What are the responsibilities and job description for the Annual Gifts & Special Events Manager position at The Paramount Theater?
About The Paramount Theater:
The nonprofit Paramount Theater, Charlottesville’s premier performing arts venue located on the historic Downtown Mall, is dedicated to providing exceptional performances and events that inspire and engage audiences. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on philanthropic support to sustain our mission, and we are seeking a dynamic Annual Gifts & Special Events Manager to help us achieve our fundraising goals.
The Paramount Theater offers a competitive salary based on ability and experience, as well as a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous paid time off and paid parental leave
- Paid parking
- HSA and 401k plans with company contributions
The Position:
Our people make us great! This role will work closely with the Director of Development and other team members to successfully execute the annual giving program and fundraising events. This position blends behind-the-scenes strategic planning with front-line donor engagement, ensuring that fundraising goals are met while maintaining strong relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
Schedule:
This is a full-time position with a variable schedule based on special event needs, requiring flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays. The average workweek will be 40 hours, with flex or comp time when additional hours are required during peak periods or special events.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Cultivating, Soliciting, and Stewarding Annual Gifts (50%)
- Develop and execute a strategic and sophisticated annual giving plan, including membership renewals, annual appeals, and direct mail/electronic campaigns.
- Analyze donor trends through monthly reports and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Support the Director of Development with grant applications, compliance, and research of new funding opportunities.
- Implement strategies to convert ticket buyers into donors and identify new prospects.
- Conduct donor outreach through meetings, presentations, and solicitations.
- Oversee donor stewardship efforts, including acknowledgments, recognition materials, and special engagement activities.
- Participate in donor events, including hosting stakeholders in the Founders Lounge and delivering stage remarks at select performances.
2. Special Events (30%)
- Manage the annual Grand Marquee Gala, ensuring revenue goals are met.
- Oversee event planning, including sponsor solicitations, committee engagement, vendor coordination, and marketing materials.
- Collaborate with the Development team and other staff to organize donor appreciation events and membership drives.
- Support Communications and Development teams in achieving Playbill advertising goals, securing both returning and new advertisers.
3. Reporting & Database Management (20%)
- Develop a working knowledge of Tessitura to track donor activity and generate reports.
- Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, event attendance, and campaign results.
- Assist with data management tasks, such as mail merges and response tracking.
Position Preferences / Requirements :
- 3 years of experience in fundraising, event planning, or nonprofit development.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage donors and cultivate lasting relationships.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Experience using donor databases (Tessitura preferred), Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field; CFRE or CFRM certification preferred.
- A self-starter with a hands-on, proactive approach to fundraising and event management.
- Knowledge of the performing arts industry is a plus.
Physical Demands:
- Standing and walking for extended periods during events.
- Lifting and transporting event materials, including decorations, auction items, and marketing collateral (up to 50 pounds).
- Assisting with event setup and breakdown as needed.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and priority will be given to applications received by March 11, 2025.
The Paramount Theater is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.