Development Director

LIBERTY THEATRE ASTORIA
(Liberty Restoration, Inc)

Development Director Job Description
Reports to: Executive Director | Classification: Full-time, Exempt | Location: Astoria, Oregon

Position Summary

The Development Director will lead Liberty Theatre’s fundraising efforts by building robust development systems from the ground up. This position requires a strategic, detail-oriented professional who can create and implement comprehensive fundraising programs while maintaining strong personal relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners. This role requires evening and weekend work according to the theater’s performance schedule and donor cultivation needs.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Development Leadership

Build a comprehensive development infrastructure, including donor database management, gift processing systems, and stewardship protocols
Create and execute annual development plans with specific revenue goals and timelines

Major Gift Fundraising

Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects ($1,000+) through strategic relationship building
Develop and manage donor pipeline with quarterly prospect review and upgrade strategies
Coordinate Executive Director’s involvement in major gift solicitations with advance planning and briefing materials
Create compelling proposals and solicitation materials for major gift prospects

Donor Relations & Stewardship

Maintain a regular, systematic donor cultivation schedule with documented touchpoints and outcomes
Prioritize personal outreach methods (phone calls, in-person meetings) appropriate to donor preferences and generational differences
Respond promptly to donor inquiries via phone, email, and in-person
Schedule and attend regular coffee meetings, lunches, and informal gatherings with donors and prospects
Coordinate complementary tickets and special theater experiences for key donors
Plan and execute donor appreciation events and personalized stewardship activities
Ensure timely and meaningful communication and recognition for all gifts

Annual Fund & Events Management

Plan and execute signature fundraising events (Anniversary event in April, Fall Gala in September, End of Year Giving) with detailed workflows beginning 6-8 months in advance
Create donor solicitation strategies and provide the Executive Director with specific prospect lists and talking points, a minimum 12 weeks before events
Ensure event invitations and marketing materials are distributed with adequate lead time (minimum 8 weeks)

Sustaining Giving Programs

Grow and optimize the Curtain Call Club monthly donor program beyond the current 350 members through a year-over-year moves strategy and relationship building
Implement a tiered giving structure with strategic benefits to encourage gift upgrades and practical implementation

Capital Campaign Management

Collaborate with the Executive Director and campaign consultants to develop and implement a comprehensive capital campaign strategy
Cultivate and solicit leadership gifts while coordinating volunteer solicitation teams for campaign prospects
Create and maintain campaign communications, donor recognition systems, and pledge management protocols

Corporate & Foundation Relations

Research and cultivate foundation and corporate sponsors aligned with Liberty Theatre’s mission
Build and maintain personal relationships with foundation program officers and corporate decision-makers through meetings, site visits, and ongoing communication
Oversee grant portfolio management and strategy in collaboration with the grant writer
Participate in strategic networking activities that are ROI focused and directly advance fundraising goals

Marketing & Communications Support

Collaborate with marketing staff on donor communications, annual reports, and fundraising materials
Maintain current knowledge of theater programming to communicate impact to donors effectively

Required Qualifications

Experience & Skills

Minimum 3-5 years of professional fundraising experience with demonstrated success in multiple fundraising areas
Proven track record of building development programs and donor relationships
Experience with major gift solicitation and campaign management
Strong project management skills with the ability to plan events and campaigns
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Personal Characteristics

Self-starter who can build systems from scratch without extensive oversight
Strategic thinker who can balance big-picture planning with detailed execution
Relationship-focused with strong interpersonal skills across generational differences and personality types
Comfortable working flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends for events and donor cultivation
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills
Able to work independently and manage own workload with minimal day-to-day supervision

Technical Requirements

Proficiency with donor database management (DonorPerfect, Blackbaud, or similar)
Intermediate Microsoft Office and Google Workspace skills
Experience with email marketing platforms

Preferred Qualifications

CFRE certification preferred or willingness to pursue
Experience in arts and culture fundraising
Previous experience creating and growing development infrastructure

Performance Expectations

Annual fundraising goals will be established collaboratively during the first 90 days based on historical data, organizational capacity, and strategic priorities. Measurable yearly revenue growth is expected as development systems and donor relationships are strengthened.

Work Environment & Compensation

This position requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends for theater performances, donor cultivation activities, strategic meetings, and events. Ability to travel within Oregon and SW Washington for donor and sponsor meetings required.

Benefits: Competitive salary commensurate with experience, health insurance contribution, retirement plan participation, professional development opportunities, and complimentary theater tickets. Relocation assistance is available.

Liberty Theatre is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
Due to proximity to children through our Kids Make Theatre program and access to confidential donor information, this position requires successful completion of background checks.