The New Group, one of New York’s leading Off-Broadway theaters, is seeking an experienced front-line fundraiser to serve as the DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT. This senior-team position will lead all fundraising efforts and manage a growing fundraising team. A successful candidate will manage all individual giving efforts including campaigns and appeals, and oversee the execution of institutional grants and special events. 

Reporting to The New Group’s Executive Director, this position will lead the Development department and be responsible for generating approximately $2-2.5 million to support the growth and advancement of the organization as it enters its 30th year of producing theater. This individual will manage an interim team including a full-time Development Manager and Development consultants, and will work with leadership to hire permanent team members in the coming months to support the organization’s increased goals.

Founded in 1995, The New Group is an award-winning, artist-driven company with a commitment to developing and producing powerful, contemporary theatre. While constantly evolving, we strive to maintain an ensemble approach to all our work and an articulated style of emotional immediacy in our acting and productions. In this way, we seek a theater that is adventurous, stimulating, and most importantly, “now” – a true forum for our present culture. The New Group has received over 150 awards and nominations for excellence, including the Tony Award for Best Musical for Avenue Q, 10 Lortel Awards, two special citation Obie Awards, and a Drama Desk Special Award “for presenting contemporary new voices, and for uncompromisingly raw and powerful productions.” The organization’s New Group/New Works play and musical development program champions original works by emerging and established authors. The New Group Off Stage celebrates work at the intersection of art, multimedia and social engagement by showcasing some of today’s most compelling storytellers through web series, films, audio plays and more. The New Group also operates a variety of theater education programs including a Summer Conservatory for teens, college access programs, and a college-level BFA Acting program in collaboration with LIU-Brooklyn. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

This role is responsible for managing the daily operations and strategy of the Development department. Across all work, this position will play a critical role in integrating development considerations and efforts into all areas of the company including artistic and education programs, and community events. Additional responsibilities include:

Individual Giving 

• Create long-term fundraising vision and goals, and tactical individual giving strategies, which will include donor research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship across all contributed income sources and donor levels
• Spearhead the implementation of a major gifts pipeline (donors giving $10,000+) and work with the Executive Director and Artistic Director on cultivation strategies for major gifts 
• Grow the Patron Ensemble program (donors giving from $1,000 – $9,999) including renewals, acquisitions, communications, and benefit fulfillment
• Direct bi-annual individual fundraising campaigns and smaller targeted solicitations 
• Manage the creation and distribution of donor and prospect communications, thank-you letters, invitations, and other development collateral
• Represent The New Group as an ambassador at performances and events, including greeting donors and cultivating relationships with constituents
• Oversee development administration and budgeting in conjunction with Finance and Executive staff members

Institutional Giving

• Oversee foundation and government strategy in conjunction with Artistic, Education, and Executive Staff
• Collaborate with part-time Grant Writer, providing feedback and edits to applications and reports
• Manage relationships with new and existing foundation contacts

Events 

• Build strategy around donor cultivation activities including patron receptions, opening night parties, and other special events
• Direct all aspects of the annual Gala, including in-person paddle-raises, and overall planning with external event planner
• Provide on-site management of events as needed; some evening and weekend availability required

Board of Directors

• Play a major role in Board relations and engagement with Executive leadership
• Prepare development reports and present at Board meetings
• Develop strategies to increase Board giving and prospecting through personal networks 
• In collaboration with the Executive Director and Development Committee, identify priorities for current Directors and prospective candidates 

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• A background in development at various levels, proven fundraising record, and experience working successfully and collaboratively with Board members
• Prior experience developing and managing budgets
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to select, train, motivate, and inspire staff, while holding them accountable for their performance
• Event planning, project management, and/or producing experience, a plus
• Proven understanding of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, the role that racial inequity plays in our society, and a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across differences
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google applications, and CRM software; experience with Spektrix a plus.
• An appreciation for the performing arts; knowledge and passion for contemporary theater a plus.

If you don’t meet all of the criteria listed above but know you have what it takes to do this job, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself in your cover letter

This is a full-time exempt position available immediately, with a salary range of $100,000 – $120,000. Benefits package currently includes health, dental, vision, 403b retirement, and commuter benefit plans. The New Group operates as a hybrid remote and in-person workplace. 

The New Group embraces diversity in all forms and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation. The New Group is an equal opportunity employer, and BIPOC, immigrant, veteran, disabled, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals are encouraged to apply. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at jobs@thenewgroup.org. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter along with a resume and three references to jobs@thenewgroup.org by Friday, June 21st. Please include “Director of Development” in the subject line. No phone calls please. For more information on The New Group, please visit: TheNewGroup.org