Director of Development

The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit performing arts venue located in the heart of downtown Wilkes-Barre. The Kirby Center presents over 80 diverse events annually, including concerts, Broadway shows, comedy, film, and educational programming. With a mission to provide broad access to the arts and enrich the cultural life of the region, the Kirby Center serves nearly 100,000 patrons each year and has welcomed close to three million guests since opening in 1986.

As a cornerstone of the local arts community, the Kirby Center relies on philanthropic support to sustain its programming, outreach, and preservation efforts.

The Director of Development is accountable for the management of the F.M. Kirby Center’s fundraising programs and development staff. Responsibilities include major gift research, cultivation, solicitation and grant development/compliance. The Director of Development collaborates closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors on setting fundraising strategies and goals and aligns fundraising efforts with the theater’s overall strategic plan.

• Lead the planning and execution of all fundraising initiatives, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation grants, special events, Planned Giving, and Tax Credit Programs.
• Grant research development and compliance for public and private sources.
• Oversee Membership to ensure new initiatives and retention.
• Develop strategies to advance relationships with donors and prospective donors.
• Budget development and oversight.
• Responsible for the Advancement Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Legislative and government relations.
• Provide direct supervision to the Associate Director of Development.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Position requires four year degree and five years professional fundraising experience.
• Capital campaign experience preferred.
• Proven track record in gift solicitation on all levels.
• Experience in planning, implementing and managing fundraising campaigns and analyzing fundraising data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives about the theater’s mission and impact.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse constituencies.
• Proficiency in donor management software and fundraising platforms.

Must be comfortable and capable of working/communicating effectively with potential donors.