Events & Development Associate

Shakespeare & Company; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Shakespeare & Company in the United States seeks an Events and Development Associate to advance fundraising and donor stewardship. You will join a five-person development team, focusing first on supporting the 50th Anniversary celebration and major donor events in 2027.

The role manages event logistics, donor benefits, and concierge ticket services, with a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends during peak seasons.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in event planning, fundraising, nonprofit development, hospitality, or customer service preferred.
• Experience in a fast-paced nonprofit or arts organization is a plus.
• Experience with fundraising databases is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute fundraising and stewardship events, including donor receptions, benefit performances, community events, and the annual Gala.
• Support 50th Anniversary fundraising and stewardship efforts.
• Manage event logistics including invitations, RSVPs, guest lists, vendors, budgets, supplies, and on-site support.

Skills

Event planning

Fundraising

Nonprofit development

Hospitality

Customer service

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

MS Office

SharePoint

AudienceView

OvationTix

Job description

$961.54–£1000 per week ($50,000 to $52,000 annually)

POSITION: Events and Development Associate

POSTED: September 21 , 2026

TERM: January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028; c ontinued employment may be considered based on organizational needs, performance, and funding

SUPERVISOR: Director of Development, Sunie Gorey

SCHEDULE: Full-time, flexible schedule to include some nights and weekends

SALARY: $961.54–£1000 per week ($50,000 to $52,000 annually)

Position Summary

The Events & Development Associate plays an important role in Shakespeare & Company’s fundraising and donor stewardship efforts, working on a team of five development professionals with a particular focus in year one on supporting the organization’s 50th Anniversary celebration and fundraising efforts throughout 2027–
. This position supports the planning and execution of fundraising and donor events, including receptions, benefit performances, community gatherings, and the 50 th & 51 st Anniversary Galas. The Associate also oversees donor benefits and concierge ticket services, helping ensure that donors feel welcomed, valued, and connected to Shakespeare & Company throughout this significant milestone year.

• Plan and execute fundraising and stewardship events, including donor receptions, benefit performances, community events, and the annual Gala.
• Support Development’s broader 50th Anniversary fundraising and stewardship efforts.
• Manage event logistics including invitations, RSVPs, guest lists, vendors, budgets, supplies, and on-site support.
• Coordinate with Development, Marketing, Facilities, Patron Services on event planning and execution.
• Provide exceptional hospitality and stewardship to donors, patrons, and guests at events and performances.
• Oversee donor benefits, including concierge ticket services, reservations, special seating, and other donor requests.
• Maintain accurate event and donor information in Raiser’s Edge and other departmental systems.
• Support donor communications, event follow-up, thank-you communications, and stewardship activities.
• Create and participate in event debriefs and help improve event processes and donor experiences.
• Navigate differing perspectives and priorities among staff, donors, and other stakeholders while maintaining effective workflows and supporting organizational goals.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly during the summer performance season and 50th Anniversary events.
• Coordinate with and provide guidance to the Development Intern(s) on event and stewardship activities.
• Assist with other Development Department priorities as needed.
• Participation in D.E.I. training.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, & Characteristics Sought

• Passion for Shakespeare & Company’s mission, arts education, and the performing arts.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong hospitality and customer-service skills and a genuine interest in creating welcoming experiences for donors and guests.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, donors, board members, vendors, artists, and patrons.
• 2+ years of experience in event planning, fundraising, nonprofit development, hospitality, or customer service preferred.
• Experience in a fast-paced nonprofit or arts organization is a plus.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or another fundraising database preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
• Experience with AudienceView, OvationTix, or another ticketing system is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree is a plus.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• A positive attitude and energy, with an inspiring, forward thinking, empathetic, and collaborative style, exhibiting an openness to many perspectives.
• A commitment to values of anti-racism and anti-oppression and personal and/or professional experiences advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Completion of a COVID-19 vaccine regimen and booster, if eligible, prior to employment term.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Able to accomplish essential functions of the position – reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions:
  • Ability to regularly move throughout Shakespeare & Company’s campus and event spaces.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events and performances.
  • Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to perform occasional bending, reaching, lifting, and other physical activities associated with event setup and breakdown.
  • Ability to use a computer and other office technology for extended periods

About Shakespeare & Company

Founded in 1978, Shakespeare & Company is a thriving center of creative and collaborative excellence in Actor Training, Performance, and Education, rooted in Shakespeare’s work and the Elizabethan ideals of inquiry, balance and harmony. Committed to nurturing the creative impulse, exploring the universal themes of human experience, engaging with the widest possible audience, and influencing future generations, Shakespeare & Company is also committed to an evolving approach to diversity and inclusion to engender an active process and positive change toward equity in its employment and artistry and to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected , supported, and inspired to bring their authentic voice and creative perspective to their work. We strive to represent individuals from all walks of life in our workforce and seek to engage those who will embrace our vigorous commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility as well as anti-racism initiatives, with the goal of engaging ourselves in endeavors that enrich and promote a more just society.

Compensation

$961.54–£1000 per week ($50,000 to $52,000 annually)