APPLY and find the FULL JOB DESCRIPTION here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4155482

At Zach Theater, we believe in the power of light — to illuminate new ideas, spark imagination, and connect our community. As Austin’s premier professional producing non-profit theater, we create bold, intimate performances that challenge, delight, and inspire audiences. Our work extends beyond the stage, serving more than 100,000 Central Texans each year through performances, education programs, and community engagement initiatives.

Zach Theater is seeking an Associate Director of Development - Individual Giving to serve as a key leader on the Development team and strategic partner to the Director of Development. This newly created role will build upon a strong fundraising foundation and scale Zach’s individual giving program while strengthening the pipeline for mid-level, major, and planned gifts. As the department’s second-in-command, this position will oversee strategy and execution, manage a growing team, and maintain a portfolio of donors and prospects.

Zach’s individual giving program currently generates approximately $1.38M annually, with significant opportunity for continued growth. This role will play a key part in expanding donor engagement and strengthening the pipeline in support of Zach’s upcoming comprehensive campaign.

This position is ideal for a strategic, hands-on fundraising leader who can build momentum, close gifts, develop staff, and drive revenue growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Strategy & Leadership

Translate organizational priorities into fundraising strategies, team goals, and workflows that support revenue growth
Serve as a strategic partner to the Director of Development and collaborate with senior leadership on planning and organizational initiatives
Engage Board members and volunteers in meaningful fundraising and donor cultivation efforts

Annual Giving & Donor Engagement

Lead and grow annual giving strategies across all donor levels, including support for production underwriting, education programs, and financial aid
Strengthen donor retention, upgrade, and engagement strategies while maintaining a focus on unrestricted giving
Partner with Marketing to create segmented donor communications and integrated fundraising campaigns
Utilize performances, events, and engagement opportunities to deepen donor relationships and inspire giving
Lead broad-based fundraising campaigns including end-of-year, fiscal year-end, and Amplify Austin initiatives
Develop innovative donor acquisition and conversion strategies tied to ticketing and membership experiences

Portfolio Management & Gift Closure

Manage and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects focused on mid-level and leadership giving
Personally solicit and close gifts while supporting senior leadership and Board members in cultivation and solicitation efforts
Align annual giving and campaign fundraising strategies to support long-term donor investment

Planned Giving & Pipeline Development

Support the growth of Zach’s planned giving program
Identify and cultivate planned giving prospects within the donor base
Strengthen the pipeline into major and transformational giving through prospect identification and relationship management

Individual Giving Growth & Strategy

Oversee strategies that grow participation and revenue across all levels of individual giving
Lead donor engagement strategies that strengthen retention, upgrades, and long-term value
Collaborate across departments to ensure a seamless donor experience and aligned engagement efforts
Partner with Marketing and Communications to develop integrated, philanthropy-focused donor communications
Utilize Tessitura, iWave, and other tools to track donor engagement, support prospect research, and inform fundraising strategy

Team Leadership & Operations

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing development team
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and results-driven culture
Utilize KPIs, reporting, and analytics to inform strategy and improve performance
Refine development operations, systems, and SOPs to support efficiency and scalability
Partner on organization-wide technology initiatives including Tessitura optimization, reporting workflows, Asana adoption, and data integrity practices
Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
3+ years managing fundraising staff or teams with demonstrated revenue growth
7+ years of experience in individual giving, donor portfolio management, and gift solicitation preferred
Experience with CRM systems and fundraising technology; Tessitura experience preferred
Experience in theater, performing arts, or nonprofit organizations highly preferred
Knowledge of the Austin philanthropic community preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Strong understanding of donor pipeline development, moves management, and prospect qualification
Experience using analytics and reporting to inform fundraising strategy
Experience with integrated fundraising campaigns and multi-channel donor engagement preferred
Strong leadership, relationship-building, communication, and project management skills
Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, Board members, volunteers, and donors
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to continuous improvement
High level of professionalism, discretion, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking
Commitment to Zach Theater’s mission, vision, and values

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is a campus-based, on-site role with the ability to work remotely 1-2 days a week per company and department guidelines as approved by the supervisor. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions upon discussion with HR.

Ability to lift, push, pull or otherwise maneuver up to 30 lbs repeatedly, either alone or with assistance
Work in close proximity with other coworkers
Must have reliable transportation and the ability to work with a flexible schedule, including frequent nights and weekends as scheduled for performances and events
The noise level in this work environment is typically moderate and can be high.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Director of Development

Supervises (if any): Individual Giving Officer, Annual Fund Associate

Supports: Development Department, Donors, Patrons, and Board

Peer collaboration/communicates with: All Departments including Marketing, Front of House, Production, Education, and Finance—as well as senior leadership and board members, to ensure a cohesive and compelling donor experience across all touchpoints

PAY:

Beginning pay starting between $65k-80k annually commensurate with experience and qualifications. New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range posted depending upon qualifications, years of experience in a similar role, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.

All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of background and reference checks.

We’re excited to review your application. To ensure a smooth and fair hiring process, please apply online only. We’re not able to accommodate phone calls or in-person visits about this position.

Some of the great benefits available to Zach Employees:

Affordable Healthcare Coverage for Full-Time Employees and their dependents
Employer Paid Life and AD&D insurance
Employer Paid Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
401K Matching Program
Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
Paid Holidays
Free Parking
Tickets to Mainstage and Family Series shows and enrollment in Camps/Classes

Zach Theater is committed to ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce and we strive for a team that reflects Austin’s diverse culture. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, sex or age.

APPLY and find the FULL JOB DESCRIPTION here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4155482

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Associate Director of Development - Individual Giving

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