Director of Development & Strategic Growth

Position: Director of Development & Strategic Growth
Department: Development
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

THEATER AT PLAY.

Experience the transformative power of theater with us at Geffen Playhouse. Join our vibrant community of artists, technicians, and staff dedicated to creating impactful performances that resonate long after the final bows. Together, we move hearts, spark conversations, and enrich the cultural fabric of Los Angeles.

Our commitment to excellence goes beyond the stage. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive work culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral component of our everyday practice. We hold a deep focus on creating and maintaining an inclusive environment in which all individuals and groups can be and feel valued, respected, and welcomed to participate and bring their full, authentic selves to work. To learn more about Geffen Playhouse Culture & Values visit https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/about/culture-and-values/.

Join us in our mission to enrich the cultural life of Los Angeles through plays and educational programs that inform, entertain, and inspire. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in the world of theater, there's a place for you at Geffen Playhouse.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Development & Strategic Growth reports to the Executive Director/CEO and provides comprehensive strategic direction for the overall development program for the theater. This individual is not just a fundraiser—they are an innovative leader and imaginative connector who brings fresh perspectives and creative solutions to drive transformational growth for Geffen Playhouse.

We are seeking someone who thrives on thinking outside conventional boundaries and welcomes the challenge of building new relationships and forging unexpected partnerships across Los Angeles and beyond. This role calls for an entrepreneurial spirit, a talent for identifying and pursuing new avenues of support, and the curiosity to explore bold ideas that can elevate the Playhouse’s impact, while cultivating a culture where creativity and diverse viewpoints are valued and leveraged for collective success.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide impetus and support to the fundraising efforts of the Board, Executive Director/CEO and Artistic Director by executing all annual, sponsorship, capital, endowment, and planned giving programs, as well as fundraising and stewardship events.
• Envision, design, and implement innovative strategies for fundraising, engagement, and audience development.
• Serve as a catalyst for new connections and collaborations, bringing together people and organizations in meaningful and unexpected ways.
• Lead by example—modeling curiosity, inclusiveness, and big-picture, growth-focused leadership in all interactions and initiatives.
• Provide timely and accurate reports to the Executive Director/CEO, Artistic Director, and Chief Financial Officer, as well as work closely with Marketing and Production departments on timing of certain campaigns and available space in the building.
• Manage the Development department staff.
• Develop and maintain a new planned giving strategy.
• Design and implement strategies to achieve or to exceed annual fundraising goals.
• Supervise the application, reporting, and tracking processes for all grants.
• Ensure proper record-keeping and stewardship of all gifts from individuals and institutions.
• Develop and monitor budgets for all events and campaigns.
• Work with Executive Director/CEO and CFO on future budget goals and expectations.
• Maintain a master calendar of fundraising events and campaigns.

SKILLS & BACKGROUND

• Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, non-profit management, communication, or related field.
• Minimum 8 to 10 years of progressive development experience.
• Proven track record of successful interactions with boards and a diverse array of community stakeholders.
• Computer/technology skills, especially in Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Tessitura software a plus.
• Must have an entrepreneurial attitude with the ability to be a self-starter. Must have a spirit of curiosity and tenacity to ‘get the job done’ and the ability to plan ahead.
• In addition to the duties listed above, the Geffen expects the following of each employee: adhere to the theater’s policies and procedures; work in a safe manner; communicate and work with all Geffen Playhouse employees with grace, understanding, and respect; perform duties as workload necessitates; maintain a positive and respectful attitude; communicate regularly with Executive Director/CEO about department issues; demonstrate efficient time management and prioritize workload; demonstrate regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meet department productivity standards; participate in the theater’s events as needed or required; and complete other duties as assigned.

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COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary Range: $150,000 - $160,000 per year
• Health Benefits: We prioritize your well-being by covering the costs of an HMO for health, as well as PPO for Dental and Vision Insurance. Additionally, you’ll have the flexibility to “buy up” to PPO health coverage and extend benefits to your spouse, domestic partner, and children.
• Paid Time Off: Our comprehensive Paid Time Off (PTO) policy offers generous leave to help you recharge and enjoy life outside of work. This includes paid holidays, vacation days, personal days, and sick leave, ensuring you have the flexibility to take care of your personal and family needs.
• Life Insurance: All regular full-time employees receive a complimentary $25,000 life insurance policy, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Retirement Plan: After one year of dedicated service, you’ll gain access to Geffen Playhouse’s retirement plan, a 401(k) profit-sharing initiative tailored to support your future financial goals.

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HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a cover letter, general availability, and resume in .pdf format at www.geffenplayhouse.org/apply. No phone calls, please.

The Geffen Playhouse aims to build a diverse and inclusive workplace, in which we strongly encourage non-conforming and historically excluded individuals to apply for any and all available positions, even if they don’t meet all listed requirements.

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The Geffen Playhouse, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Geffen Playhouse provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or off-duty and off-premises use of cannabis. In addition to federal law requirements, Geffen Playhouse complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us via telephone at 310-208-6500 x148.