Job Description
About Dramatists Guild Foundation:
Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF) is a national charity that fuels the future of American theater by supporting the writers who create it. DGF fosters playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists at all stages of their careers. We sponsor educational programs; provide awards, grants, and stipends; offer free space to create new works; and give emergency aid to writers in need. By supporting and nurturing the creators of today, we protect the stories of tomorrow. DGF is committed to sustaining an equitable and safe environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Access, equity, and authenticity are core values at DGF and we are dedicated to providing employees with a work environment that celebrates varied backgrounds and is free of discrimination and harassment. We encourage candidates of all ages who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, disabled, trans, non-binary, and queer to apply. All applications will receive consideration for employment. Position Summary:
At the Dramatists Guild Foundation, we believe writers are the heart of the American theater—and we're here to ensure they have the resources, space, and support to tell their stories. The Individual Giving & Events Manager plays a central role in bringing that mission to life. This is a dynamic, donor-facing position that blends relationship-building with creative event management. You will help grow and steward a community of supporters while leading the execution of DGF's signature fundraising events—including our Annual Gala and Salon series. This role is ideal for someone who is as comfortable crafting a donor email as they are welcoming guests at a live event—someone who understands that fundraising is, at its core, about storytelling, connection, and impact. About the Team Our development team includes two full-time staff members; the department is led by the Director of Development. The team oversees all aspects of fundraising for DGF. The Individual Giving & Events Manager reports directly to the Director of Development and will work closely with other members of the DGF team. The Individual Giving & Events Manager will manage one day-of, contracted events assistant during the Annual Gala. Reports To:
Director of Development Location:
520 8th Ave, Suite 2401, New York, NY 10018. The DGF Office is ADA accessible. Ability to Work Remotely:
DGF offers a hybrid working environment with 2-3 days per week in-person in our midtown office and 2-3 days working remotely; in-person attendance is required for events, donor meetings, and other needs. Occasional nights and weekend work for events. As this position involves regular on-site responsibilities, candidates should plan to reside in the greater New York City area. Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
Individual Giving & Donor Engagement Partner with the Director of Development to shape and execute strategies that grow individual giving Manage direct mail and digital campaigns from concept to completion, including messaging, segmentation, and analysis Oversee donor membership programs, with a focus on engagement, retention, and growth Serve as a thoughtful and proactive steward of donors—building relationships through personalized outreach and meaningful touchpoints, including the DGF Donor Newsletter Track donor engagement and moves management in CRM (DonorPerfect preferred) Collaborate with Finance to ensure accurate and timely gift processing and gift acknowledgements Ensure exceptional record-keeping and reporting for the Department Stay attuned to trends in fundraising and the arts landscape to help DGF remain responsive and forward-thinking Events Management (Gala & Salons) With the Director of Development, lead the planning and execution of DGF's Annual Gala , our largest and most visible fundraising event generating over $900,000 annually Partner with Director of Development to support Gala fundraising efforts, including donor engagement and sponsorship coordination Overseeing the compilation and management of solicitation and invitation lists and appropriate research Manage vendor relationships including third-party ticketing software, Gala venue vendor relationships, decor and design Manage and execute the silent auction, including working alongside the Director of Development and Gala Host Committee Manage one contracted day-of events assistant Overseeing the reconciliation of revenue and expenses with Finance Department; ensuring the timely collection of pledged gifts for fundraising events Using data, post-event analysis, and donor insights to continuously refine event strategy and improve performance year over year Oversee and manage DGF's Salon series and other cultivation events—intimate gatherings that bring supporters closer to the artists and the work they make Manage all event logistics, from invitations to on-site experience Support guest list development, donor outreach, and post-event follow-up Collaborate with colleagues, venues, and vendors to create seamless, welcoming, and mission-driven experiences Ensure every event reflects DGF's values and deepens connection to our community of writers and supporters Who You Are You're motivated, curious, and eager to grow in a fundraising career You genuinely enjoy connecting with people—and feel at ease engaging with donors, artists, and stakeholders in a variety of settings You're adaptable and solutions-oriented, able to navigate both big-picture planning and day-to-day details You're organized and reliable, with strong follow-through and attention to detail You find ways to make you, and the Development Department, work smarter You're a clear and thoughtful communicator, both in writing and in person You're excited by the arts—and inspired by the idea of supporting the writers who shape the stories we see on stage Other Specific Duties Include:
Prepare reports and track progress across individual giving and events Contribute to departmental planning, budgeting, and goal setting Qualifications and Skills Required:
3-6 years of experience in a nonprofit development/fundraising role Experience supporting or managing fundraising events, ideally donor-facing, with a demonstrated track record of contributing to the success of the fundraising event Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills Experience working with donors, clients, or stakeholders in a relationship-driven role Proficiency in using CRM systems for fundraising, preferably DonorPerfect Experience with project management tools (e.g., Monday) a plus Educational Requirement:
Undergraduate Degree Required The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
