Development Director

ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE

A nonprofit professional company with an annual budget of approximately $2.5 million, Porchlight is Chicago’s award-winning home for music theatre, celebrating the past, present and future of this unique American art form for nearly 30 years. In residence at the historic, intimate Ruth Page Center for the Arts in Chicago’s Gold Coast, Porchlight Music Theatre delights more than 30,000 patrons each year with a Mainstage season of inventively reimagined classics, recent Broadway hits and new musical finds; the Porchlight Revisits series of rarely seen musicals in limited run with enhanced dramaturgy; the Porchlight in Concert symphonic staged reading series; and the free Broadway in your Backyard neighborhood-park summer concert series, in addition to educational programs for students of all ages through classes and camps, Chicago Public Schools and community partnerships. 

SEE OUR 2022/2023 ANNUAL REPORT

ABOUT THE POSITION

Porchlight seeks a motivated and experienced individual to create and implement the annual strategic development plan, refining a structure for effective fundraising to meet the organization’s current and future financial needs in a sustainable and consistent way. With a specific focus on individual and major gifts, the Development Director fosters relationships with existing and potential individual donors, foundation funders, corporate sponsors/funders, and other public/private organizations in an effort to advance the organization’s mission. The Development Director directly supervises two full-time associates and the grant writing consultant. 

A detailed job description is viewable at our website: porchlightmusictheatre.org.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 7 years experience in development/fundraising 
• Proven track record in setting and executing development strategy, establishing and developing solid donor relationships, and meeting fundraising goals
• Excellent interpersonal, written/verbal communication, and presentation skills; ability to make a strong, effective case for support
• Basic level of experience and comfort with donor databases (PatronManager experience preferred but not required)
• Strong organizational and planning skills with ability to focus on strategic vision as well as day-to-day plans
• Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and to handle multiple tasks and priorities
• Team-player with high level of initiative and professionalism 
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as performances, events or meetings require
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and dedication to the mission of Porchlight Music Theatre

COMPENSATION

• $100,000 annually
• Optional individual PPO health insurance with at least 80% employer contribution for individual coverage; optional dental/vision coverage
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and 10 paid holidays annually
• Flexible hybrid work setting

CLOSING & APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please send a cover letter and resume via email to employment-intern@porchlightmusictheatre.org. No phone calls, please. Resumes will be accepted through April 26,  2024, after which the application process is closed. Initial virtual screening interviews will be held April 1 - April 26 with additional virtual and live interviews for final candidates from April 29th - May 17th.

Porchlight Music Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theatre field are strongly encouraged to apply.

https://porchlightmusictheatre.org/about/opportunity/