Director of Development

Position Title: Director of Development
Reports To: Executive Director
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: The Colonial Performing Arts Center, Keene, NH

Position Summary

The Colonial Performing Arts Center seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead and grow our individual, corporate, and institutional fundraising efforts. The Director of Development will be responsible for expanding our membership base, deepening donor and sponsor relationships, and guiding the Executive Director in major gifts strategy. This is a highly outward-facing role, perfect for someone who is energized by people, motivated by impact, and strategic in both data and decision-making.

Core Responsibilities

Individual Giving & Membership

• Develop and execute strategies to recruit new individual members and retain, upgrade, and steward current members.
• Create and manage systems for member recognition, engagement, and communication.
• Personally cultivate relationships with members and donors—inviting them to events, suggesting shows, and making them feel valued.
• Plan and execute member events that foster deeper community and organizational pride.
• Personally solicit contributions from individual donors at all levels.
• Work with the Executive Director to identify major donor prospects and coordinate cultivation and solicitation efforts.

Corporate Sponsorships & Business Engagement

• Recruit new corporate sponsors and business members.
• Cultivate and grow relationships with current sponsors, seeking renewal and increased investment.
• Serve as an ambassador in the community—attending events, meetings, and networking opportunities to promote The Colonial's value to local businesses.
• Develop customized sponsorship opportunities tied to programming, community impact, and brand visibility.

Data Strategy & Analytics

• Develop fluency in the organization’s CRM/database (AudienceView/OvationTix or equivalent).
• Run and analyze reports to assess donor engagement, track campaign performance, and identify growth opportunities.
• Use data-driven insights to guide strategic decisions and support tactical implementation across membership, donor, and sponsorship areas.

Major Gifts Strategy

• Partner with the Executive Director to design and implement a major gifts strategy.
• Use data and donor history to prioritize and prepare the Executive Director’s major donor pipeline.
• Personally engage in major donor outreach and solicitations.
• Serve as the strategic architect behind cultivation strategies, meeting prep, and stewardship plans.

Grants Management

• Research new foundation, corporate, and government grant opportunities.
• Write and submit compelling proposals aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
• Maintain a grants calendar and coordinate timely reporting and follow-up with funders.

Development Committee & Events

• Collaborate with and support the Development Committee in fundraising planning and execution.
• Help recruit and engage committee members as fundraising ambassadors.
• Attend and represent the organization at Colonial performances, donor events, and community functions.
• Serve as a consistent, welcoming presence at shows to meet, greet, and deepen relationships with patrons and members.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Preferably 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or business development (nonprofit arts experience a plus).
• Entrepreneurial mindset: Self-starter who can work independently while thriving in a collaborative team.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills: Comfortable engaging with donors, board members, business leaders, and community members.
• Strong analytical and CRM/database skills (AudienceView/OvationTix or similar).
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills for donor communication and grant writing.
• Strategic thinker with a high attention to detail.
• Ability to move comfortably between high-level planning and hands-on execution.
• Enthusiastic, energetic, and mission-driven team player.
• Familiarity with the Monadnock Region preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience (Range $60-80k, depending on experience)
• Paid time off and holidays
• Health and wellness benefits
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership

The Colonial Performing Arts Center is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups.