Development Manager

The Development Manager provides strategic leadership in planning, implementing, and managing fundraising efforts for Studio East. This role is instrumental in cultivating and stewarding relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and government funders to secure financial support for all programming, community outreach, and operational needs.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the ideal candidate is a quick learner, strategic thinker, and skilled communicator, with passion for theater and its importance in our world. The candidate should have experience with fundraising and/or non‑profit theater, with a proven track record in contributed revenue cultivation.

This role is a full‑time role with flexibility to work from home up to two days a week. Core working hours are Monday‑Friday with some evening and weekend hours to support special events.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan, including annual giving campaigns, major giving, corporate sponsor ships, grants, and special events.
• Collaboratively lead management of donor database (Patron Manager) to track contributions, generate reports, and analyze fundraising metrics.
• Partner with the Marketing Team to create compelling fundraising materials, including appeals, newsletters, and social media campaigns.
• Coordinate with current Development team and grant writers to identify appropriate funding opportunities, deliver compelling proposals, and manage final reporting for foundations and government agencies.

• Identify, cultivate, and work with the Managing Director, Artistic Director and Board to solicit donors and prospects to build a robust donor pipeline, set fundraising goals, and report on progress.
• Build and nurture strong relationships between Studio East and the greater community of donors, families, sponsors, and community members.
• Deepen donor engagement and increase giving levels.

• Plan and execute annual fundraising events such as Spring Gala, Season Announcements, and more by coordinating logistics, developing event budgets, and coordinating staffing needs.
• Coordinate donor appreciation events and programs, such as receptions, or behind‑the‑scenes experiences with artists.
• Collaborate with marketing and programming staff to align events with the organization's artistic mission and brand.

• Proven ability to work as a team player with diverse groups
• Highly motivated, self‑starter with strong organizational skills and ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, comfortable speaking in public, and networking in diverse settings
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• A resourceful team player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently and be proactive with approaches to problem‑solving with strong decision‑making capability
• Excellent time and task management skills as evidenced by a proven ability to efficiently and effectively handle multiple tasks at the same time as well as appropriate delegation

• Sense of humor, creativity and an appreciation of the role of philanthropy in building community
• Commitment to diversity, accessibility and inclusion
• High level of integrity, professional maturity and sound judgment
• Passion for the arts and its integral role in community building

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and Database/CRM software.
• At least two years as part of a Fund Development Team in a not‑for‑profit organization showing increasing responsibility and growth.
• Demonstrated knowledge of successful annual fundraising practices and donor engagement strategies

• Experience with capital campaigns
• Experience in grant writing
• Knowledge of community‑centric fundraising practices and principles
• Familiarity and experience with King County philanthropic community and arts funding opportunities
• Experience in Patron Manager and/or Salesforce as a donor…