Development Director
Independent Shakespeare Co. in a period of growth. Building on our strong community ties and successful programming, we’ve codified an ambitious strategic plan which requires a substantial expansion of revenue. Our 2025 budget is $1.2 million, and we are seeking to grow that to $2 million by 2027.
The Development Director will play a pivotal role in securing financial resources to support our mission and programs, and will operate as a key fundraiser to help grow and expand our individual major donor base.
We are seeking an assured and collaborative Director of Development. We’re a small, highly communicative team and the Development Director will work closely with the Artistic Director and Managing Director, with support from other team members including the Development Assistant and Grant Writer.
We’re looking for someone who loves building strong relationships with the diverse range of people that are part of our Los Angeles community; someone excited to meet new people and talking about the importance of funding the arts.
Our development work is grounded in the belief that donors are our partners, deserving of respect and care. Equally, we acknowledge that as partners, our donors must not only support our work on stage, they must understand and support our commitment to anti-racism and equity within the community.
Primary Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy and Implementation
• Drive comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet annual revenue goals, aligned with the strategic plan.
• Oversee the development and implementation of fundraising campaigns.
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure alignment between fundraising efforts and organizational goals and ethics.
Donor Relationship and Stewardship
• Build close donor relationships and increase annual individual support through donor stewardship, creating mutually satisfying relationships.
• Identify and recruit new major donors.
• Help identify annual financial goals for the donor portfolio and track progress.
• Nurture alternative giving programs (e.g., planned giving).
• Support the board of directors in its development role.
• Be an advocate for Independent Shakespeare Co. in the community.
• Schedule, attend and document meetings with donors.
• Participate in deepening patron and donor engagement through special events.
Other Administrative Responsibilities
• Participate in strategy sessions regarding both development and also broader organizational concerns, goals, and dreams.
Who Should Apply?
The ideal candidate:
• Is passionate about the ability of the arts to deepen community bonds.
• Has meaningful experience working in non-profit development, and individual giving.
• Is excited by being part of a small, collaborative team, and values creativity.
• Is excited by being in a learning-centered work environment.
• Has familiarity with the Los Angeles philanthropic world.
• Has knowledge of the Salesforce PatronManager platform or a comparable CRM.
• Possesses excellent communication skills (speaking and writing) and is comfortable engaging with people in person and over the phone.
• Is flexible and understands that the landscape of a small arts organization is less hierarchical and more prone to shifts than more codified work environments.
• Is able to attend weekend and evening events as needed (within reason, and with commensurate time off during the regular work week.) ISC’s regular work week is 35 hours: M-F, 10:00 – 5:00.
• Ability to work in person in Los Angeles.
This is a full-time, exempt position.
About Independent Shakespeare Co. (ISC)
Independent Shakespeare Co. cultivates a place of belonging for anyone with a curious mind and adventurous heart. We celebrate individuality, smash expectations, and create local theater that reflects our lives and diverse communities. We re-imagine classics and stage bold, contemporary work.
Our foundational values are: creativity, connection, integrity, excellence, and joy.
We strive to embody these values across all aspects of our organization, from the rehearsal room to board meetings, to our interactions with the public and our partners.
Our team is diverse, artistically, administratively and at the board level. We incorporate the values of diversity and equity in all areas of our organization.
We’re an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
More information about ISC’s history, mission, and values can be found on our website: iscla.org
Salary: $80,000 – $100,000 annually
Benefits: Benefits include health insurance, retirement match, paid time off, and sick leave.
Education requirements: N/A
Deadline to apply: December 31, 2024
Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter, references
How to apply: Send resume and a cover letter to Artistic Director, Melissa Chalsma at chalsma@iscla.org
Independent Shakespeare Co. is committed to considering a range of applicants! If you feel you can excel in this job, we encourage you to apply.
Independent Shakespeare Co. will review applications until the position is filled.
An in-person interview may be followed up by a second interview.
Independent Shakespeare Co. would like the selected candidate to start in March 2025.