Director of Development
$135,000.00 – $135,000.00 per year
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Full-time, Exempt Position
Reports to the Artistic Director and Managing Producer
Requires evening and weekend work as is customary in the performing arts
Compensation: $135,000, commensurate with experience
About Vineyard Theatre
Vineyard Theatre is one of the country’s leading not-for-profit theatre companies, dedicated to developing and producing daring and innovative new works and to nurturing a vibrant community of artists and audiences. From our home in New York City’s Union Square, The Vineyard launches new plays and musicals which go on to be seen around the world, including originating numerous productions that have transferred to Broadway. Vineyard productions have received the industry’s highest honors, including Tony Awards and Pulitzer Prizes, and the company is the recipient of Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, and Obie Awards for artistic excellence and support of artists.
Following a period of sustained artistic and organizational growth, Vineyard is entering an exciting new chapter. Expanded programming, increased investment in artists and audiences, and significant growth in organizational capacity have positioned The Vineyard for its next era. The Vineyard is currently in the midst of an ambitious Capital and Capacity Building Campaign that will support investment in its home in Union Square as well as the artistic and organizational resources needed to sustain its mission for years to come. Philanthropy will be central to realizing that vision, creating an exceptional opportunity for a fundraising leader to help shape the future of one of the nation’s most influential nonprofit theatres.
The Opportunity
The Director of Development joins Vineyard at an inflection point. Reporting to the Artistic Director and Managing Producer, the organization’s executive leaders, this position will help define how philanthropy fuels Vineyard’s artistic ambitions for years to come.
The successful candidate will build upon a strong foundation while creating the next generation of fundraising strategies, systems, and relationships. Working closely with an engaged Board of Directors, the Director will expand support from individual donors, foundations, government agencies, and corporate partners while strengthening a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization. This is an opportunity for a strategic, entrepreneurial leader who is excited by building, collaborating, and creating lasting institutional impact.
Position Summary
The Director of Development is Vineyard Theatre’s senior fundraising leader and is responsible for the vision, strategy, and execution of all contributed revenue activities. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director serves as a strategic partner to the Artistic Director, Managing Producer and Board of Directors, helping align philanthropic priorities with Vineyard’s artistic and organizational goals. The Director will also play a leadership role in Vineyard’s ongoing Campaign, helping oversee its execution and administration while partnering with the AD, MP and Board to achieve campaign goals in both its Leadership and Public phases. The Campaign supports investments in Vineyard’s home in Union Square and the organization’s future capacity, making this an exceptional opportunity for a fundraising professional interested in both campaign leadership and annual institutional growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy that supports Vineyard’s strategic plan and long-term sustainability.
Establish ambitious contributed revenue goals and evaluate progress through meaningful benchmarks and reporting.
Identify opportunities to diversify and strengthen philanthropic support across every area of contributed income.
Advise the Executive Leaders and Board on fundraising trends, opportunities, and strategic priorities.
Partner with the Executive Leaders and Board of Directors to oversee, administer, and execute Vineyard Theatre’s Capital and Capacity-Building Campaign, coordinating Campaign strategy, donor engagement, volunteer leadership, reporting, and progress toward fundraising milestones.
Individual, Institutional and Special Events
Lead all fundraising efforts across individual giving, major gifts, foundations, government support, corporate partnerships, planned giving, special events, and future campaign activity.
Lead the strategy and execution of an annual Gala benefit and auction and help conceive other revenue-producing and cultivation events.
Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of leadership donors and prospects.
Develop compelling cases for support and oversee grant strategy and reporting.
Design stewardship experiences that deepen relationships and inspire long-term investment.
Board Partnership and Organizational Leadership
Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen the culture of philanthropy and increase Board engagement in fundraising.
Engage with the Development Committee and support Board-led fundraising initiatives.
Collaborate with colleagues across the organization, including Marketing and Audience Services, to ensure fundraising efforts are effectively communicated while maintaining distinct departmental leadership.
Represent Vineyard within the philanthropic, cultural, and civic communities.
Development Management and Operations
Lead and mentor the Development team which includes a Manager of Individual Giving, a Development Associate, and a part-time Intern, and supervise the work of a grants writing consultant.
Ensure the integrity of fundraising systems, donor records, gift processing, acknowledgements, and reporting.
Prepare contributed revenue forecasts, budgets, dashboards, and analyses that support informed decision making.
Continuously strengthen development operations to support Vineyard’s continued growth.
Qualifications
Seven or more years of progressively responsible fundraising leadership, ideally within the arts or nonprofit sector.
Demonstrated success at leading teams and growing contributed revenue across individual, institutional, government, and corporate giving and fundraising events.
Experience securing and stewarding five and six figure gifts.
Experience partnering closely with executive leadership and governing boards.
Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and strategic planning skills.
Experience using CRM systems and data to guide fundraising strategy.
Passion for the performing arts and a commitment to Vineyard Theatre’s mission and values.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement benefits, paid time off, and commuter benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Vineyard Theatre is committed to building an inclusive community reflective of New York City and the artists and audiences we serve. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.