Associate Director of Development

Job Title: Associate Director of Development
Department: Development
Reports To: Director of Development
Organization: TheatreWorks Silicon Valley

Position Overview:
The Associate Director of Development serves as a strategic leader within TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s Development team, supporting the Director of Development (DoD) in achieving ambitious philanthropic goals and providing day-to-day management of the Development department. This role blends leadership in donor solicitation, board engagement, team management, and institutional fundraising with operational responsibilities including database oversight, grant writing, and special event coordination.

The Associate Director will directly manage donor relationships, monitor key performance metrics for appeals and campaigns, and serve as a strategic partner to the DoD in setting goals and moving donors through the pipeline. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, proficiency in donor management systems (Tessitura preferred), and expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint. The ideal candidate will demonstrate leadership, confidence in direct donor communications, and a proven track record of successfully soliciting gifts from individual donors.

Key Responsibilities:

Donor Solicitation and Relationship Management:

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects with the capacity to contribute major gifts.
• Lead direct donor communications, including 1 on 1 meetings, phone calls, and stewardship strategies.
• Oversee donor cultivation events, including dress rehearsals, opening nights, and special gatherings.
• Draft and proof solicitation letters, renewal appeals, and gift acknowledgments.
• Ensure proper donor recognition and crediting in programs and collateral.

Board and Trustee Management:

• Serve as a liaison to the Board of Trustees and Board of Advisors, strengthening relationships and encouraging a culture of philanthropy.
• Oversee board engagement strategies, including fundraising initiatives and donor prospecting.
• Support the DoD, Executive Director, and Artistic Director in recruiting and onboarding new board members.
• Develop and manage board-related materials, including donor profiles, reports, and briefings.

Team Leadership and Development Operations Management:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Development team, ensuring effective collaboration and clear communication.
• Supervise the Development team’s performance, including appeal goals, campaign progress, and key performance metrics (KPRs).
• Oversee cross-departmental communications and calendar coordination for development initiatives.
• Manage the Tessitura database, ensuring data integrity, proper gift entry, and reporting accuracy.

Institutional Giving and Grant Writing:

• Collaborate with the Grants Writer to oversee grant proposals, reports, and compliance.
• Research and identify potential corporate, government, and foundation funders.
• Collect statistical data for grant submissions and compliance reporting.

Special Events Management:

• Support planning and execution of fundraising and donor cultivation events, including the annual gala and donor receptions.
• Oversee event logistics, including invitations, auctions, donor follow-up, and program messaging.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising roles.
• Proven success in direct donor solicitation and relationship management.
• Experience managing and mentoring staff.
• Proficiency in Tessitura and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint).
• Strong writing, editing, and research skills.
• Experience in major gifts fundraising, grant writing, and board engagement.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and the ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Sense of humor, flexibility, and commitment to a collaborative team environment.

Compensation Range: $85,000 - $95,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.