A Fundraising Manager manages fundraising for an organization. Develops and implements fundraising strategies that include online fundraising, mail and email campaigns, grant writing and fundraising events. May develop relationships with large donors.
Founded in 1915, Cleveland Play House (CPH) is America's first professional regional theatre and a nationally recognized cultural institution. Throughout its history, CPH has launched groundbreaking new work, produced celebrated classics and contemporary plays, and served as a vital artistic home for generations of artists and audiences. As Cleveland Play House enters a transformative new chapter, the organization is building on its legacy while embracing new opportunities for artistic excellence, community impact, and long-term sustainability. The Associate Director of Development will play an important leadership role in strengthening philanthropic support and deepening relationships with donors, trustees, sponsors, and community partners.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Associate Director of Development serves as a key member of Cleveland Play House's fundraising leadership team, helping to advance fundraising initiatives that support the organization's mission, artistic work, educational programs, and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Director of Development, this position is responsible for donor engagement, stewardship, annual giving initiatives, sponsorship support, donor events, and a portfolio of individual donors and prospects. The Associate Director works collaboratively across departments and with external partners to ensure donors experience meaningful engagement with Cleveland Play House and its impact on the community. The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven fundraiser who enjoys building connections, managing multiple projects, creating exceptional donor experiences, and helping drive philanthropic growth.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Donor Engagement and Fundraising Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects ($1000-9999), developing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that strengthen engagement and philanthropic support. Partner with the Director of Development to identify opportunities for donor growth, increased giving, and movement through the donor pipeline. Support cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts across a range of donor constituencies and giving levels. Assist with fundraising initiatives designed to increase contributed revenue and donor participation. Represent Cleveland Play House at performances, donor events, community gatherings, and cultivation activities. Annual Giving Assist in planning and implementing annual giving strategies and campaigns. Support donor acquisition, retention, renewal, and upgrade efforts. Develop donor communications and engagement opportunities that encourage philanthropic participation. Track and evaluate annual giving initiatives and recommend improvements. Stewardship and Donor Relations Lead donor stewardship efforts and help ensure donors receive timely, meaningful recognition and engagement. Coordinate donor benefit fulfillment, recognition programs, and stewardship communications. Assist in the creation of impact reports, donor updates, and stewardship materials. Develop and implement strategies that strengthen donor loyalty and long-term engagement. Sponsorships and Partnerships Lead or support corporate sponsorship and partnership activities, including cultivation, proposal development, benefit fulfillment, and stewardship, as assigned. Coordinate sponsor recognition and activation opportunities. Assist in maintaining strong relationships with corporate and community partners. Events and Engagement Plan and execute donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events. Coordinate donor receptions, opening-night activities, special gatherings, and other engagement opportunities. Work collaboratively with Artistic, Marketing, Production, and Education teams to create meaningful donor experiences connected to CPH programming. Support volunteer engagement opportunities related to fundraising and donor cultivation. Advancement Coordination Serve as a primary point of coordination for development workflows and fundraising activities. Help track fundraising initiatives, stewardship activities, reporting deadlines, and donor engagement efforts. Collaborate with advancement-services partners and internal stakeholders to support fundraising goals and donor engagement strategies. Assist in maintaining accurate fundraising records, donor tracking systems, and development calendars. Board and Volunteer Support Support the work of the Development Committee and other fundraising-related volunteer activities. Assist trustees and volunteers engaged in fundraising efforts. Prepare materials, reports, and briefing documents as needed to support donor engagement and fundraising activities. Team Leadership and Collaboration May supervise staff, contractors, interns, or project-based personnel in support of development initiatives. Foster a collaborative, donor-centered, and mission-driven culture. Participate in departmental planning and cross-functional collaboration. Serve as an ambassador for Cleveland Play House and its mission.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of three years of progressively responsible fundraising, development, relationship management, sales, marketing, or nonprofit experience. Demonstrated success building and maintaining strong relationships with donors, clients, customers, sponsors, or community partners. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong organizational and project management abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously. Commitment to exceptional customer service and relationship-building. Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for performances, events, and donor activities. Preferred Qualifications Five or more years of fundraising or nonprofit development experience. Experience in the performing arts, higher education, cultural institutions, or mission-driven organizations. Experience with annual giving, donor stewardship, sponsorships, events, or volunteer engagement. Familiarity with donor databases, fundraising systems, or CRM platforms. Knowledge of Cleveland's philanthropic and business communities.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Benefits package includes group health insurance to which CPH contributes a portion of the employee's premium, group dental and vision plans. Paid vacation, company and discretionary holidays as well as the opportunity to participate in a 401 (K) plan. Parking is available at employee's cost. Cleveland Play House is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Employment in this position requires the clear result of a criminal background check and, from time to time during your employment, CPH may require you to obtain a new background check.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should upload a cover letter and resume as one combined document. Apply directly here, or send your application to rfink@clevelandplayhouse.com For additional information on Cleveland Play House, visit www.clevelandplayhouse.com
