Development Director — Arts & Youth Fundraising Leader

Mudlark Theater; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

retirement program (optional)

Paid time off (vacation, family leave,

holiday

Job summary

Mudlark Theater, a not-for-profit in Evanston, IL, seeks a Development Director to lead all fundraising and contributed revenue strategies. You will oversee individual and institutional giving, donor stewardship, sponsorships, and fundraising events, working closely with the Executive Director and Board leadership.

You will manage grants, donor communications, and CRM records, ensuring compliant, ethical fundraising practices while growing diversified revenue streams for Mudlark Theater.

Qualifications

• 3 years experience in fundraising.
• Proficiency in managing donor databases or CRMs.
• Strong written and verbal communicator. Grant-writing experience preferred.
• Enthusiasm to work on a small passionate team and grow contributed revenue capacity.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategies.
• Establish contributed revenue goals with leadership and maintain accountability.
• Monitor fundraising progress and provide regular reporting and analysis.
• Develop strategies to diversify and grow contributed revenue streams.
• Represent Mudlark Theater at community events and donor meetings.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, sponsors, and institutional partners.
• Lead all annual giving, including donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention.
• Manage donor communications and acknowledgments.
• Maintain donor records in Neon CRM and track gifts and interactions.
• Generate contributed revenue reports for leadership and funders.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical standards.
• Lead grant writing and reporting efforts; cultivate corporate sponsorships.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor communications

Grant writing

Public speaking

Tools

CRM software (Neon)

Job description

Mudlark Theater, a not-for-profit in Evanston, IL, seeks a Development Director to lead all fundraising and contributed revenue strategies. You will oversee individual and institutional giving, donor stewardship, sponsorships, and fundraising events, working closely with the Executive Director and Board leadership.

You will manage grants, donor communications, and CRM records, ensuring compliant, ethical fundraising practices while growing diversified revenue streams for Mudlark Theater.