DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Reports to: Executive Director
The Director of Development is responsible for all Z Space Development activities and operations to fulfill annual contributed income goals in support of the organization’s general operations, productions and programs, and special initiatives, including Word for Word (resident theater company of Z Space). This position oversees both institutional and individual giving; manages donor and prospect databases and records, and executes all stewardship and cultivation programs, including special events. In conjunction with the Director of Marketing, this position shares supervision of the Development and Marketing Coordinator.
About Z Space: Z Space empowers artistic risk, collaboration, and camaraderie amongst artists, audience, and community in the service of creating, developing, and presenting new work. Operating out of an old can factory in the Mission District of San Francisco, Z Space activates two performance spaces, an 85-seat black box and a 244-seat main stage, with a warehouse aesthetic and an adventurous edge. Eschewing traditional theater models with fixed seasons and a singular artistic vision, Z Space strives to embrace a multitude of artistic voices through a variety of programs and partnerships. Z Space is also home to resident theater company Word for Word and the Youth Arts education program. For more information on Z Space, please visit zspace.org.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Development Strategy, Goals, and Culture
Support commitment to attracting, retaining, and engaging mission and values-aligned relationships and partnerships.
In collaboration with the Executive Director, lead all development functions and operations, establishing and meeting quarterly and yearly fundraising goals (approximately $1.5M annually) to support the needs of general operations, programs and productions, capital campaigns, and special initiatives.
Nurture a culture of giving among Z Space and Word for Word communities, with clear strategies for sustaining and furthering relationships to ensure contributed income growth year over year.
Represent Z Space/Word for Word and its communities to key stakeholders among a diverse range of constituencies.
Individual Giving
Manage an individual donor portfolio of approximately 500 individuals, approx $500K in annual contributed income, plus new prospects. Oversee all aspects of donor giving cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship of donors and prospects.
Manage a robust pipeline of donors and prospects, including identifying new donor prospects from regular review and research of audience data.
Formulate specific strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a high-value portfolio of major giving prospects
Conceive, plan, budget and manage special fundraising events
Directly participate in face-to-face cultivation, solicitation, and donor stewardship activities.
Support and deploy staff and Board for effective engagement with constituents, including conducting donor and prospect research and preparing briefings for donor cultivation and solicitation.
Foundation, Corporate, and Government Relations
These responsibilities are currently held by the Interim Producing Director and the Executive Director who will share information, resources, and strategies with the new Director of Development.
Manage a grant portfolio of 25 institutions, approx $1M in annual contributed income, plus new prospects. Direct the maintenance and management of calendar for all grant proposals, LOI’s and interim and final reports ensuring timely submissions.
Maintain Grant Tracking log for monitoring progress toward targets for grant-based income.
Create reporting mechanisms for compliance with funding commitments.
Lead and complete drafting of all grant proposals, LOI’s and reports with input from appropriate staff, for review by Executive Director and Interim Producing Director in advance of submission deadline.
Research, identify and apply for new government, corporate and foundation grant prospects applicable to our organization and projects
Monitor RFPs and communications from institutional sources and advise senior leadership on upcoming opportunities.
Maintain complete files for all outstanding proposals and currently funded grants.
Maintain complete supplies of supporting documentation for proposals.
Meet with foundation and corporate program managers and leaders.
Development Operations
Oversee maintenance, updating and expansion of donor/funder and prospect databases.
Ensure that proper giving records are maintained and gifts are acknowledged in a timely fashion.
Prepare detailed monthly fundraising reports.
Work with accounting department to create financial reports as necessary for funder needs
Track grant budgets to actuals as needed for foundation reporting.
Track multi-year grant income and expenditures.
Submit timely reimbursement requests for government funding
Writing, Communications, and Training
Produce high-quality and effective written communications at all stages of the development process. Key activities will include drafting compelling letters and email campaigns that communicate Z Space's vision, mission, and strategic priorities; developing giving plans based on prospects' interests, updated and personalized acknowledgments, and crafting well-conceived proposals for foundation and corporate prospects.
Motivate, train and support volunteers, Board, and staff in effective cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and recognition of donors.
Collaborate in the development of marketing, media and general communications strategies.
Related Responsibilities
Work effectively as a team member within Z Space
Establish and maintain connections with donors and prospects by attending productions in Z Space and throughout the Bay Area theater community.
Qualifications/Skills
Excitement about Z Space’s Mission, Values and commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Experience working in a non-profit development department with annual funds and major giving
Familiarity with local and national funding trends
Knowledge of fundraising software systems, AudienceView experience a plus
Familiarity with IRS laws for charitable contributions and tax-deductibility desired
Proficiency working with spreadsheets
An interest or background in theater, dance, and performing arts
This is a full-time permanent position with benefits. The ideal start date is August 20, 2022. Salary is $70-75K. To apply, please email [email protected] with: cover letter, resume, and one writing sample of a grant proposal or fundraising campaign. Hybrid options available; some work will need to take place on site at Z Space, 450 Florida Street, San Francisco. Other perks of working at Z Space include: access to rehearsal and performance space, a sunshiny office, and a collaborative team. Z Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to the diversity of its staff and strongly encourages all qualified candidates to apply.