Director of Major Gifts

About Second Stage Theater

At Second Stage, we create and champion plays and musical solely from living American writers. On our mainstage Broadway theater, the Hayes, and in our Off-Broadway theaters over the past 46 years, we have developed and presented over 200 daring and provocative theatrical experiences by working with countless artists who have contributed their talents to our award-winning productions. As the only Broadway company exclusively devoted to living American writers, Second Stage is dedicated to introducing the world to bold and diverse voices of American creativity.

The Development Department secures funding to advance the mission of Second Stage, fostering relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporations to raise philanthropic support, driving membership growth, working with government funders, and growing contributed revenue through events.

The Director of Major Gifts secures significant philanthropic support for Second Stage, managing a portfolio of donors capable of contributing major annual gifts to Second Stage, both stewarding our current donors and cultivating and securing new donors. The Director of Major Gifts provides leadership and strategic direction for a major and planned giving initiatives at Second Stage, developing and implementing strategies to increase revenue and meet ambitious goals.

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit donors; close gifts and steward donors
• Build a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of making sustained annual gifts
• Collaborate with colleagues on the Development Team to develop a robust major gift pipeline
• Work with senior leadership and artistic staff to understand priorities; involve colleagues meaningfully in development activities and prepare them to engage and solicit donors
• Lead the revitalization of the planned giving program; identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward planned giving prospects; work within internal communications colleagues to develop planned giving materials and communications
• Attend key membership events, public programs, and some board committee meetings to build and steward relationships with donors and prospects
• Maintain consistent and appropriate contact with prospects and donors; track contact in donor relationship management database (Tessitura)
• Mentor and coach junior staff members
• Performs other duties to support the Development Department, as assigned

• 7-10 years' experience in fundraising, including experience in frontline fundraising with demonstrated success in soliciting and closing major gifts
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Entrepreneurial, goal-oriented, and collaborative team player
• Knowledge of the New York City philanthropic and cultural communities
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to communicate confidently and effectively with high net-worth individuals
• Diplomacy, tact, and the ability to skillfully handle donor situations
• Creative thinker with intellectual curiosity
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines and to solve problems effectively
• Commitment to and enthusiasm for the mission of Second Stage
• Availability to work evening and weekend events
• Commitment to Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion; thrives in a diverse working environment

Time will be spent in an office with quiet to moderate noise level and occasionally in the theatre with often loud and amplified noises. The office environment requires using the computer, phone, and other routine office equipment. Majority of the work will be performed inside at room temperature.

Position requires long periods of sitting. While sitting in the office, employee is required to use hands, wrists, and fingers for keyboard and other office equipment. The employee may often use stairs throughout the day and walk throughout the theatres.

Second Stage’s working hours are 10 AM to 6 PM. Hours may also include nights and weekends, as assigned.

Second Stage offers a full…