Director of Institutional Relations

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts; Minnesota; On-site; USD 78,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts seeks a Director of Institutional Relations to manage relationships with funders and secure grants. This role includes developing strategies for institutional funding and requires strong communication skills and a proven track record in grant writing and relationship management.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years in relevant advancement/communications roles.
• Seven years of experience in securing grants and managing partnerships.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 20-30 funders totaling $2-2.5M annually.
• Lead strategies for institutional funders and sponsors.
• Develop and manage a calendar of funding deadlines.

Skills

Communication

Relationship Management

Grant Writing

Time Management

Detail Orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Fundraising Software

Job description

The Ordway: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is one of the leading performing arts centers in the United States and a catalyst for vibrant arts in Minnesota. Powered by hundreds of talented and dedicated staff members and volunteers, the Ordway is renowned for its multidisciplinary programming, welcoming atmosphere, and comfortable environment. The Ordway welcomes audiences of all ages and backgrounds for year- round eclectic and entertaining offerings, including Broadway musicals, concerts, dance, vocal artists, and new works. Performances take place in the 1,900-seat Music Theater and a 1,100-seat Concert Hall. The Ordway serves tens of thousands of students and families each year through its arts education and community impact programs, and is a proud member of the Arts Partnership, a collaboration comprising the Ordway, Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Schubert Club.

Position Purpose: Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, the Director of Institutional Relations manages a portfolio of 20-30 funders—including foundations, corporations, and government agencies—totaling $2-2.5M annually. The Director develops strategies with leadership to grow institutional funding, secure grants and sponsorships, steward relationships, and identify new supporters. The Director creates persuasive proposals and reports, ensures compliance with partner requirements, and collaborates with program staff to align with the Ordway’s mission. The ideal candidate is results-driven with strong communication skills to build effective donor and internal relationships.

Position Details:

• Posting Date: 6/9/25 - The Ordway is dedicated to building an equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from populations underrepresented in the theater field.
• Pay: $78,000 - $89,000 annually
• Employee Type: Fulltime, Salaried, Exempt
• Department: Advancement
• Reports to: Vice President of Advancement

Key Performance Areas:

• Provide visionary leadership for Institutional Giving program to ensure sustainable and long-term growth.

- Lead strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of institutional funders and sponsors, including corporate, foundation, and government partners.

- Develop and manage a comprehensive calendar of funding deadlines, applications, and reports to ensure timely and effective execution.

• Actively manage and enhance relationships with current and prospective sponsors and funders.

- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with institutional funders and sponsors through ongoing cultivation and stewardship efforts.

- Ensure timely and meaningful recognition of funders across various platforms and organizational materials.

• Oversee the full spectrum of Institutional Giving activities to maximize support.

- Oversee prospect research, proposal development, submission processes, grant reporting, and stewardship initiatives.

- Develop compelling, mission-driven funding proposals tailored to diverse funders’ priorities and interests.

• Leverage market research to inform short- and long-term strategies and partnerships.
• Champion internal alignment and operational excellence to support Advancement goals

Other Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required, bachelor’s degree in preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years professional experience in relevant advancement/communications positions of increasing scope and responsibility required.
• Experience with Twin Cities/MN funding community is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success and experience in creating successful grant proposals and project budgets.

• A minimum of seven years' experience in securing grants and managing partnerships with foundations and government agencies.
• Experience as a grant writer with the ability to translate complex issues into fundraising goals and objectives and articulate the Ordway’s mission to the funding community.
• Excellent oral, written, active listening and presentation skills and ability to serve as an Ordway spokesperson in business settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team setting and collaborate across departments and teams through communication, modeling appropriate behavior, optimism, and high achievement.
• Ability to work independently with clear roles and deliverables.
• Ability to successfully present projects and programs to prospects, donors, and Ordway leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple demands and deadlines, including excellent time management and organization skills, with strong detail orientation and follow-through.
• Exercises good judgement and demonstrates an understanding of ethics related to fundraising activities, and handles confidential and privileged information with discretion and appropriate urgency.
• Understanding of database management, reporting, business processing and compliance of foundation and government contracts/agreements.
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills. Familiarity with fundraising software a plus.
• Ability to travel and work occasional nights and weekends.

• Reliable transportation required.

To Apply: For more information or to apply, visit ordway.org/employment. Ordway is anequal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, age, local human rights commission activity, national origin, and veteran, or disability status. The Ordway Theater and administrative office are wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcomed. All applicants who have questions or would like to request a reasonable accommodation or interpreting assistance for job interviews are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources.