University Advancement - Director of Development, SHU Community Theatre
3135 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA
Job Description
Posted Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 4:00 AM
As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in itsBest 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, andBest Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
To apply
Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
The Sacred Heart University Community Theatre seeks an innovative, data-driven, and highly collaborative Director of Development to lead their fundraising team. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of University Advancement & Philanthropic Campaigns, the Director will serve as a critical member of the theatre leadership team, this individual will drive institutional fundraising strategy and be responsible for cultivation and stewardship of the organization’s principal individual and institutional funders.
* Establish and direct a Major Gift Program for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors capable of gifts more than $50,000. Use innovative strategies and creative ideas to identify and cultivate new prospects.
* Develop and execute data-driven, research-based strategies for acquisition, retention, and upgrade of key prospects to the Major Gift level.
* Lead the development and implementation of annual fundraising plans achieving SHUCT’s contributed philanthropic revenue goals.
* Direct, manage and support the Board of Visitors (BOVs) solicitation process.
* Staff and provide support for the Board of Visitors (BOVs). Attend and strategize these meetings and provide regular reports on fundraising initiatives, progress, and outcomes.
* Direct annual donor renewal and acquisition strategies, in partnership with the University Advancement team.
* Identify and cultivate Planned Giving donors in conjunction with the University Advancement team.
* Identify and create proposals for corporations and foundations.
* Ensure the execution of multi-channel donor and patron communications.
* Lead the conception, planning, and fundraising strategy for SHUCT’s annual fundraising events, including securing lead sponsors and ensure achievement of fundraising goals.
* Identify and solicit government sponsored arts programs. Work with the Office of Sponsored Programs to write, review and approve proposals, reports, and correspondence to institutional funders and stakeholders.
* Facilitate guest research and strategize donor engagement.
* Craft strategies to leverage SHUCT ’s current programs, activities, and events to promote greater donor/sponsor and volunteer participation.
* Represent the University at events and constituent gatherings as appropriate.
* Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President of University Advancement & Philanthropic Campaigns, Executive Director of SHU Community Theatre, and the Senior Vice President of University Advancement.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
* Bachelor's Degree required.
* A track record of successful major gift cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
* Knowledge and experience in the development of a theatre-based giving program.
* Knowledge and experience executing an annual fund giving program.
* Strong background in special events.
* Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
* Excellent writing skills with the ability to convey a clear, concise, persuasive message.
* Strong organizational skills and attentiveness to detail.
* Collegiality and team orientation are a must with opportunities to contribute beyond job parameters.
* Ability to multi-task and manage more than one project at a time.
* Knowledge of and enthusiasm for theater, performing arts, and arts education
* Proficient in Microsoft Suite and Raisers Edge.
* Knowledge of Blackbaud’s Raisers Edge a plus.
Unusual Working Conditions
* Varied schedule including nights and weekends.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
3135 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA
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