Development Associate

Position:  Development Associate

Reports to:  Director of Institutional Advancement

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About Theatre for a New Audience
Founded in 1979, Theatre for a New Audience (TFANA) is an award-winning off-Broadway LORT- C theatre whose mission is to develop and vitalize the performance and study of Shakespeare and classic drama alongside other new work.  TFANA is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented populations. The position will remain open until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified.

 

Values and Strategies:
We are guided in our work by five core values: a reverence for language, a spirit of adventure, a commitment to diversity, a dedication to learning, and a spirit of service. These values inform what we do with artists, how we interact with audiences, and how we manage our organization. Language is at the heart of all we do. We focus on the language and ideas of writers. We believe that hearing great language powerfully expressed improves our listening skills, opens our eyes, and deepens our perception and understanding of the world around us. We infuse our work with adventure—provocative ideas, visual boldness, and a sense that we are on a lifelong journey with Shakespeare and classic drama. We are committed to diversity—diverse approaches to dramatic material, diversity on our staff, in our casting and audiences, and multifaceted relationships with uniquely different communities. Learning is a fundamental principle of the Theatre, and we value learning as a process that takes place over time—a process that depends on our ability to promote curiosity, reflection, study, research and dialogue in all our work. We are dedicated to service. Inspired by our civic role, we seek to create broad public access and to bond the diverse New York community through the language, pleasure and ideas of classical drama.  To advance our mission and values, Theatre for a New Audience:

  • produces Shakespeare alongside other plays of classic stature and major contemporary plays, creating a dialogue over centuries between Shakespeare and other authors about our contemporary world;
  • builds long-term associations with artists and offers programs for their growth and ongoing development;
  • promotes the humanities by presenting dynamic discussions with leading artists and scholars in a variety of fields in conjunction with the plays we present;
  • programs for wide-ranging audiences—from connoisseurs of diverse repertory to young people who are seeing groundbreaking productions for the first time;
  • promotes access for diverse audiences by offering economically-priced tickets;
  • provides rich arts-in-education programs, including teacher training and the largest in-depth program in New York City to introduce Shakespeare to Public School students;
  • uses its facilities and intellectual resources to serve the local artistic, educational and social communities where the Theatre operates, and contributes to the international theatre community through touring, artistic exchanges and partnerships.

Development Associate
Working in the Development Department and with other departments at Theatre for a New Audience, the Development Associate significantly supports and impacts the Theatre’s annual and capital fundraising efforts. The Theatre seeks a well-organized individual, preferably with some Development experience, who writes persuasively, possesses outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills, and a range of computer skills (Microsoft Office, databases, and internet-based research). 

 

Responsibilities include:

  • Supporting the planning and implementation of membership appeals and other donor communications
  • Drafting and executing direct mail, e-mail and e-blast solicitations
  • Compiling and editing prospect lists
  • Management of the fundraising database (Spektrix); daily gift entry
  • Coordinating with the Finance department on monthly gift reconciliation
  • Drafting and processing gift acknowledgments
  • Compiling and proofing the donor list for Playbills and other donor recognition collateral 
  • Arranging house seats for donors and Board members to our shows and others
  • Working with the Marketing department to coordinate marketing and development communication
  • Prospect identification, research and profile creation (familiarity with research platforms including iWave a plus)
  • Providing general support for the Director of Institutional Advancement and Associate Director of Development
  • Coordinating the silent auction for the Theatre’s Annual Spring Gala
    • Soliciting and tracking donated items
    • Writing item descriptions
    • Building the auction website
    • Managing item fulfillment post-Gala
    • Assisting and editing on Gala-related collateral (letterhead, invitations, announcements, signage and event program)
  • Assisting on all Gala-related activities
  • Assisting on preparation of weekly Gala income statement
  • Staffing cultivation and stewardship events (some evening and weekend work required)
  • Preparing and distributing invitations for opening nights and other events
  • Managing RSVPS for opening nights and other events
  • Other duties as required.

 

Qualifications and Traits:

  • BA degree or equivalent work experience
  • Development experience a plus
  • Motivated, detail-oriented team player
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to multi-task and manage projects both independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office 365, Excel)
  • Spektrix/ database experience a plus
  • Experience with Adobe (InDesign, Reader, Photoshop) or other graphic platforms a plus
  • Experience with YouTube or other video sharing platforms a plus
  • Appreciation of the performing arts
  • Professional demeanor in person and on the phone
  • Positive and proactive attitude

 

Compensation:
Annual Salary $48,000. Benefits offered include medical, Life and long-term disability insurance, paid time off, and voluntary pre-tax programs for retirement (403[b], Transit and FSA).

To Apply:
Applicants for this position should send chronological resume and separate detailed cover letter to jobs@tfana.org  with “Development Associate” in the subject line.  Applicants considered following first round of review will be asked to submit writing samples.

Theatre for a New Audience is committed to attracting, hiring and retaining employees who reflect the cultural diversity of our community. We believe that every employee has the right to work in a respectful environment that is free from discrimination, consistent with our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and respect. This commitment extends to all aspects of the employment relationship.