Development Manager

Job Title: Development Manager
Supervisor: Producing Director & Artistic Director
Company: Irish Classical Theatre Company
Location: Buffalo NY, USA
Job Type: Full-time (Exempt)
Position Start Date: Open until filled.

About Irish Classical Theatre Company: Irish Classical Theatre Company (ICTC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit 200-seat theatre-in-the-round with an annual operating budget of $925k. ICTC is a leading cultural institution dedicated to producing and promoting classic and contemporary Irish and international plays of the highest quality. Based in Buffalo, ICTC has garnered acclaim for its exceptional productions, commitment to artistic excellence, and contributions to the cultural fabric of the community. www.irishclassical.com

ICTC’s History: In 1985, two Dublin-born brothers, Vincent and Chris O’Neill, internationally acclaimed actors, and former members of Ireland’s celebrated Abbey Theatre, found themselves in Buffalo, performing Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot in the dining room of a local hotel. They were enthusiastically embraced by Western New York audiences and critics, and together with fellow Dubliners Josephine Hogan and the late Dr. James Warde, formed the Irish Classical Theatre Company. Performing on various rented stages until a permanent home was established at the Calumet Arts Café, ICTC became the fastest growing theatre in the region and led to the building of its new home, The Andrews Theatre, which opened its doors in January of 1999. Entering its 34th Season, ICTC remains committed to honoring its robust Irish heritage not only through the carefully selected repertoire but also by fostering enriching collaborations with celebrated guest directors, playwrights, and actors. These collaborations bring a wealth of talent to Western New York, enhancing our local community’s cultural experience and contributing to the vibrant tapestry of our theatrical endeavors.

ICTC’s Mission: To present the greatest works of dramatic literature: Irish plays, both traditional and contemporary, International classics, and modern plays of exceptional merit. To produce them at the highest level of artistic excellence. To offer them to the public of Buffalo, Western New York, and Southern Ontario, and subsequently, for national and international audiences.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IrishClassicalTheatreCompany

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irishclassical/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrishClassicalTheatre

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/irish-classical-theatre-company/

Position Overview:

The Irish Classical Theatre Company is seeking a dynamic and experienced Development Manager. The Development Manager will be instrumental in shaping and implementing fundraising strategies to achieve budgeted goals in all areas of contributed revenue including government, foundation, corporate, individual, and special events. This role is crucial for securing unprecedented funding to support ICTC’s artistic ventures, community engagement, accessibility initiatives, and an upcoming capital campaign focused on enhancing the theatre space and technology infrastructure. The Development Manager is an integral member of the senior leadership team, working closely with both the Artistic and Producing Directors, while overseeing a part-time Development/Administrative Associate and a contracted grant writer.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a strategic and comprehensive fundraising plan for the organization.
• Seek, create, and cultivate relationships with prospective individual, institutional, and government donors.
• Support the development and implementation of marketing campaigns to engage existing and prospective donors.
• Oversee the planning and execution of the annual fundraiser.

Individual Philanthropy:

• Assist in creating and maintaining a donor communication calendar for various donor groups.
• Expand ICTC’s donor base by deepening annual individual giving campaign(s) with compelling donor communications and solicitation materials.
• Coordinate cultivation events, solicitation meetings, and donor mailings and thank yous.
• Management of CRM account data; pulling and cleaning reports and lists for appeals and events.
• Prepare timely and accurate acknowledgments of gifts and delivery of donor or sponsor benefits.

Government/Foundations/Corporate:

• Research and identify funding sources, including government, corporate, and foundation contributions.
• Oversee and manage the annual calendar for appeals, grant proposals, and reports.
• Serve as the primary grant writer for project-funded grants (average of 5+ per year); developing narratives, letters of intent, budgets, and reporting for specific programs and operating support.
• Manage the preparation and submission of general operating grant proposals and reports in coordination with a freelance grant writer (for larger grants; average of 5 per year: Erie County, NYSCA, Cullen, Shubert, M&T).

Special Events:

• Lead the planning and execution of special events, including but not limited to, Donor Cultivation Events, and the Annual Major Fundraising event “The Wake.”
• Coordinate event logistics, divide responsibilities among staff, Board, and associated committees, and liaise with all outside contractors and vendors.
• Develop long-term planning and day-of timelines for events, track income and expenses, and cultivate an audience and manage ticketing.
• Develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote events and fundraisers.

Organizational Alignment and Reporting:

• Work closely with members of the artistic, production, and marketing departments to develop proposal content and stay informed of anticipated fundable projects, strategic initiatives, and organizational needs.
• Align Board, staff, donors, and stakeholders on key messaging, creating a pitch deck to help board members steward and advocate for the company.
• Oversee the production and maintenance of relevant development print collateral, website, and event materials.
• Maintain CRM records regarding gifts and relationships (PatronManager/Leap).
• Reconcile accounts monthly with ICTC’s Accountant and Finance Committee.
• Attend all meetings of the Full Board, Finance Committee, Development Committee, and Special Events Committee.

Qualifications:

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of three years of professional experience, preferably in fundraising and grant writing in the arts and culture sector.
• College degree in a related field preferred, but additional years of related work experience considered in lieu of a degree.

Project Management and Communication Skills:

• Experience leading complex and strategic projects, delegating tasks, managing budgets, and ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proven persuasive writing and communication skills, and exceptional relationship-building skills.
• Ability to adjust communication methods for various audiences.
• Goal-oriented, driven, and able to contribute creative ideas.

Technological Proficiency:

• Technologically savvy with experience in G-Suite, MS Office, databases, social platforms, and content creation applications (Canva).
• Experience with CRM systems; PatronManager/Leap/Salesforce experience a plus.

Collaboration and Adaptability:

• Commitment to values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Comfortable working collaboratively with other members of the leadership team and other departments.

Additional Information:

• In addition to regular office hours (Monday through Friday 10 am – 5 pm), some weekend and evening hours are, at times, required.
• ICTC will provide access to the appropriate technology needed to carry out the responsibilities of this position.
• COVID-19 vaccination, including eligible boosters, is a condition of employment.
• Knowledge and interest in theatre, fundraising, and Western New York is a plus.
• Applicants should be prepared to contribute to and participate in the planning and execution of a future capital campaign.

Employment Details:

• Full-time, Year-Round, Salaried, Exempt.
• Daytime schedule with additional night and weekend availability required.
• 12 “Mental Health Mondays” (typically the first Monday of each month), 10 Vacation Days (years 1-5 of employment), 9 Paid Federal Holidays, 2 Float Holidays, 5 Sick Days, and 3 Personal Days.
• While this position is primarily in-person, ICTC embraces flexibility and supports hybrid/remote work scenarios for staff members whose responsibilities permit off-site work.
• Employer-provided Health Insurance: Independent Health FlexFit Platinum Plan.
• 401(k) plan after one year; non-matching.
• Annual Professional Development Stipend of $300.
• $50,000 annually.

Hiring Process:
For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by May 13, 2024. However, the application will remain open until the position is filled.

Optimally, the new hire will start July 1, 2024; however, flexibility can be extended for the right candidate.

Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to admin@irishclassical.com. Please include “Development Manager Application – [Your Name]” in the subject line.

Please use the cover letter as your opportunity to detail how your qualifications fit this position. Candidates are welcome to submit a relevant writing sample with their application but it is not required at this time. Candidates who move forward will be asked to submit a writing sample (proposal or other appeal) during the process.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
ICTC recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds and is committed to building an equitable, inclusive, accessible, and anti-racist organization. Applicants of all races, religions, gender identities or expressions, familial statuses, sexual orientations, ages, and candidates with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. We are committed to continually diversifying our team and we aim to include new voices and experiences to our work.

Design & Production

 ICTC is currently accepting submissions for Design/Production positions in the areas of:

• Carpentry
• Costume Design
• Dance & Movement
• Dialect & Speech
• Dramaturgy
• Fight Choreography
• Hair & Make-up Design
• Intimacy Direction
• Lighting Design
• Music Direction
• Props Design
• Scenic Design
• Scenic Painting
• Sound Design
• Stage Management/Assistant Stage Management
• Wardrobe Management

Please submit your resume and portfolio on the following Registration Form.

ICTC is looking to add members to its Board of Trustees:

• Provide insight, leadership, and inspiration

• Be a steward of equitable work in one of WNY’s longest-producing theatre companies

• Use your knowledge and expertise to contribute to the Arts Community
  

Interested? Contact ICTC Producing Director Cassie Cameron at Cassie@irishclassical.com for more information.

Ushers

Are you an enthusiastic theatre-goer? Are you passionate about having a good patron experience at the theatre? Do you want to see an ICTC show for free? Consider joining our team of ushers. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Stephen Schapero, our Audience Services Manager, at housemanagement@irishclassical.com.