Director of Development Job Description

Media Contact:

For Immediate Release

November 22, 2005

Mission: The mission of The Paramount Theater is to enhance the quality of life in the region by creating a lively center offering programs to entertain and educate, enchant and enlighten.

Reports To: Vice President for Operations.

Classification: The Director of Development position is classified as full-time.

Basic Function: The Director of Development will provide the leadership, strategic direction, management and coordination for all Paramount fundraising efforts. The Director will create fundraising strategies that increase the organization's support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other sources. The Director of Development plays a key role in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major donors for capital and annual gifts. The Director will work in close collaboration with the President & CEO and other senior staff and key volunteer leadership to achieve the fundraising goals of the organization.

Responsibilities:
• Plan, administer, and implement all fundraising activities of The Paramount Theater of Charlottesville and The Paramount Theater Foundation;

• Manage the development department in a fiscally sound manner by ensuring that the appropriate systems, staffing and procedures are in place to support fundraising goals;

• Manage annual membership of approximately 2,200 members;

• Develop, manage and implement (in collaboration with the President & CEO) all aspects of a $4,000,000 capital fund drive.

• Provide detailed reports about the fundraising progress to the President & CEO and Vice President for Operations and the Development Committee on a regular basis;

• Maintain a proactive, creative leadership role in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of individual, corporate and foundation contributions;

• Cultivate and directly solicit key donors, working with the President & CEO and other key volunteers, as appropriate;

• Develop annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the President & CEO for presentation to the Board of Directors;

• Prepare and/or oversee all direct mail letters, case statements, grants, brochures, and sponsorship proposals required to support fundraising efforts;

• Coordinate donor patron receptions, events, and galas in collaboration with Director of Marketing, House Manager and volunteers;

• Ensure that all donors are appropriately thanked and receive regular communication by making donor stewardship a priority throughout The Paramount Theater;

• Develop and maintain close working relationships with the philanthropic community, individual and corporate donors, sponsors, board members and volunteers;

• Serve as a visible spokesperson and advocate for The Paramount Theater's mission and programs in the funding community; and

• Serve as a member of The Paramount's senior management team.


Ideal Experience: The ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:

• At least five to seven years of proven experience managing a complex fundraising program in a sophisticated organization with a reputation for quality and excellence;

• Demonstrated experience in managing people and budgets; ability to work in an hands-on environment with limited resources; computer literacy and knowledge of Raiser's Edge is highly desirable;

• Ability to effectively gain the respect and support of various constituencies, including board and staff members, donors and foundation and civic leaders;

• A successful track record of personally identifying, cultivating and soliciting individual donors, corporations and foundations;

• A record of measurable results in organizing and implementing such activities as: major gifts, annual gifts, grant writing, corporate and foundation giving, direct mail and special events;

• A track record as an effective communicator; and

• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Personal Qualities: The Director of Development will be:

• Committed to be enthusiastic about The Paramount Theater's mission and programs;

• Highly entrepreneurial, resourceful and flexible;

• A strategist who is adept at planning, prioritizing, multi-tasking, organizing and following through while remaining highly energetic and focused;

• A team builder with strong skills in management and leadership;

• A catalyst with vision who can create excitement and energy around The Paramount Theater's programs and encourage others to support the organization -- persuasive, persistent, and determined in the pursuit of the organization's fundraising goals;

• Straightforward, self-motivated, and diplomatic -- sharing information readily, listening as well as giving advice and respecting the abilities of others;

• Energetic and willing to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of fundraising activities; and

• Emotionally mature with a sense of humor to maintain balance.

Benefits:

Health Coverage
Health insurance provided to employee with The Paramount Theater paying 60% and employee covering 40% of cost.

Vacation
2 weeks of vacation per year (10 working days). Vacation is accrued beginning at date of hire. Employee may use accrued time after 6-months of employment.

Holidays
9 days per year as follows.
New Years: 1 day
Easter or Yom Kippur: 1 day
Memorial Day: 1 day
Fourth of July: 1 day
Labor Day: 1 day
Thanksgiving: 2 days
Christmas: 2 days

Personal Days
Ten (10) days per year (for sick days, errands, etc.), after 6-months of employment. Personal Days are accrued beginning at date of hire. Employee may use accrued time after 6-months of employment.

Reviews: Performance reviews scheduled annually.

Compensation: Negotiable and commensurate with experience.

Adminstrative Office Hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday.