Development Manager

Position Summary

The Development Manager will lead the North Country Center for the Arts fundraising and sponsorship initiatives, with a primary focus on implementing the new Seasonal Underwriting Program and expanding donor engagement. This role is pivotal in building a sustainable corporate sponsorship foundation that supports annual programming and positions the theatre and its subsidiary programming to diversify and grow its donor base in future years.

In addition to corporate fundraising, the Development Manager will also oversee the Encore Alliance patron and independent donor network, ensuring that this group of grassroots supporters remains engaged, cultivated, and recognized as a vital component of the Playhouse’s long-term success.

While much of the day-to-day work may be conducted remotely, this position requires regular and frequent travel to Lincoln, NH for meetings, events, and community engagement activities.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Sponsorships

• Secure and manage seasonal underwriting partnerships for all major productions and events (Winter Concert Series, Spring Education Show, Summer Theatre & Comedian Series, Fall Ghost Light Haunt Attraction, Holiday Musical).
• Develop and steward relationships with corporate sponsors, individual donors, and community partners.
• Identify new prospects in hospitality, beverage, and tourism sectors aligned with event sponsorship goals.

Encore Alliance Donor Network

• Provide oversight of the Encore Alliance patron and independent donor group.
• Develop cultivation, recognition, and retention strategies to grow participation and contributions.
• Coordinate communications and benefits for Encore Alliance members, ensuring alignment with Jean’s fundraising goals.

Event Fundraising

• Oversee fundraising components of new and re-imagined outreach events.
• Collaborate with the Events Committee to maximize sponsorship, auction, and donor revenue.
• Board of Trustees & Committee Engagement
• Provide direct staff support to various fundraising specific board committees
• Equip board members with materials and strategies to facilitate introductions to potential partners.
• Serve as the “closer” for board-initiated sponsor/donor leads.

Strategic Development

• Track and report on fundraising progress, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Contribute to planning of capital campaigns and long-term donor cultivation strategies.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in development, fundraising, or nonprofit management.
• Demonstrated success in corporate sponsorships and donor cultivation.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to “close the deal.”
• Knowledge of the arts or hospitality/tourism sectors preferred.

Compensation & Work Structure

• Base Salary: $45,000 – $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Performance Incentive: Following a 6-month trial period, eligibility for additional performance-based compensation tied to fundraising benchmarks.
• Work Structure: Primarily remote, with regular travel to Lincoln, NH required.
• Benefits: 2-weeks paid vacation.