Director of Development

Department:Development

Reports To:VP of Strategic Advancement

DirectlyManages:Manager Donor Engagement;Associate Development Operations; Associate Grants Coordination

Employment Type:Full-Time

FLSA Classification:Exempt

Location:Hybrid New Bedford MA

Salary Range:$70000 - $98000

Posting Date:8/26/26

AboutThe Zeiterion

The Zeiterion(The Z) is a nonprofit organization with amission to steward our historic theater as a gathering place for performing arts experiences where learning connection and creative expression work is guided by five core values:Imagination Connection Equity Transparency and valuesinformhow we deliver on our mission and how we work together every day.

We are committed to cultivating a workplace where all individuals feel respected valued andare encouragedto contribute. As a team memberyoullbe part of a culture that supports creativity collaboration continuous learning and more here:

Position Summary

The Director of Development leads execution of the organizations fundraising program translating advancement priorities into actionable plansthat drivecontributed revenue donor engagement and long-term pipeline growth.

The Director manages development staff fundraising operations individual and institutional giving stewardship campaigns and prospect management ensuring internal systems support consistent donor relationship-building and fundraising momentum.

The role balances operational leadership with regular donor-facing activity portfolio management and partnership with the Vice President and CEO to advance high-value donor relationships.

This is a pivotal moment for the organizations philanthropic growth with an emphasis on building long-term givingcapacity and donor readiness for future organizational priorities.

Core Accountabilities

This role isultimately accountablefor:

• Growing annual contributed revenue through individual giving membership leadership gifts and major gifts.

• Executing fundraising plans forecasts and performance metrics that support organizational growth goals.

• Increasing donor acquisition retention renewal and donor upgrades through data-informed fundraising strategies.

• Expanding leadership and major gift giving through strategic cultivation solicitation and stewardship.

• Managing fundraising performance across individual institutional event and campaign-based giving programs.

• Building qualifying and advancing a strong donor and prospect pipelinewith an eye toward long-term giving capacity and multi-year commitment strategies.

• Ensuring donors experience meaningful personalized and mission-driven engagement with the organization.

• Strengthening staff capacity through supervision coaching performance management and professional development.

• Monitoring fundraising trends results and key performance indicators and making recommendations for continuous improvement.

• Creating an inclusive relationship-centered fundraising culture aligned with organizational values.

KeyResponsibilities

Fundraising Leadership & Revenue Management

• Develop and implement annual fundraising plans aligned with organizational revenue goals.

• Establish fundraisingobjectives performance measures and benchmarks across all giving programs.

• Monitor revenue performance and pipeline activity adjusting strategies as needed.

• Manage fundraising calendars campaign schedules and stewardship initiatives.

• Identifygrowth opportunities across individual institutional and corporate giving programs.

• Prepare regular fundraising forecasts and revenue reports for organizational leadership.

• Support long-range donor readiness planning in partnership with the VP and CEO including cultivation strategies for future leadership-level and multi-year giving opportunities.

Donor Pipeline Major Gifts & Executive Engagement

• Build and manage a strong donor and prospect pipeline with emphasis onidentifying qualifying cultivating and advancing relationships toward increased giving.

• Manage a focused portfolio of mid-level and selected major gift donors and prospects including cultivation solicitation and stewardship whereappropriate.

• Develop donor strategies that clarify the role of the Director Vice President CEO board members and other relationship holders in advancing major gift opportunities.

• Prepare and activate the Vice President and CEO for major donor meetings solicitations stewardship conversations and follow-up.

• Coordinate timely next steps documentation and relationship management activity to ensure prospects continue moving through the pipeline.

• Ensure meaningful stewardship and engagement opportunities for contributors.

Institutional Giving Oversight

• Oversee grant development submission and reporting processes.

• Review and approve grant proposals and funder reports before executive review.

• Monitor institutional fundraising pipelines and funding opportunity strategies.

• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting commitments.

Donor Engagement & Campaign Management

• Oversee annual giving donor engagement fundraising campaigns and donor stewardship initiatives.

• Partner with Marketing & Communications to align fundraising messaging storytelling and donor communications.

• Support planning and execution of donor events and engagement experiences.

• Monitor campaign effectiveness and donor retention metrics.

Development Operations & Analytics

• Ensureaccuratedonor records gift processing reporting and data governance practices.

• Oversee CRM management and fundraising reporting systems.

• Review fundraising analytics and recommend improvements to performance and efficiency.

• Monitor departmental processes standards and workflows.

• Ensure compliance with fundraising policies and data management practices.

Team Leadership & Management

• Supervise coach and develop Development staff.

• Establish individual goals work plans and performance expectations.

• Foster cross-functional collaboration and accountability.

• Build team capacity through training mentoring and knowledge sharing.

• Promotean equitable inclusive and values-aligned workplace culture.

• Other duties as assigned

Decision-Making Authority

This role has final decision-making authority for:

• Developmentwork plans fundraising priorities and departmental workflows.

• Donor portfolio assignments and fundraising pipeline management.

• Campaign execution plans and stewardship activities.

• Development department processes systems and reporting standards.

