Development Director

theatreWashington; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit arts organization is seeking a Director of Development responsible for enhancing their fundraising strategy, including individual giving and grants. This part-time role offers a flexible structure, requiring approximately 12 hours per week, and is remote with the need for in-person meetings in the Washington, DC area. Candidates should have significant experience in nonprofit development, particularly within the arts, and a proven track record in managing major gifts and grants. The role provides an annual compensation of approximately $40,000, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• At least 12-15 years in nonprofit development, preferably within arts.
• Demonstrated success in individual giving and major gifts.
• Experience with grants and foundation fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Design and grow individual giving program.
• Develop digital fundraising strategies.
• Oversee grants and foundations program.

Skills

Nonprofit development experience

Individual giving management

Grant writing experience

Strong communication skills

CRM and fundraising tools proficiency

Job description

Objective

The Director of Development is responsible for designing, structuring, and professionalizing and strengthening PostClassical Ensemble’s (PCE) contributed revenue strategy, with primary accountability for individual giving, digital small donations, and grants and foundations. This role brings senior-level development expertise to a small, mission-driven organization through a flexible, part-time engagement intended for long‑term continuity and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Individual Giving and Major Gifts Program

• Design, manage, and grow PCE’s individual giving program, with a primary focus on major donors.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors through consistent, high‑touch engagement, personalized communication, and structured solicitation strategies.
• Expand both the number of major donors and the average size of gifts, including restricted gifts where appropriate.
• Develop and manage a clear donor pipeline, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with organizational leadership and Board members to prepare for donor meetings, develop ask strategies, and ensure effective follow‑up.
• Lead the effort to strengthen and grow individual giving from approximately $200,000 annually toward a longer‑term objective of increased diversification and sustainability.

Digital Small Donations and Recurring Giving

• Design and launch a modern digital fundraising program, starting from a minimal existing base.
• Develop strategies for one‑time digital gifts, recurring donations, subscriptions, and membership‑style giving programs.
• Work with internal or external marketing and communications resources to create compelling digital fundraising campaigns and donor messaging.
• Oversee the selection and use of appropriate fundraising technology, including CRM systems and online donation platforms.
• Establish basic metrics and reporting to track donor acquisition, retention, and growth over time.
• Initial focus will be on establishing foundational structure and repeatable processes rather than rapid scale.

Grants and Foundations Oversight

• Provide strategic senior oversight of PCE’s grants and foundations program.
• Prepare timely, high‑quality grant submissions.
• Shape and maintain a compelling, consistent narrative for grant proposals that aligns with PCE’s mission and programming.
• Prepare grant applications prior to submission and oversee reporting and compliance requirements.
• Advise organizational leadership on foundation strategy, prioritization, and long‑term relationship development.

Reporting and Collaboration

• Provide periodic and structured updates to leadership and the Board on fundraising progress, pipeline health, and emerging opportunities.
• Coordinate closely with the Executive Committee to align development strategy and initiatives with organizational priorities and capacity, plus ensure agility in decision‑making.
• Support efforts to reduce reliance on a small number of benefactors by broadening and diversifying revenue sources.
• Reports directly to PCE Founder and Music Director.

Qualifications

• At least 12‑15 years of experience in nonprofit development, preferably within arts or cultural organizations.
• Demonstrated success in managing and growing individual giving and major gifts programs.
• Experience overseeing grants and foundation fundraising, including collaboration with external grant writers.
• Strong writing, communication, and relationship‑management skills.
• Comfort working independently in small organizations and managing multiple priorities efficiently.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and digital fundraising tools.
• Experience using data, technology, and emerging tools to support fundraising at scale is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a senior, part‑time professional role with clearly defined time boundaries.

Compensation and Time Commitment

• Part‑time position requiring approximately 12 hours per week, structured tentatively as three four‑hour weekday mornings.
• This position is remote (work from home) but must be located in the Washington, DC area and available for in person meetings and events as scheduled.
• Annual compensation range of approximately $40,000, depending experience and qualifications.
• This is a 1099 position with no benefits provided with the role.
• This position would be the sole Development staff member, with the possibility of engaging external vendors (grant writer, development assistant, etc.) to help support.
• Commitment to PCE’s mission and long‑term growth.
• Interest in a stable, flexible, long‑term part‑time engagement rather than a short‑term or transitional role.
• Ability to bring senior expertise to a small organization in a pragmatic, scalable, and sustainable manner.