Manager of Donor Relations and Corporate Partnerships

Department: Advancement Title of Immediate Supervisor: Director of Advancement Salary Range: $75,000-$85,000 per year Hours: Full-time, Exempt Best Consideration Date: Monday, November 4, 2024 How to Apply: Send cover letter and resume (in attachment format) to hrwashingtonperformingarts.org with position title in subject line. Applications submitted without a resume or cover letter will not be considered. Position Summary/Purpose: The Washington Performing Arts Advancement team—a creative and collaborative collective of arts professionals—seeks a dynamic and results-driven Manager of Donor Relations and Corporate Partnerships (MDRCP) to complement and enhance our fundraising efforts. The MDRCP is responsible for growing, managing, soliciting, and stewarding supporters – including both corporate partners and individual philanthropists, as well as cultivating diplomatic relationships . The ideal candidate will join a staff of dedicated arts professionals, who represent a multiplicity of demographic, generational, and artistic backgrounds. The Manager of Donor Relations and Corporate Partnerships will value working on behalf of a compelling mission to champion the unifying power of the arts through transformative performances and impactful arts education programs. Our ideal colleague will value working for a preeminent performing arts institution that produces events in venues ranging from concert halls and clubs to public parks, featuring a range of artists and art forms from the most distinguished orchestras to both renowned and emerging artists in classical music, gospel music, jazz, and other rich traditions from around the world. The Manager of Donor Relations and Corporate Partnerships will be both a leader and partner in catalyzing support for our programs and organization. The Manager of Donor Relations and Corporate Partnerships (MDRCP) develops and advances strategies to engage the corporate, individual, diplomatic, and philanthropic communities. This individual will possess an entrepreneurial spirit and bring enthusiasm for building meaningful partnerships with corporations, individuals, local businesses, and government agencies. It is essential that the candidate has a proven track record of success in meeting or exceeding annual fundraising targets and a passion for the performing arts. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, the MDRCP will be a self-motivated, collaborative frontline fundraiser. As such, s/he will establish effective, strong working relationships with the Advancement team, and will work closely with the President & CEO, President Emeritus, and with members of the Board of Directors, Junior Board, and Management Team, to identify key prospects for further cultivation. Essential Duties: Donor Cultivation, Strategy, Solicitation, and Partnerships (75%): Donor Portfolio Management & Building: Identify, research, manage, and grow a portfolio of 70 active and prospective corporate and individual supporters whose annual budget goals represent approximately $500,000 for annual, special, or multi-year gifts beginning at $5,000 and extending to five and six figures. Develop Strategies to Increase Corporate and Individual Giving and Engagement: Proactively identify, cultivate, develop, and execute personalized solicitation strategies for new and existing corporate and individual donors. Develop and Pitch Proposals: Build a pipeline of prospects; prepare and pitch compelling proposals and presentations tailored to corporate and individual donor interests and giving priorities. Strategic Partnership: Lead meaningful engagement and relationship-building strategies for corporate, business, diplomatic, and community leaders to support direct fundraising initiatives. Project Reporting: Submit periodic progress and final project reports to fulfill donor compliance expectations. Creation of Stewardship Materials: Manage promotional deliverables and create stewardship materials in partnership with programmatic and design colleagues. Special Events Engagement: Manage corporate, individual, and diplomatic engagement and participation connected to the Annual Gala and Auction. Performance Tracking: Monitor and report on metrics such as Key Performance Indicator (KPIs), conversion rates, and donor retention. Board Pipeline Development (15%): Board of Directors/Corporate Donation Cultivation and Stewardship: Serve as primary relationship manager for Washington Performing Arts Board of Directors members who also hold Corporate Board seats. Board Prospecting: Work with Board Members to identify and cultivate new corporate and individual Board prospects. Board Governance: Support the Governance, Board Engagement, and Equity Committee to identify cultivation opportunities. Diplomatic Relations (10%): Building Meaningful Engagement Opportunities: Develop and implement strategies for connecting and engaging the diplomatic community with Washington Performing Arts’s programs and special events. Identify and Seek Partnerships: Identify, prepare, and execute proposals based on joint interests that appeal to diplomatic partners. Benefits of Working at Washington Performing Arts: At Washington Performing Arts, we believe in the value of building a community and taking care of our people. We offer a generous employee package that includes health, vision, dental, and life insurances, long-term disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403 B retirement saving plan, paid holidays, health & wellness/professional development stipend, and free performances. Join us Minimum Qualifications: 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising within the performing arts. Some college coursework in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of the performing arts, ideally one or more of the key artistic or programmatic areas. Proven track record of securing individual and corporate gifts at $5,000 level. Proven ability to: Engage and inspire donors through compelling storytelling and relationship-building. Set goals strategically and manage multiple donor strategies simultaneously. Interact and influence philanthropic leaders. Work effectively and cross-functionally with internal and external constituents. Essential Capabilities & Preferences: Creative and strategic thinking skills. Ability to proactively design initiatives and proposals to engage donors. Genuine interest in a wide range of people and diverse programmatic content. Collaborative team player. High degree of personal initiative and accountability. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. High level of discretion and ethical approach to fundraising. Good judgment, tact, and patience. CRM experience (ideally, Tessitura or Raiser’s Edge). Affinity for the performing arts and commitment to values of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. Relationships in the local D.C. business community, on Capitol Hill, and within the diplomatic community a plus. Specific Conditions of Work: Completion of a satisfactory criminal background check prior to start of employment. The Manager of Donor Relations and Corporate Partnerships is a full-time position with office hours from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and additional duties at performances, events, and activities beyond regular office hours. Hybrid work schedule: 3 days minimum in office/onsite work. Must be able to staff events on evenings and weekends as well as attend social and networking events on behalf of Washington Performing Arts. Must have reliable transportation. J-18808-Ljbffr