Development Director

The Little Light House Central Kentucky, Inc.; Paducah, Northern (KY, KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Market House Theatre in Kentucky is seeking a Development Director to lead fundraising and community engagement. You will cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and partners, overseeing annual giving, grants, events, and donor stewardship.

The ideal candidate demonstrates curiosity, initiative, strong communication skills, and a passion for building lasting relationships within the arts community. This is a full-time, on-site role with a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising, donor relations, and annual giving.
• Strong written and verbal communication, plus relationship-building.
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns, partners, and events.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and steward individual donors and major gifts.
• Secure corporate sponsorships for productions and programs.
• Research and write grant proposals and reports.
• Plan and execute fundraising events and donor engagements.
• Collaborate with the Board and community partners.
• Maintain CRM records, track metrics, and report progress.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Communication

Event planning

Job description

Join a theatre where community is the mission.

Market House Theatre (MHT) is one of Kentucky's premier community theatres, producing a full season of high-quality productions while serving thousands of patrons, students, artists, and volunteers each year. We believe theatre is an act of community, and we are seeking a dynamic Development Director to help cultivate the relationships that make our work possible.

This is an exciting opportunity for a people-centered professional who enjoys connecting individuals, businesses, and community leaders with a mission that changes lives through the arts.

Position Summary

The Development Director leads Market House Theatre's fundraising and community engagement efforts. Working closely with the Managing Artistic Director, Board of Directors, and Development Committee, this position develops meaningful relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners while overseeing annual giving, corporate sponsorships, grants, fundraising events, and donor stewardship.

Success in this role is built on curiosity, initiative, strong communication skills, and a genuine passion for building lasting relationships.

Essential Responsibilities

Individual Giving

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors.
• Develop and implement annual giving campaigns.
• Coordinate donor communications and acknowledgements.
• Grow donor retention and long-term engagement.

Corporate Partnerships

• Build relationships with local and regional businesses.
• Secure sponsorships for productions, education programs, and special events.
• Ensure sponsors receive exceptional stewardship and recognition.

Grants

• Research grant opportunities.
• Prepare grant applications and reports.
• Collaborate with staff to communicate program impact and outcomes.

Fundraising Events

• Plan and coordinate fundraising and donor engagement events.
• Support annual campaigns and community fundraising initiatives.
• Create memorable donor experiences that strengthen relationships.

Board & Community Engagement

• Partner with the Board Fund Raising Committee.
• Support board members in fundraising efforts.
• Prepare development reports and campaign updates.
• Represent Market House Theatre throughout the community.

Development Operations

• Maintain donor records and CRM/database accuracy.
• Track fundraising progress and campaign metrics.
• Manage the development calendar and annual fundraising plan.
• Prepare reports and assist with budgeting for development activities.