半岛体育

Vineyard Theatre and Workshop Center, Inc
New York, NY
US

DESCRIPTION

DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Full time, exempt position

Reports to Artistic Director
Requires night and weekend work as is customary with the position
Compensation: $120,000, or commensurate with experience

is one of the country鈥檚 leading not-for-profit theatre companies, dedicated to developing and producing daring and innovative new works and to nurturing a vibrant community of artists and audiences. From our home in New York City鈥檚 Union Square, The Vineyard launches new plays and musicals which go on to be seen around the world, including originating eleven shows that have moved to Broadway. Vineyard productions have received the industry鈥檚 highest honors, including Tony Awards and Pulitzer Prizes, and the company is the recipient of special Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk and Obie Awards for artistic excellence and support of artists.

The Director of External Affairs (DoEA) is a key member of Vineyard Theatre鈥檚 core leadership team, reporting to the Artistic Director. Responsible for all patron generated and contributed revenue for the $3M-$4M annual budget, the DoEA is focused on foundation and individual fundraising as well as communications. This includes fostering a pathway for individuals to grow in loyalty from single ticket buyers into members, major donors, potential Board members, and advocates for the organization. This individual will guide coordination across development and marketing functions, leading a committed Development team which includes a Grants Manager, Manager of Individual Giving, and Development Coordinator. In coordination with the Managing Producer, the DoEA will oversee patron communications and production marketing with the Marketing team including the Audience Services Manager, Digital Marketing Associate, press agency, and digital advertising agency.

After over 30 years in its home on 15th Street in Union Square, Vineyard Theatre鈥檚 Board of Directors have embarked on a 40th Anniversary Capacity Building and Capital Campaign which is currently in its silent leadership phase and will launch publicly in late 2025. The campaign will support artistic opportunity and innovation, audience experience and expansion, as well as human capital and financial capacity building 鈥� including the transformation of the organization鈥檚 facility, which it owns outright. The DoEA will partner with the Artistic Directors and the Board of Directors to champion this campaign within the Vineyard鈥檚 rapidly growing community of funders.

Key Responsibilities:

Philanthropic Development:
-Develop and execute a strategy to raise $3M+ annually through individual giving, foundation support, and special events.
-Lead and actively mentor a team of 3 (2 full-time, 1 consultant) to achieve fundraising goals.
-Oversee donor loyalty programs, using move-management tools to cultivate patrons from single ticket buyers to major donors, board members, and advocates, and to identify major gift prospects.
-Cultivate relationships with major donors, overseeing strategies for engagement.
-Conceive and execute fundraising campaigns, development events (including pre- and post-show donor events and the Annual Gala), annual fund appeals, and targeted solicitations.
-Lead communication with Board of Directors regarding solicitations and collections of annual gifts, management of Development and Gala committees, and encouraging peer-to-peer fundraising.
-Oversee and sustain data integrity in coordination and collaboration with Artistic Director, Managing Producer and Business Manager, including record keeping, income projections and P&L analysis.

Marketing & Audience Engagement:
-In consultation with the Managing Producer, manage and execute a marketing strategy to drive ticket sales and memberships.
-In consultation with the Managing Producer and advertising agency, craft effective marketing plans for productions and special events.
-Oversee Digital Marketing Associate鈥檚 management and execution of creative assets, organic content, and external marketing communication schedule.
-Participate in analyzing audience data and sales trends to adjust marketing strategies in real time, optimizing engagement and sales.
-Ensure alignment across all marketing and communications materials with the Vineyard Theatre鈥檚 brand, mission and style guide.
-Collaborate with Digital Marketing Associate, Audience Services and Outreach Manager, and external agencies to ensure a seamless and welcoming patron experience.

Cross-Department Leadership & Collaboration:
-Manage and communicate across the Development, Marketing, and Audience Services teams to ensure cohesive strategy and execution.
-Foster a culture of philanthropy and inclusivity, integrating a range of giving opportunities to engage our patron community.
-Ensure internal and external communications strategies are in alignment with organizational messaging and goals.
-Maintain effective communication with the Artistic Director and Managing Producer, helping manage priorities and providing strategic guidance.

Capital Campaign Support:
-Support the 40th Anniversary Capital and Capacity Building Campaign in partnership with the Artistic Director, Managing Producer and Board of Directors.
-Liaise with Campaign committee members, consultants and lobbyists.
-Champion the Campaign to the Theatre鈥檚 growing community of funders and help drive success during both silent and public phases.

Qualifications:
-7+ years of experience in fundraising and team leadership, ideally in the arts or nonprofit sector. Theatre-specific philanthropic expertise is a plus.
-Strong proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, research resources, and donor management and CRM platforms (Spektrix, Dotdigital, TRG, or similar)
-Proven ability to manage and collaborate across departments, working closely with senior leadership.
-Excellent diplomatic communication skills (both verbal and written), project management, and strategic planning skills.
-A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with experience in promoting these values within fundraising and organizational culture.
-Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-profile environment while staying focused on long-term goals.
-Passion for the arts and the mission of Vineyard Theatre.

Compensation:
-$120,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience
-Full benefits package, including health, dental, vision, vacation, 403(b) with match, and commuter benefits, upon vesting.

Vineyard Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and encourage women, people of color, and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

To apply: Send a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for two references, to [email protected] with the subject line 鈥淒irector of External Affairs鈥�.

SALARY

$120,000.00 – $120,000.00 per year

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