Development Director

The Rochester Civic Theatre

The Rochester Civic Theatre is proud to be celebrating its 73rd season as Rochester's longest running community theatre. The Civic has been an integral source of arts and culture for Rochester and southeast Minnesota. Since their founding, the Rochester Civic Theatre (RCT) has evolved into an award-winning, multidisciplinary theater. In 2020 The Rochester Civic Theatre opened its doors to the non-profit performing arts community and is now home to The Rochester Ensemble of Dance, The Children's Dance Theatre and That Theatre company and a myriad of other performing arts organizations in Rochester.

The mission of Rochester Civic Theatre is to ENGAGE community organizations through collaboration and shared resources, ENRICH lives through education and outreach, and ELEVATE human connection through theatre arts.

Development Director 

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to serve as the Development Director of our vibrant community theatre. The Development Director will be responsible for overall financial management, fundraising, Human Resources, and community engagement. This position will also oversee the day to day of the theatre's operations. The Development Director reports to the Board of Directors.

 The ideal candidate will:

• Be passionate and creative with fundraising.
• Possess strong leadership skills, a passion for the arts, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the community. 
• Create and maintain a relationship of trust, encouragement, collaboration, and joyful exploration with RCT’s artistic director and Board of Directors.
• Continue RCT’s strong alliance with the City of Rochester, it’s One Roof Policy with the Mayo Civic Center, and its 20+ community partners exploring deeper engagement for a continuing and mutually beneficial relationships
• Work to more deeply define RCT’s place as a local and regional source of the highest quality community theatrical experiences for audiences, guest artists, and community volunteers.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Administration and Operations:

• Being the driving force for the fiscal solvency of the theatre by bringing in donors, sponsors and spear heading fundraising.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the theatre, including facility management, calendar management, staff supervision.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including tax filings, insurance coverage, and safety protocols.
• Provide leadership and direction to staff members, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. Serve as an open resource to staff for ideas, deliberation, and any conflict resolution.
• Ensure volunteers feel welcome and oversee volunteer coordination and strategies.

• Promote a culture of transparency, productivity, balance, creativity, and harmony.

• Check in regularly with the artistic director regarding organizational and artistic vision, mission, and update strategic plans as necessary.

2. Financial Management:

• Develop and manage the theatre's annual budget with the Artistic Director, ensuring financial stability and sustainability
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including payroll, accounts payable, and revenue tracking.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for revenue generation, including grants, sponsorships, and ticket sales.

3. Fundraising:

• Develop a robust donor base.
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the theatre's programs and initiatives.
• Work with the Development Committee to cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners to secure financial support.
• Organize fundraising events and campaigns to engage the community and raise awareness of the theatre's mission.

4. Community Engagement:

• Serve as a liaison between the theatre and the surrounding community, building relationships with local politicians, residents, businesses, community partners, and organizations.
• Develop and implement outreach initiatives with the outreach committee to expand the theatre's audience and reach underserved populations.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in fundraising, arts administration, business management, or a related field
• At least 3-5 years of experience in arts management, preferably in a leadership role within a theatre or performing arts organization.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets, financial reporting.
• Experience with—and excitement about—fundraising.

• Proven track record of working with boards of directors, volunteers, and other support groups.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including strategic planning, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Passion for the arts and a commitment to promoting cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to accommodate theatre events and productions.

APPLICATIONS DUE BY JANUARY 3, 2025

All applicants should submit a resume and answer the following question on their cover letter:

"How does your experience align with the mission of the Rochester Civic Theatre?"

Benefits

• FT position, salary of $70k/year
• PTO
• Paid holidays
• Benefit coverage details to be determined