Development Director: Major Gifts & Sponsorships

Main Street Theater Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Complimentary theater tickets

Paid time off

Job summary

Main Street Theater Houston is seeking a Director of Development to lead the fundraising strategy and donor relationships essential for sustaining approximately 50–60% of the annual operating budget through contributed revenue.

The role combines high-level strategic planning with hands-on execution across individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundations, and events, requiring evening and weekend availability for openings and galas.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive fundraising experience in the non-profit sector, ideally in performing arts.
• Deep familiarity with the Houston philanthropic community and local donors.
• Proven success in closing major individual gifts and securing sponsorships.
• Proficient with donor management software/CRMs and fundraising analytics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to tell the theater's story.

Responsibilities

• Oversee identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors, with a focus on major gifts ($5,000+).
• Manage grant-writing calendar and reporting to local, regional, and national foundations.
• Plan and execute the annual gala and other donor events to meet revenue targets.
• Supervise development staff, manage budgets, and report progress to leadership and board committees.

Skills

Major gifts

Donor management

Fundraising analytics

Storytelling & communication

Collaboration & teamwork

Tools

Tessitura

Spektrix

Raiser's Edge

Job description

Main Street Theater Houston is seeking a Director of Development to lead the fundraising strategy and donor relationships essential for sustaining approximately 50–60% of the annual operating budget through contributed revenue.

The role combines high-level strategic planning with hands-on execution across individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundations, and events, requiring evening and weekend availability for openings and galas.