Director of Development

ABOUT THE AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The AT&T Performing Arts Center is a nonprofit foundation that operates and programs a 10-acre campus comprised of three premier performance venues and a park in downtown Dallas. Audiences enjoy the best and most recent from Broadway; the finest dance companies from across the globe co-presented with TITAS Presents; and top concerts, performers and cutting-edge speakers. Thousands of students explore and more deeply experience the arts through the Center’s education program, Open Stages. The Center also offers free programming for audiences from every part of the community.

Organizational Values:

The Center’s culture is to focus on the values that guide its people's actions. The Center commits to serving as a place of inclusion, diversity, and equity for our staff, artists, community, and beyond. We commit to listening to each other, learning from each other, and taking a stand for what we know is right so that all people feel valued, respected, and safe. 

The Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Center’s Core Values are to passionately pursue our mission by being:

• Achievement Focused - Committed to the advancement and cultivation of the Performing Arts in Dallas
• Community Minded – Actively fostering and participating in meaningful community interactions
• Customer Service Driven – Dedicated to the service of internal and external constituents so that all want to return
• Flexible – Willing to change to achieve results

The Center’s five resident companies are among the city’s leading arts institutions: Anita N. Martinez

Ballet Folklorico, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center and Texas Ballet Theater.

Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, the Center’s campus includes the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, Annette Strauss Square, and Elaine D. and Charles A. Sammons Park are some of the finest performance venues in the world.

Job Summary:

The dynamic, experienced, and results-driven Director of Development plays a key role in growing contributed income for the Center through the Bravo! Gala, annual fund campaign, membership, and major gifts programs. The Director of Development works with departmental staff to identify, cultivate, and solicit donors and donor prospects with the goal of increasing the number of donors and contributions on a consistent and repeatable basis.

This position is a detail-oriented, highly organized team player with excellent interpersonal skills who works seamlessly and efficiently with AT&T Performing Arts Center staff and end users of the facilities. Essential skills include the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Must be a self-starter and work autonomously using independent judgement. A positive attitude towards the position and the Center’s Core Values is imperative.

Position Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Work closely with the VP of Development to set goals, priorities, and direction for individual giving programs
• In partnership with senior staff leadership and the Board of Directors Annual Fund Committee, create the strategy and plan to expand membership and philanthropic revenue
• Oversee the development of retention and upgrade strategies to move donors and members through the giving continuum
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate relationships with prospective and current major donors, with a focus on retaining and upgrading support
• Manage a portfolio of current major gift donors and prospects. Develop and execute a personalized plan to solicit major gifts, curating appropriate involvement of the VP, CEO, and other key Board members
• Create and maintain strong, trusting relationships with donors through personalized communications and engagement opportunities
• Assign portfolio to the Development Manager
• Oversee the execution of special events and programs in support of development activities, including the annual Bravo! Gala
• Oversee Board of Directors engagement and annual giving
• Manage two direct reports, the Development Manager and the Development Associate
• Ensure strong data and communications infrastructure to support the fundraising program
• Track contacts and strategy in Tessitura and oversee reporting of the annual fund revenue pipeline and forecasting
• Conduct prospect research as needed
• Exemplify the Core Values of the Center by working passionately to pursue the mission and vision of the organization
• Other duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has supervisory responsibilities for the Development Manager and the Development Associate.

Education and/or Experience

•  Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited university or equivalent related experience as determined by hiring department.

Experience & Skills

• Excellent verbal, written, budgetary and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• At least 5 years of experience working in fundraising or equivalent experience including face-to-face solicitation
• Demonstrated success in generating significant commitments from individuals
• Flexible schedule for events, this position will work many nights and weekends, including holidays
• Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organizational skills with a high attention to detail
• Professional demeanor and attire
• Highly motivated self-starter, who works well independently and, in a group setting, a true team player
• Ability to initiate and build relationships with prospective donors and must be an excellent networker and solicitor
• Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and database management (experience in Tessitura a plus)

AT&T Performing Arts Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the belief that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity.