Position Details
Title: Director of Development
Type: Job
Class: Full-time
Hybrid: Office/WFH
Date: 8/8/2025
Region: Southeast Wisconsin
City, State: Milwaukee, WI
Summary:
Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Development will take a creative and collaborative approach to cultivating and obtaining the contributed financial resources necessary to support the mission of Skylight Music Theatre. They are responsible for building a sustainable donor and prospect pipeline to promote increased donor engagement with Skylight’s mission. In collaboration with the other members of the senior leadership team, the Director of Development also fills a key strategic role within the organization by helping to define and articulate the strategic priorities of the organization. A commitment to the highest levels of professionalism in development is required. Adherence to the fundraising code of ethics and donor bill of rights along with thorough understanding of fundraising principles are essential. This position's hours are standard weekday business hours and require occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours. While work is primarily conducted in person, a hybrid work schedule is negotiable.
Responsibilities:
1. Plan, manage and implement the various fundraising programs of Skylight Music Theatre, including annual campaigns, major gift solicitation, special events, planned giving programs, participation in UPAF campaigns, as well as raising capital funds for needed improvements in the infrastructure of special funds, endowment and capital fund raising activities.
2. Develop and execute a departmental operational plan and budget while supporting Skylight’s overall Strategic Plan.
3. Develop and nurture relationships with donors, volunteers, and prospects; create and plan a multi-faceted stewardship program.
4. Cultivate and guide volunteer leadership; attend and support the activities of the Board of Directors and Board of Advocates.
5. Participate in strategic planning and daily strategic decisions of the senior leadership team;
6. Build and maintain relationships with others in the field to augment awareness of philanthropic issues and trends;
7. Work closely with the marketing department to ensure consistency of collateral, promotion of events, and meeting deadlines. Assist with other projects as assigned by the Executive Director.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director and works closely with other members of the senior leadership team and the Board of Directors.
Requirements:
This candidate will have experience in the non-profit sector and a clear understanding of fund development. This individual will have excellent communication, creativity, and collaboration skills to work with Board and Staff. A self-motivated individual with a desire for creating relations and a passion for theatre arts is preferable.
- Capacity to lead Development Department with a clear vision
- Minimum of 4 years relevant experience in sales, fundraising, management
- Proven track record of achieving fundraising goals, and securing major gifts
- Accurate and precise with high attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Ability and willingness to collaborate with community members, staff, and stakeholders
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Candidates should have excellent people skills, a sense of humor, energy, and drive.
- Excellent strategic thinking and planning skills are required.
- Staff, board, donor and volunteer cultivation and management are required.
- Familiarity with Tessitura a plus
- Familiarity with the performing arts and performing arts management a plus
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary: $75,000+, commensurate with experience
Starting Date: As soon as possible
