ABOUT OTB 

For four decades and counting, On the Boards (OtB) has moved the needle on culture in Seattle. We continue to occupy a unique corner of this region's cultural arena— presenting challenging, provoking, surprising, and inspiring dance, theater, and performance works. We influence the contemporary art field on a global scale, investing in and supporting local artists who go on to develop careers and performances that are shared with thousands of audience members across the world.

OtB fulfills its mission by supporting artists from the Northwest and beyond, through new commissions and existing work presented online and in person. OtB offers a range of resources and events that provide in-depth information and complimentary social experiences to frame the art on its stages and create dynamic access for its audiences.

SUMMARY 

The Development Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing OtB’s mission by building and nurturing meaningful relationships with donors. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position oversees a dynamic portfolio of fundraising activities, from donor engagement to event planning, and works closely with the Marketing/Communications (MarComm) team and OtB’s Board. This is a unique opportunity for a strong project manager to join a collaborative, values-driven team while contributing directly to the sustainability and growth of a vital arts organization. 

On the Boards prioritizes a collaborative, team-oriented culture where everyone has a high level of ownership and performance in their roles, and where we care for ourselves, each other, and our community. We are a flexible workplace and place a high priority on the health and well-being of our staff.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Development & Fundraising:

• Donor relations: Under the supervision of the Executive Director, cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships with individual donors, including managing the interactions and communications for the ED and Board members. Manage personalized recognition efforts, impact reporting, face-to-face meetings, events, and other creative engagement strategies. Research and document donor interests and alignment with OtB.

• Annual Campaign Management: Collaborate with the Executive Director, Board, and Marketing + Communications (MarComm) team to write, design and execute donor campaigns aimed at increasing acquisition and retention rates. Draft and edit donor communications, ensuring professional and engaging messaging in all solicitations, emails, and reports.

• Grant coordination: Collaborate with an external grant writer to support grant research, proposal development, reporting, and acknowledgments.

• Event Planning: Plan and manage fundraising events, including receptions, socials, and OtB’s annual gala, ensuring each event aligns with the organization's mission and achieves fundraising goals. Includes supervising outside consultants and vendors.

• Database Management: Take independent initiative in learning to maintain and improve the donor database (PatronManager), ensuring accurate and up-to-date patron information. Perform regular donor analysis to inform fundraising strategies. Collaborate with the Audience & Engagement Manager to oversee gift processing, acknowledgments, and donor credit lines with precision and timeliness.

• Sponsorship Acquisition: Work with the Executive Director and MarComm team to identify and secure sponsorships from mission-aligned businesses, organizations, and brands.

Team Support: 

• Collaboration: Actively participate in weekly team meetings, strategic planning sessions, and organizational activities.

• Professional Development: Engage in opportunities to enhance skills and stay informed about best practices in nonprofit development.

• Work Planning: Develop and implement an annual work plan with measurable goals aligned with OtB’s strategic objectives.

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. All OtB employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed, to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced, close-knit environment and shares our passion for contemporary performance and community-building. At OtB, we value a growth mindset, curiosity, and the ability to connect with people authentically and with integrity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Development Experience: 3-5 years of experience with nonprofit development activities, with a strong focus on individual fundraising and event planning. 

• Project management skills: Ability to plan project steps, create and meet deadlines, manage schedules, communicate through challenges, and stay highly organized with competing priorities and information.

• Strong written communication skills: Ability to draft within a style guide and proofread own work, ensuring professional and impactful messaging.

• Proficiency in CRM systems: Familiarity with CRM systems (PatronManager or Salesforce is a plus).

• Attention to Detail: A commitment to accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of work.

• Team Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively and transparently with a small team. Ability to independently prioritize and communicate among overlapping deadlines and strategic endeavors. 

• Passion for contemporary performing arts and alignment with OtB’s mission and values, including demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and an ability to develop trust and maintain deep relationships with a variety of diverse stakeholders.

OtB is committed to creating an environment where our team members can thrive. We recognize that development work is a shared responsibility and are committed to providing the support and resources needed to succeed. If this role excites you but you’re unsure whether you meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. We’re ready to grow with you.

HOURS, BENEFITS, LOCATION & CONDITIONS 

This position is 40 hours/week paid hourly, Monday-Friday, with weekend and evening during performances. This position is hybrid, with 3 days a week in person at On the Boards. Additionally, we offer:

• Generous vacation and sick leave

• 13 paid federal holidays and 2 floating holidays

• 100% employer premium paid medical, vision and dental insurance

• STD, LTD and Life/ADD plans

• 403(b) retirement plan

• Paid volunteer time

• Monthly Commuter Benefit

• Annual professional development stipend

• Complimentary access to our theater programming for you and 1 person

  Conditions:

• Close office environment

• Ability to work at occasional offsite performance locations

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

We will be actively reviewing applications beginning February 28, 2025 with an intention to fill this role in the early spring. 

Please submit a cover letter and resume. 

On The Boards is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our staff, students, and governing institutions.  Candidates with diverse backgrounds and experience are encouraged to apply. On the Boards will engage in the interactive process to make reasonable accommodations that enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties when possible.