Associate Director of Development

Shakespeare Theatre Company; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Associate Director of Development to lead fundraising strategy, donor relationships, and a Development team. The role focuses on major gifts, memberships, and institutional support, reporting to the Senior Director of Development.

It supports the STC Transforms $60 million campaign and requires strong leadership and strategic vision. The position is full-time with excellent benefits and a salary range of $125,000–$135,000

Qualifications

• At least eight years of escalating experience in individual giving and major gift fundraising.
• Experience mentoring fundraising professionals and shaping strategies with senior leadership and boards.
• Familiarity with institutional giving and capital campaigns is highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Experience with Tessitura or comparable fundraising databases preferred.
• Hybrid work arrangement with three on-site days per week; willingness for events in evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Own a portfolio of ~80 major donors and prospects, with focus on Simon's Circle.
• Lead a high-performing Development team handling membership, midrange, major gifts, and grants.
• Guide donor recognition, engagement opportunities, and donor travel planning.
• Partner with senior leadership and Trustees on strategy and priorities.
• Play a leading role in the STC Transforms $60M campaign.
• Collaborate on department-wide strategy and donor stewardship.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Major donor cultivation

Team leadership

Communication

Relationship management

Education

Eight+ years of escalating experience in individual giving and major gift fundraising

Tools

Tessitura

Job description

Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC), in Washington, DC, seeks an experienced Associate Director of Development to play a central leadership role in the Theatre's fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Associate Director serves as a principal strategic partner in advancing STC's philanthropic goals, helping to shape fundraising strategy, guide major initiatives, and lead a high-performing Development team. The position supervises a five-person team responsible for individual and institutional giving, including membership, midrange giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, and foundation and government support.

The Associate Director personally manages a portfolio of approximately 80 major donors and prospects, with particular emphasis on Simon's Circle, STC's society for donors contributing $25,000 or more annually. The position works closely with STC's senior leadership, and Board of Trustees to identify, cultivate and solicit major donors. Additional responsibilities include overseeing donor recognition and engagement opportunities, planning and participating in international donor travel, and providing leadership and mentorship to their team. As a senior member of the Development Department's leadership team, the Associate Director works with other team leaders and serves as a trusted advisor to the Senior Director of Development on department-wide strategy, fundraising priorities, and Trustee engagement. The position will also play a leading role in STC Transforms, an ambitious $60 million campaign to support the Theatre's next chapter. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with a hands‑on approach to donor relationships, team leadership, and achieving ambitious fundraising goals. This is a full-time position with excellent benefits and an annual salary of $125,000–$135,000.

Qualified candidates should have at least eight years of escalating experience in individual giving and major gift fundraising, including a demonstrated, quantifiable record of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding significant philanthropic commitments. Experience managing and mentoring fundraising professionals, developing effective fundraising strategies, and working with senior leadership and volunteer boards is essential. Familiarity with institutional giving and capital campaigns is highly desirable. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and the ability to balance strategic priorities with day‑to‑day execution are critical. Experience with Tessitura or a comparable fundraising database is preferred. Candidates should thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and bring enthusiasm for the performing arts. Knowledge of Shakespeare and classical theatre is helpful but not required. This is a hybrid position, with three days per week on‑site required and additional evening or weekend availability for performances, donor events, and other activities.

Shakespeare Theatre Company is committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and anti‑racist organization that better reflects the community where we reside and work. To learn more about our ongoing efforts and read our Anti‑Racist Action Plan, please visit https://www.shakespearetheatre.org/about/equity-diversity-inclusion/.