Job Bank

Manager of Cultivation and Stewardship
Princeton, NJ
McCarter Theatre Center
Full Time
Posted April 01, 2024
McCarter Theatre Center is seeking a dynamic and strategic individual to fill the role of Manager of Cultivation and Stewardship. In this position, you will participate in the development and implementation of innovative strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, with a strong focus on acquiring new members and donors, retaining current supporters, and advancing their level of giving. With a keen eye for portfolio management, you'll assist in the Development team's efforts while nurturing individual donors up to the Patron Level ($3,000). Additionally, you'll spearhead our Artist's Circle membership campaigns, driving towards our ambitious $5 million contributed revenue goal. We invite you to apply for this opportunity!

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions & Duties
• Manage/solicit gifts up to $2,999 and maintain an active donor portfolio of approximately 50-75 individuals, with the goal of elevating these prospects to leadership giving levels.
• Cultivate, solicit, and close gifts to achieve the overall budgetary goal in this giving category.
• Participate in the creation and execution of new donor acquisition strategies within the theater and presented series.
• Analyze and track fundraising progress, to measure campaign effectiveness, and identify opportunities for optimization and growth.
• Build individual and community relationships to expand the current base of support.
• Manage budgets for donor cultivation and stewardship events, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to maximize donor engagement and return on investment.
• Oversee the preparation and execution of written materials including solicitation and stewardship materials.
• Coordinate with colleagues in marketing, communications, and programming to ensure consistent messaging and integrated fundraising initiatives that highlight McCarter's impact and achievements.
• Coordinate the implementation of solicitation plans for all portfolios in the Tessitura database.
• Utilize the Tessitura database to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions, including contact reports, gift histories, and communication preferences.
• Assist director of development with supporting Board Committees, including but not limited to, the full Board of Trustees and Development Committee.
• Actively participate in the planning and execution of the annual Gala.
• Serve as primary point of contact for guests at the annual Gala and other donor cultivation events or dinners, managing the guest experience from initial reservation through cultivation opportunities at the event.
• Attend all Development training sessions required by the Director of Development, as well as institutionally required professional development opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing philanthropic fundraising and gift acceptance, including adherence to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethics.
• Stay informed about current trends and best practices for broad based annual fund campaigns through professional development activities, networking opportunities, and ongoing education.
• Adhere to safe working practices while embodying McCarter safety and code of conduct policies.
• Participate in the work to make McCarter an anti-racist theater. Actively seek ways to improve our work practices to make the Development department more equitable and inclusive, while upholding and exhibiting our stated values of “justice and joy, beauty and belonging.”

Requirements

Qualifications
• A Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, and preferably 3-5 years of experience as a fundraiser. Major gift or capital campaign experience a plus.
• A proven track record of building an effective giving program and cultivating/stewarding donor prospects.
• Ability to work effectively with senior management, department heads, trustees, and donors.
• Familiarity of and passion for the performing arts.
• Ability to interact well with major gift donors and prospects.
• Excellent writing, speaking and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
• CRM database experience, preferably with Tessitura or other fundraising software.
• Flexibility to work several nights and weekends as assigned.
• Ability to work in an on-site/off-site hybrid environment.
• A critical consciousness and interest in the values and practices that can help build and sustain an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse needs, personalities, and work styles with optimism and a solution-discovery mindset.
• Final candidates will need to successfully complete a background screening.

How To Apply

SALARY RANGE: $65,000 - 75,000 BENEFITS INCLUDE: Medical, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, paid vacation, sick and personal time, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and a 403 (b) retirement plan with employer match, access to free parking within less than 1-mile radius, as well as other perks. We encourage all candidates to apply, even if they do not currently meet all qualifications. We know there are great candidates who may not have all of the qualifications listed above but possess intuitive knowledge or other fully transferable skills. If that is you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. McCarter is committed to on-the-job training and mentorship. If you are interested in supporting McCarter’s vision, we would love to hear from you. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@mccarter.org with your name and “Manager of Cultivation and Stewardship” in the subject line. Please also mention where you heard about the position. We look forward to learning more about you!