Organizational Summary
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s (“SCS”) mission is to create and strengthen community by bringing audiences and theatre artists together to celebrate stories about our collective humanity. Our historic Summer festival of professional performances are staged in an outdoor setting in the beautiful redwoods in the heart of Santa Cruz, CA. In its 13th year as an independent nonprofit, SCS carries on the 45‐year tradition of Shakespeare in our region, attracting multi‐generational theatregoers to a shared experience of exceptional classical and modern theatre. Our company is currently expanding into year-round programming, and we have almost completed construction on a permanent new headquarters adjacent to our outdoor theater. This position will shift from hybrid‐remote to fully in‐person when our new facility is ready for occupancy by staff.
Position Summary
The Director of Development (“DD”) will be responsible for generation of new funds through grants, individual and corporate donations, and legacy/endowment gifts. The DD is equally responsible for oversight of the growth and communications to our entire donor base. DD will be responsible for the creation, strategy and implementation of SCS's fundraising programs, including the annual fund campaign that provides general operating support for seasonal productions. In addition, the director will manage exclusive donor events, corporate sponsorships, planned giving program, benefits fulfillment, capital campaigns, and all other aspectsof fundraising to advance the mission of the organization. SCS's contributed revenue currently accounts for nearly half of its $3.1 million operating budget. Reports to the Interim General Manager or designee.
A Successful Director of Development will:
- Be a dynamic member of our core staff who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the value and impact of live theatre (and the arts in general) for people of all backgrounds and who inspires the engagement of all other staff, artists, Board and committee members, and outside supporters, leading by example.
- Lead the crafting of, and supervise the implementation of, a comprehensive strategic devel-opment plan to meet or exceed the Company’s annual contributed income goals, with particular focus on increasing individual membership at major giving levels.
- Effectively manage a portfolio of donors while working with the Interim General Manager, Artistic Director, Committee members, and Board of Directors to maintain and grow their respective portfolios.
- Be a professional, articulate, and informed ambassador for SCS in the philanthropic community and beyond.
- Become proficient with the Company’s Patron Manager system to generate reports, track donor activity and utilize the system to capacity for maximum efficiency and data-driven communications.
Key Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
- Create and execute SCS’s annual development plan and secure funds, meeting specific quantifiable goals across corporate, foundation, individual and earned income revenue streams.
- Generate new sources of funding by identifying new grant opportunities and successfully submitting applications in a timely manner.
- Manage and lead our team, including a Member Benefits Associate, with guidance and support for the Company’s Interim General Manager, Artistic Director, Board of Directors, and Development Committee to play integral roles in fundraising by strategizing to identify, cultivate, steward and solicit new corporate, individual, major donor, and planned giving supporters.
- Collaborate and communicate with the organization’s Artistic, Education, Marketing and Front of House/Box Office staff to ensure that fundraising is in alignment with SCS’s vision, programming and messaging.
- Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance, adjust strategies, track donor engagement and retention rates and make data-driven decisions utilizing the Company’s Patron Manager system.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications required for this role include a Bachelor’s Degree in nonprofit management or related field, minimum of six years experience in nonprofit fundraising, excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong leadership and management skills, demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, experience with fundraising software and donor databases, a deep commitment to the Company’s Mission and Values, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, flexibility and accountability. If you are a motivated and experienced fundraising professional with a passion for making a difference in the community, the role of Director of Development may be the right fit for you and we encourage you to apply.
Compensation includes a starting salary (full‐time, exempt) of $90-125K (commensurate with qualifications) and a competitive benefits package, including paid holidays and PTO, as well as high‐quality health, vision, and dental insurance (100% employer‐paid at present). Coverage for family members and/or dependents is available at the employee’s expense.
Interested candidates are asked to please submit a cover letter and résumé outlining relevant accomplishments to [email protected]. Please include your full name and “Development Director” in the subject line. Initial application review date is 5pm PST on Friday, Aug 21, 2026; applications received after that date may also be considered, depending on circumstances.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
