Development Assistant

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

Ideal Start Date: As soon as possible.

Florida Studio Theatre, a professional LORT D regional Theatre in Sarasota, FL is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Development Assistant, office or customer service experience preferred. This employee will provide clerical support for the theatre’s fundraising department including answering phones, data entry, preparing reports, and special events related activities. Some projects may occur during the evening or on weekends.

Position is predominately Monday to Friday with some weekend availability.

Strong computer, organizational, and clerical skills are a must.

Reporting to the Development Manager, this is a full-time position that is ideal for theatre and arts administration professionals who are somewhat early in their career and looking for excellent growth opportunities in non-profit work, communications, and business in a professional regional theatre setting.

JOB DESCRIPTION
• Serve as primary administrative assistant to the Development Manager and act as a liaison for the Development Department.
• Provide support for ticket purchases, exchanges, subscription renewals, and donor parking; Greet VIPs at the theatre and ensure a smooth front-of-house experience, as needed.
• Draft solicitation letters for large direct mail campaigns (e.g., Become-A-Friend, Resub, Monthly Lapsed Donors, and Playbill Upgrades).
• Provide backup support on donor phone calls (Mondays), assist with donor lunches when needed, support renewal campaigns, and offer Box Office assistance as requested.
• Maintain donor files and ensure data accuracy in Tessitura. Review the New Contributions report daily and upload program names from Web Donations reports.
• Process daily gifts under $1,000; issue acknowledgment letters and tax receipts for all gifts; distribute internal Donation Report Forms for gifts of $1,000+. Collaborate with the Development Manager to ensure accurate gift coding and reporting.
• Prepare donor communications and event materials using Adobe Design, Microsoft Word, Constant Contact, or Canva, as needed.
• Assist with planning and execution of donor events, receptions, and activities.
• Support targeted fundraising initiatives (e.g., Giving Challenge, Hurricane Capital, Arts Plaza). Assist the Development Manager with execution of the Online Giving Challenge in partnership with the Patterson Foundation.
• Support the Development Team in coordinating tours and day-of notices to Dept. Heads.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS
• Effective written communication skills.
• MS 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & SharePoint) .
• Able to lift and move trays and boxes, up to 40 lbs.

PREFERRED SKILLS
• Familiarity with database software, such as Tessitura.
• Experience working in Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat).
• Acquainted with direct mail campaigns and marketing technologies or a high interest to learn (SmartAddresser and Constant Contact).
• Experience with donor prospecting tools such as Wealth Engine.

A valid driver’s license is required and an automobile for pickups and deliveries.

Salary range: annually $36,000 – $39,000

Florida Studio Theatre is working towards becoming a more inclusive and accessible organization. FST is thus committed to developing a work environment that is reflective of the diverse world that it serves. Applicants from all populations and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Consideration for employment will be given to all applicants without regard to race/ethnicity, gender identity/sexual orientation, age or ability.

For more information, log onto our website at www.floridastudiotheatre.org

To apply, please fill out the application form at https://www.cognitoforms.com/FloridaStudioTheatre1/FloridaStudioTheatreHiring