JOIN OUR TEAM

Oakland Theater Project is an exciting and growth-stage non-profit arts organization with a compelling and successful track record over the last thirteen years. Founded on the value of Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are” and therein “my humanity is tied to yours,” our work seeks to explore the ways in which theater can reveal and invigorate the latent interconnectedness in society. Having quadrupled in size since the pandemic and in advanced stages of a capital campaign, Oakland Theater Project is primed to solidify itself as a marquee theater for Oakland and beyond. Come join the company the SF Chronicle called “the Bay Area’s most daring theater” and “one of the most exciting young companies to emerge in the Bay Area in the past decade."

Development Manager

Compensation: $77,000-$85,000 (DOE)  
Classification: Full-Time Salary, Exempt
Reports to: Managing Director

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Development Manager is responsible for managing our fundraising work. This role contributes to strategy, creates and manages systems, and coordinates the day-to-day aspects of giving.

The Development Manager is an experienced professional and a critical contributor to the organization’s success at this time. The right person for this position is a self-starter and able to navigate environments of ambiguity towards tangible outcomes. The successful candidate will be hands-on, solution-oriented, and willing to do what it takes to problem-solve: adopting “the show must go on” attitude. Humility, compassion, and willingness to learn collaboratively are a must.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Operations

• Contribute data and insights to fundraising strategy and implement aspects of the annual fundraising plan

• Develop or evolve the implementation of fundraising systems and processes including CRM management, gift processing, donor acknowledgments, and funder records; maintain CRM’s accuracy and report out on progress towards fundraising goals at regular intervals

• Manage project budgets for fundraising initiatives

• Lead event planning for fundraising and donor cultivation events

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge about the capital campaign’s strategy and progress; execute key aspects of the capital campaign strategy including preparation of materials and coordination of meetings with donors

Individual Giving

• Support the cultivation of donors by preparing materials for meetings and contributing to the design of engaging donor experiences

• Conduct regular in-person, virtual, and phone meetings to deepen donor engagement and strengthen long-term philanthropic relationships; frequently attend opening nights, performances, and donor events

• Contribute to the design and lead on the implementation of annual giving and online fundraising campaigns including appeals, memberships, and donor upgrades

• Manage logistics and communications for destination theater trips

Institutional Giving

• Lead the day-to-day of foundation fundraising processes including prospect research, proposal creation, and reporting

• Build relationships with foundation staff

• Manage a part-time Grant Writer, review all grant materials, and ensure proposals have the greatest chance at success

• Establish and grow a corporate revenue program from the ground up, including prospecting aligned corporate partners

Organizational Responsibility

• Attend and contribute at weekly staff meetings to support a positive work culture for all staff

• Represent OTP at select events and meetings; support the development and maintenance of strong community relationships; stay in the know about issues, dynamics, and trends impacting the field and Bay Area theatrical context

• Participate in organization-wide strategy development processes

Skills & Qualifications

• At least five (5) years’ experience in development. Performing arts or growth-stage experience preferred

• Strong desire to use theatrical experiences to achieve a social impact and passion for equity and diversity in the arts and education

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Strong written communication and storytelling skills; ability to create finalized external materials, including attention to detail

• Ability to manage projects that involve multiple goals

• Ability to collaborate with individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences

• Familiarity with Oakland community; strong relationships to local artists and institutions a plus

Physical Requirements

• Sometimes required to lift up to 20 pounds

• Frequent night and weekend hours to attend OTP performances and events

Benefits

Oakland Theater Project offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, & vision package; sick, personal, & vacation time; paid parental leave policy; paid holidays; 401(k) (employee contribution only); hybrid in-person and remote work; and complimentary tickets to shows

how to apply:

Please send an email with a cover letter and resume to jobs@oaklandtheaterproject.org. Incomplete applications will not be considered.