Non-Profit & Social Impact, Community Health

Overview

Status
:
Full-Time | Exempt | Benefits Eligible

Location
:
On-Site - Paper Mill Playhouse (Millburn, NJ)

Reports to
:
Associate Director of Major Gifts

About Paper Mill Playhouse

Founded in 1934 and recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Paper Mill Playhouse is an internationally recognized leader in American musical theater and a cornerstone of arts education and access across New Jersey. In addition to producing groundbreaking new works and acclaimed revivals for more than 200,000 audience members each year, Paper Mill reaches more than 40,000 students, educators, and families through robust arts education programs, in-school partnerships, and access initiatives that nurture creativity, build confidence, and cultivate the next generation of theater lovers.

Our Mission

Paper Mill Playhouse entertains, inspires, and enriches lives. As the nation s premier musical theater, we foster a creative environment to advance the art form, educate students, develop future theater lovers, nurture inclusion, and provide access for all.

Why This Role Matters

Paper Mill Playhouse is in an exciting period of growth, creativity, and deepened community engagement—and individual philanthropy is fundamental to that momentum.

At Paper Mill, we believe philanthropy is built on trust, belonging, and authentic connection—not transactions. This role is central to how we move beyond traditional fundraising tactics and toward donor relationships built upon shared values, curiosity, and care.

The Senior Donor Engagement Officer (SDEO) plays a highly visible role in shaping how donors experience, connect with, and invest in Paper Mill. This position blends frontline fundraising with strategy, storytelling, and donor experience design. You will steward meaningful relationships, oversee the Annual Fund renewal program, and help grow a sustainable pipeline of supporters who believe in the power of musical theater to inspire, educate, and bring people together.

Who We re Looking For

This is an ideal role for an experienced, relationship-driven fundraising professional who:

• Values trust, listening, and long-term partnership as much as short-term results.
• Is excited to help evolve how donors connect with a leading cultural institution.
• Enjoys both hands-on donor engagement and big-picture thinking.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Associate Director of Major Gifts, the SDEO manages a portfolio of individual donors while serving as a key partner in the planning and execution of the Annual Fund strategy.

You will lead the day-to-day execution of renewals and appeals, collaborate across departments on donor-centered communication, and help design engagement pathways that move supporters from first gift to deeper, sustained involvement—with an emphasis on clarity, trust, and long-term relationship building. The role balances autonomy with collaboration and offers meaningful exposure to leadership, donors, and organizational strategy.

This role is well-suited for a fundraising professional who sees philanthropy not as a series of transactions, but as an evolving relationship rooted in shared purpose.

Key Responsibilities

Percentages are approximate and reflect how time is typically allocated across responsibilities.

Donor Portfolio + Relationship Management (40%)

• Manage and strategically steward a portfolio of approximately 150-200 donor households.
• Guide donors through a thoughtful relationship journey—from first connection through long-term partnership—with an emphasis on retention, trust, and sustained philanthropic engagement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Annual Fund donors giving up to $3,000, delivering a high-touch, personalized donor experience.
• Conduct thoughtful donor outreach via phone, email, meetings, and events to strengthen relationships and inspire continued support.

Annual Fund Strategy + Campaigns (25%)

• Partner with the Associate Director of Major Gifts to execute the full Annual Fund renewal process, including solicitations, reminders, acknowledgments, and benefit fulfillment.
• Help plan, execute, and continuously refine multi-channel annual giving campaigns across direct mail, email, web, and social media.
• C…