Associate Director of Individual Giving

TITLE: Associate Director of Individual Giving
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Director of Development
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, Full Time

BASIC FUNCTION
The Associate Director of Individual Giving is a new position that leads Ford’s Theatre’s strategy to steward and expand the portfolio of individual donors at the $5,000+ level. This position manages a rapidly growing portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, develops and implements individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies, and partners closely with the Director of Development to drive long-term revenue growth.

The Associate Director also supervises the Individual Giving & Membership Manager, ensuring alignment and cohesion across membership, mid-level giving, and major gifts and expanding the pipeline of supporters across all individual giving tiers. This role is central to building a strong culture of philanthropy amongst individual donors at Ford’s Theatre.

The position is based in Washington, D.C. and is eligible to work within stated Ford’s hybrid work guidelines which includes up to 2 days a week remote. Ford’s Theatre Society values and is committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and working environment. Ford’s is proud to be an equal opportunity employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, family status, sexual orientation, disability, age, neurodiversity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Major Gifts Strategy & Portfolio Management
• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors who are currently giving, or have the capacity to give, $5,000+ annually.
• Develop and execute the creative and distinctive cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to increase donor engagement and revenue. Partner with senior leadership on high-level donor engagement opportunities.
• Conduct regular donor meetings and personalized outreach to deepen relationships and secure increased support. Prepare compelling proposals, reports, and donor communications tailored to donor interests.
• Bring a data-driven approach portfolio management, ensure accurate donor records, real-time reporting, and clear moves management tracking in Tessitura.

Program Oversight & Cross-Departmental Collaboration
• Partner with the Director of Development to design and implement long-term strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and upgrades across individual giving.
• Ensure strong stewardship practices, timely acknowledgements, and fulfillment of donor benefits in partnership with the Manager of Individual Giving & Membership.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Special Events for donor cultivation and stewardship events, including major donor receptions and special gatherings.
• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to develop donor-focused messaging, appeals, and digital content.

Team Leadership & Organizational Engagement
• Create alignment between membership, mid-level giving, and major gift strategies to create a cohesive donor journey.
• Supervise the Individual Giving & Membership Manager, providing mentorship and strategic guidance while fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Ford’s Theatre at performances and events.
• Lead guided tours and personalized experiences for major donors and prospects. Participate in occasional trainings to stay current with Ford’s interpretations of historic events and their relevancy today.
• Participate in strategic planning discussions and contribute to department-wide fundraising initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Demonstrated success in frontline fundraising, including cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts from individuals.
• Experience with a variety of individual giving channels, inclusive of direct mail and membership.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with experience developing staff.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse community of donors, staff, volunteers, and senior leadership. Consummate team player.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines and retaining strong attention to detail.
• Data-driven approach to fundraising, prospect management, and portfolio management. Tessitura experience preferred; experience with the application of ethical and responsible AI in fundraising a plus.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of best practices in prospect research tools and methodologies. High degree of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Creative, strategic thinker with strong follow-through.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for performances and events.
• Enthusiasm for the performing arts, education, and/or history.
Experience
• Minimum six years of experience in frontline fundraising, or related fields, preferably within a non-profit cultural organization.
• Minimum two years of management experience.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts and managing donor relationships.

SALARY
Approximately $80,000– $90,000 annually.

Ford’s offers a dynamic working environment steeped in culture and history along with a robust benefits package including highly subsidized health insurance, 401(k) contributions, and generous paid leave policies.

TO APPLY
Please send resume and cover letter to fordstheatrehiring@fords.org.