• Fundraising performance metrics and operational improvements.

• Staff supervision performance expectations and workload allocation.

• Grant proposal and report approval prior to executive review.

• Developmentvendor recommendations and operational expenditures within approved budgets.

Success Measures

Success in this role isdemonstratedthrough:

• Achievement of annual fundraising goals.

• Growth in qualified prospects donor touchpoints cultivation moves and donor pipeline performance.

• Increased contributed revenue across giving streams.

• Timely andaccurategrant submissions and reporting.

• Effective donor stewardship and engagement outcomes.

• Reliable fundraising forecasts and performance reporting.

• Strong staff engagement development and retention.

• Continuous improvement of development processes and systems.

• Growth in donor readiness for future leadership-level and multi-year giving initiatives.

Qualifications

Required:

• 7-12 years of relevant experience

• Fundraising strategy execution

• Donor pipeline development major gift cultivation solicitation and stewardship

• Donor engagement and annual giving

• Institutional fundraising and grants management

• Development operations and CRM management

• Data analysis and performance reporting

• Project management and prioritization

• Team leadership and staff development

• Relationship buildingand communication

• Commitment to inclusion diversity equity accessibility and values-based fundraising

Preferred:

• Experience with CRM platforms Patron Manager or Salesforce

• Arts & culture sector fundraising experience

• Capital or endowment campaign experience

• Experience in organizations of comparable budget/staff scale

• Familiarity with planned giving strategies

• Experience building donor relationships within immigrant or historically underrepresented communities

• In addition to English multilingual Spanish PortugueseKriolu(Cape Verdean Creole) Haitian Creole or Kiche

As the Development function grows weanticipatethis role evolving to include a deeper focus on major-gift portfolio management and donor pipeline for someone excited to grow with that trajectory

WhatWereLooking For

In addition to relevant experiencewerelooking for a colleague who:

• Brings a spirit ofcuriosity creativity and openness

• Communicateswithclarity honesty and care

• Thrives in a collaborativerelationship-centered team

• Shares our commitment toequity inclusion and anti-racism

• Is excited tolearn grow and imagine new ways forward

Our Workplace Culture

As part of your onboardingyoullbe welcomed into a culture that reflects our values:

• Imagination We encourage creative problem-solving and fresh ideas from every level of the organization.

• Connection We work with empathy and respect building strong relationships across teams.

• Equity We actively address inequities in our systems and strive for inclusive representation in all we do.

• Transparency We communicate openly share information proactively and make decisions with integrity.

• Discovery We support risk-taking and learning from mistakes as essential parts of growth.

We create a workplace where you can bring your full self feel supported and know your contributions matter.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The Z is a collaborative work environment and employees are expected to be open and willing to collaborate across departments and teams

The Zeiterion is on an active and ongoing journey to be anti-racist organization - advancing anti-racist policies and practices and fostering and sustaining a culture that values community social justice and equity

Physical Requirements

• The noise level inthe work environment ranges from low to high

• While performing the duties of this job the employeeis regularly required tosit for extended periods and occasionallyrequiredto stand walk and move throughout the building. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 15 pounds occasionally (e.g. files supplies).This position is primarily indoor office work with occasional need to move between floors via stairs orelevator.

Reasonableaccommodationsmay be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Background Check

Employment with The Zeiterion is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check including a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) checkin accordance withMassachusetts law and The Zs background check policy.

Equal Opportunity

The Zis an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate equity and are committed to creating an inclusive thrivingenvironmentfor all employees including but not limited to a culture of antiracism in which we build policies procedures and a safe space for people from all backgrounds to feel safe and seen in our employ in our seats and on our stage.

Benefits

• Benefitsinclude:Medical dental vision retirement plan with employer match paid time off professional development

• Additionalperks:Tickets to performances wellness programs remote and schedule flexibility.

How to Apply

Please apply through our applicant tracking system on The Zs Careers page: Z is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the application and interview process. If you needan accommodationtoparticipate please emailemailprotectedwith the subject line Accommodation Request and we will work with you toidentifyan appropriate solution.

We deeply value diverse backgrounds experiences and perspectives. We believe this diversity strengthens our institution and enriches our community. Whileweveoutlined the qualifications and experience that we think will help someone thrive in this role we also recognize that talent comes in many forms. If your backgrounddoesntperfectly align with every requirement we still encourage you to apply-your unique perspective might be exactly what we need.

TO APPLY

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To be considered please submit:

1. Your resume
2. A brief cover letter expressing your interest in the role

We deeply value working with individuals from a rich mix of backgrounds experiences and perspectives. We believe this diversity strengthens our institution and enriches our community. While weve outlined the qualifications and experience that we think will help someone thrive in this role we also recognize that talent comes in many forms. If your background doesnt perfectly align with every requirement we still encourage you to apply - your unique perspective might be exactly what we need.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application pre-employment testing or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process please contact or call x122.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Zeiterion is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate equity and are committed to creating an inclusive thriving environment for all employees including but not limited to a culture of antiracism in which we build policies procedures and a safe space for people from all backgrounds to feel safe and seen in our employ in our seats and on our stage. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran or disability status