DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Rubicon Theatre Company – Ventura, California
Full-Time | Exempt | Reports to Managing Director | Supervises Development Manager and Grants Consultant

ABOUT RUBICON THEATRE COMPANY

Founded in 1998, Rubicon Theatre Company is a non-profit professional theatre located in Ventura, California’s vibrant Downtown Cultural District. Now in its 27th Season, Rubicon has produced more than 175 productions to consistent critical acclaim – including numerous world and regional premieres – winning the L.A. Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Sustained Excellence, N.Y. Drama Desk Awards, an Irish Times Award, Ovation, and NAACP Awards. Known for its intimate 180-seat venue, exceptional production values, and commitment to developing new works, Rubicon is a cultural hub that draws artists and audiences from around the world. Actors of renown including Tony, Oscar, Obie, Olivier and Ariel Award-winners have graced the Rubicon stage. Nestled between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Ventura is often called the “coastal crossroads” of California. The city offers the charm of a small town with the amenities of a thriving arts community,

Rubicon is entering an exciting new chapter in its storied history, with a dynamic artistic leadership transition and a season themed Crossroads: Moments That Can Change Everything. We are seeking a visionary, strategic, and hands-on Development Director to help move one of the nation’s most respected intimate professional theatres into its next exciting era.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Rubicon Theatre Company seeks an experienced, goal-oriented, strategic, and relationship-driven Development Director to lead all fundraising initiatives during an exciting new era of growth. The successful candidate will be a proven fundraising leader with expertise in major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation and government grants. Experience with building and capital campaigns and Planned Giving/Legacy Gifts is also of value. Our top candidates will have strong verbal and written communication styles, be organized, and have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a talent for building strong, productive relationships. This role will be instrumental in ensuring the company’s long-term financial sustainability and in deepening connections with donors who believe in our mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive development plan to meet annual and long-term contributed income goals.

Partner with the Managing Director, Producing Artistic Director, and Board to align development strategy with organizational vision and priorities.

Major Gifts & Individual Giving

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and high-net-worth prospects.

Lead annual giving campaigns, donor appeals, renewals, and targeted initiatives.

Planned Giving & Legacy Gifts

Establish and grow a robust Planned Giving/Legacy Gifts program.

Cultivate relationships with donors and advisors to secure bequests, trusts, and other estate-related commitments.

Corporate Sponsorships & Foundations

Develop and manage corporate sponsorship programs, ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships.

Research, write, and submit compelling grant proposals and timely reports to funders.

Events & Campaigns

Plan and execute donor cultivation events, galas, and benefit performances in collaboration with the Producing Artistic Director and Managing Director.

Collaborate on capital, endowment, or comprehensive campaigns as needed.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

Support the Board Development Committee and engage trustees in fundraising efforts.

Provide tools, resources, and opportunities for Board and volunteers to participate in donor cultivation.

Research, Data Management & Reporting

Research donor and patron capacity.

Oversee donor database (currently Audience View) for accurate tracking, board reporting, donor fulfillment, and stewardship.

Prepare and send thank you notes and tax letters to donors and donor honorees.

Pull lists of donors for programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.

Minimum 5+ years of progressive non-profit development, or relevant experience.

Knowledge of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and techniques. Demonstrated record of success in generating significant commitments from corporations, foundations and private donors.

Experience with creative event management and event oversight.

Proven success securing major gifts and planned gifts.

Experience with donor database management.

Demonstrated knowledge of methods, practices, and procedures for obtaining information about the giving programs of corporations and foundations.

Excellent organizational, interpersonal and networking skills with large groups as well as with individuals.

Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances, while working in a fast-paced setting.

Demonstrated ability to take primary responsibility for a diverse number of projects and complete them in a timely manner with limited supervision.

Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Passion for the performing arts and belief in the transformative power of theatre.

Charismatic relationship-builder with a strategic mindset.

Highly organized, self-motivated, and results-oriented.

Thrives in a collaborative, team-based environment.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary range: $95,000–$125,000, commensurate with experience and proven track record.

Medical insurance provided (no dental or vision coverage).

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:

Perla Ponti, Chief of Staff
E-mail: pponti@rubicontheatre.org
Subject line: Development Director Application – [Your Name]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling` basis until the position is filled.

Rubicon Theatre Company is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis, including race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or national origin.

Join us in shaping the future of a nationally respected theatre company—help ensure that world-class artistry continues to thrive in our coastal community for generations to come.