Development Manager

Palo Alto Players is seeking a full time Development Manager to join its dynamic team. The Development Manager is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for designing, implementing, and leading a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet contributed revenue goals. This includes individual giving, major gifts, sponsorships, grants, special events, and donor stewardship. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, excellent communicator, and passionate about the arts and community impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy & Execution (50%)
-Work in collaboration with the Managing Director and Board of Directors to execute a development plan with measurable goals and outcomes, consistent with the financial needs of the organization.
-Manage and grow a portfolio of individual donors, including major gifts, show sponsorships, monthly giving, and planned giving.
-Oversee grant writing and reporting for foundation, corporate, and government support.
-Identify and cultivate new funding sources and partnerships.
-Plan and execute the Annual Gala in collaboration with the Managing Director and Gala Committee.
-Participate and provide support for the Board Fundraising Committee, preparing reports and updates as needed.
-Engage board members and other ambassadors in donor cultivation and solicitation.

Donor Relations (35%)
-Act as an ambassador for the organization by welcoming prospective funders, board members, community partners, and supporters at select productions and special events, as needed.
-Create and manage systems for donor recognition, retention, and engagement.
-Plan and execute donor events, including opening night receptions, appreciation events (2-3 per year), and the annual fundraising gala.
-Collaborate with marketing to create compelling development materials, campaigns, and donor communications.
-Attend networking, program, and development events as needed.

Database and Reporting (15%)
-Process and track all donations and prepare timely acknowledgement letters and related correspondence.
-Maintain accurate donor records using Spektrix CRM.
-Provide monthly reports on fundraising progress and trends.
-Conduct research on prospective corporate, foundation and individual donors.

Qualifications
-Background in nonprofit development, arts administration, or a related field.
-Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
-Experience with Google Workspace and familiarity with donor/customer management software preferred.
-Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, self-driven, and fun artistic environment.
-Grant/proposal writing experience a plus.

Job Details:
This position is primarily based in our office to encourage collaboration, team engagement, and access to on-site resources. However, occasional remote work may be accommodated based on business needs and with prior approval from management.

While this role follows a standard Monday through Friday schedule during regular business hours, some evening and weekend work will be required to attend shows and fundraising events, meet with donors, and support other development activities outside of standard hours. Flexibility and a willingness to occasionally adjust hours are essential to success in this position.

Location: Lucie Stern Theater at 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, CA.

Compensation: Salary range $70,000-$80,000, based on experience. This full-time, exempt position includes excellent benefits, including a generous PTO policy, health, dental, vision, and 403(b) retirement plan.

To Apply: Palo Alto Players is looking to fill this position quickly. For consideration, please submit your interest via the Google form (https://forms.gle/QMtXsrEYhjMwX8Hs5)and attach your resume. For any additional questions, email esantana@paplayers.org and include ‘Development Manager’ in the subject line.

Palo Alto Players is an equal opportunity employer.

About Palo Alto Players
The Peninsula’s first theatre company, Palo Alto Players is a vibrant community theatre dedicated to producing high-quality performances that inspire, entertain, and enrich the lives of local artists and audiences. With a $1.2 million annual budget, Palo Alto Players produces a diverse 5-show season of comedies, dramas, and musicals from September to June at the Lucie Stern Theater under the executive leadership of Artistic Director Patrick Klein and Managing Director Elizabeth Santana. Contributed revenue makes up approximately 40% of our income, and we are looking to expand our philanthropic reach to support our growing vision. More information is available at paplayers.org.