Job Opportunities
We would like to create room for folks to grow and learn on the job while we maintain the company's forward growth. We are growing and changing our organization. We are looking for candidates who love the theater and are excited to be part of a Team. Most positions are paid hourly as employees.
Data shows that women, gender minorities and BIPOC candidates more frequently do not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed. We would like to create room for folks to grow and learn on the job while we maintain the company's forward growth. We are growing and changing our organization. We are looking for candidates who love the theater and are excited to be part of a Team. Most positions are paid hourly as employees. Our job descriptions are general overviews, not just a mandatory comprehensive list. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you.
Development Director
In recent years, Seattle Public Theater has transformed into a vital arts hub whose productions and programming extend beyond North Seattle and into citywide, national, and global conversations.
At the heart of every organization’s mission there ought to be a vision of a better world. We want to create an inclusive community that actively engages with ideas and people by producing compelling and socially relevant theater to spark conversation and ignite empathy.
That’s our mission. That’s what Seattle Public Theater is today. Our future is bright, and it belongs to everyone.
Seattle Public Theater is looking for an awesome human being who is passionate about the power of theater to join our development team.
JOB DESCRIPTION | DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Title: Development Director
Department: Development
Classification: Part-time Staff 20 hours per week to start with a goal of increasing hours yearly, over the next 2-4 years
Reports To: Producing Artistic Director
Rate of pay: $30/hour
Summary
The Development Director is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for planning, implementing, and managing fundraising strategies to support Seattle Public Theater’s mission and programs. This role focuses on cultivating and stewarding relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and government funders to secure financial support for all programming, community outreach, and operational needs. The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, strategic thinker, and skilled communicator, with a passion for theater and its importance in our world. The candidate must have a proven track record in fundraising.
Our admin offices are in the U-district, and the theater is located at 7312 W Greenlake Dr N in Seattle's Greenlake neighborhood. The candidates' work will take place at both locations, depending on the situation. Meetings take place in person and on Zoom, depending on the situation.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
• Fundraising Strategy and Execution
Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan, including annual giving campaigns, major giving, corporate sponsorships, grants, and special events to meet budget goals set forth by the Producing Artistic Director and The Board.
Oversee donor database management (ArtsPeople) to track contributions, generate reports, and analyze fundraising metrics.
Partner with the Director of Communications to create compelling fundraising materials, including appeals, newsletters, and social media campaigns.
Collaborate with the current Development team and grant writers to identify appropriate funding opportunities, deliver compelling proposals, and manage final reporting for foundations and government agencies.
• Donor Relations and Stewardship
Identify, cultivate, and work with the Producing Artistic Director and Board to solicit donors and prospects to build a robust donor pipeline, set fundraising goals, and report on progress.
Build and nurture strong relationships between Seattle Public Theater and donors /sponsors /community stakeholders through personalized communications.
Deepen donor engagement and increase giving levels.
Coordinate donor appreciation events and programs, such as receptions, or behind-the-scenes experiences with artists.
• Event Management
Plan and execute fundraising events, such as annual spring season announcement party, fall donor toast, walk-and-roll-a-thon, book events and other popups in beer garden.
Coordinate logistics, including venue selection, vendor management, and volunteer/board support.
Develop event budgets and ensure cost-effectiveness while maximizing revenue.
Collaborate with marketing and programming staff to align events with the organization's artistic mission and brand.
Distribution of Work by Percentage
• Fundraising Strategy – 25%
• Donor Relations and Stewardship – 50%
• Event Management – 10%
• Collaboration and Leadership – 15%
Minimum Qualifications
• Education
Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, arts administration, communications, business, or a related field; CFRE certification a plus.
Mid-Career development professional.
• Experience
3-5 years of professional fundraising experience, at least 1 year in a fundraising/development leadership position; preferably in a nonprofit performing arts organization, theater a plus.
Demonstrated success in managing donor relations, securing individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, and grants.
Experience with donor database software (ArtsPeople experience is a bonus), fundraising metrics, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite.
• Skills and Abilities
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive proposals and deliver compelling presentations. Comfort with public speaking and networking in diverse settings.
Strong relationship-building skills, with a community-based approach to cultivation and stewardship.
Proficiency in project management, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of fundraising best practices and trends in philanthropy, particularly in the arts sector.
• Personal attributes
Passion for the arts, community engagement, and a belief in Seattle Public Theater’s mission.
High ethical standards and professionalism in handling sensitive donor information.
Works in a friendly, honest, and diligent manner with fellow team members, courteous and accountable in all situations.
Creative, strategic, and results-oriented mindset.
Preferred Qualifications
• Familiarity with the local philanthropic community and arts funding landscape.
• Experience with event planning, marketing, and corporate sponsorships.
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial reporting for nonprofit development programs.
• The role may require evening and weekend work to attend events, performances, or donor meetings.
• Flexible hybrid or on-site work arrangement; local travel may be required for donor cultivation or grant meetings.
To Apply
We welcome applicants of all abilities, ethnicities, gender identities, and ages to apply. Seattle Public Theater is an equal opportunity employer, and our mission is to uplift underrepresented voices. Click the button below to fill out the Google Form Application.
This application is rolling and will remain open until we find the perfect candidate. We will review applications as they come in and schedule interviews with qualified candidates. The first round of in-person interviews will take place through November 3, 2025.