital campaigns.

·       - Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to connect authentically & strategically with donors.

·       - Excellent written & verbal communication skills, including persuasive storytelling.

·       - Strong writing skills and outgoing personality.

·       - Ability to work independently and collaboratively; friendly and professional demeanor.

·       - Experience managing CRM/donor databases and campaign tracking tools.

·       - Ability to thrive in a startup-like, evolving nonprofit environment.

·       Preferred:

·       - Experience working in the arts or cultural sector.

·       - Familiarity with Chester County, the tri-state area, and the local funding landscape.

·       - Grant writing experience with demonstrated success.

This is a part-time position with a competitive salary. Full-time employment may be available for the right candidate, based on experience and organizational needs.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Liz Megill at lmegill@theoxfordtheatre.com. Please include "Development Director Application" in the subject line.

Oxford Theatre is committed to building an inclusive arts space. The Development Director must be aligned with our values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) and reflect these principles in both external communications and internal culture building.