Work With Us

Director of Development 

Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Leadership (30%)

- Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy aligned with Long Wharf
Theatre’s financial goals and mission
- Partner with the Managing Director, Artistic Director, and Board leadership to establish
fundraising priorities and strategies
- Identify opportunities to strengthen philanthropic support and expand the organization’s
base of donors and supporters
- Contribute to long-range fundraising planning that supports the organization’s continued
growth

Individual Giving & Major Gifts (30%)

- Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects
- Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for individual donors
- Partner with senior leadership and Board members on major gift solicitations
- Oversee annual fundraising appeals and donor communications

Institutional Support (20%) 

- Oversee strategy for foundation, corporate, and government funding
- Ensure timely preparation of compelling grant proposals and reports
- Identify and cultivate new institutional funding opportunities

Board Engagement (10%) 

- Partner with the Board of Trustees to strengthen fundraising engagement and
accountability
- Support Board members in cultivating and stewarding donor relationships
- Prepare development reports and updates for Board and committee meetings

Development Operations & Events (10%) 

- Oversee development systems, reporting, and donor data management
- Track fundraising progress and key performance metrics
- Lead strategy for donor engagement events and fundraising initiatives

Leadership & Culture

Long Wharf Theatre values a collaborative, mission-driven workplace culture rooted in trust,
accountability, and shared success. Senior leaders are expected to contribute actively to a work
environment where ideas are welcomed, colleagues support one another’s work, and
challenges are approached with creativity and solution-oriented thinking.

The Director of Development will play an important role in sustaining and strengthening this
culture by:

- Demonstrating initiative and ownership in advancing fundraising strategies and
opportunities
- Working collaboratively across departments to align development efforts with artistic and
organizational priorities
- Communicating openly and constructively with colleagues, leadership, and trustees
- Proactively identifying opportunities and bringing forward ideas, strategies, and solutions
that help the organization move forward
- Supporting a culture of respect, professionalism, and shared responsibility for Long
Wharf Theatre’s success

This role requires someone who is energized by working in partnership with colleagues and
leadership to strengthen the organization and advance its mission.

Qualifications

- 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including major gift fundraising
- Demonstrated success cultivating and securing significant philanthropic support
- Experience working closely with Boards and senior leadership on fundraising strategy
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple
priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A proactive, solutions-oriented approach to leadership and collaboration
- Passion for the performing arts and mission-driven work

Preferred:
- Experience in the arts or cultural sector
- Familiarity with Spektrix and Blackbaud donor management systems and fundraising
CRM platforms

What Success Looks Like in the First 6 Months

In their first year, the Director of Development will:
- Gain a strong understanding of Long Wharf Theatre’s fundraising landscape and
development operations, identifying opportunities to strengthen strategy and systems
- Advance a clear pipeline of major donor prospects and deepen relationships with
existing supporters
- Partner with the Managing Director and Artistic Director to align fundraising strategy with
Long Wharf Theatre’s artistic vision and organizational priorities
- Establish consistent systems for tracking fundraising activity, donor engagement, and
progress toward contributed revenue goals
- Help cultivate a culture of philanthropy across the organization by engaging staff,
leadership, and trustees in supporting Long Wharf Theatre’s fundraising efforts
- Identify and advance new opportunities for philanthropic investment that support Long
Wharf Theatre’s evolving model and long-term sustainability

Compensation

Salary range: $90,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health
insurance, paid time off, holidays, and additional benefits.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement

Long Wharf Theatre is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse, inclusive,
and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds,
particularly those historically underrepresented in the arts.

Long Wharf Theatre does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin,
age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any
other protected status under applicable law.

Long Wharf Theatre is dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and belonging
where all team members can thrive.

If you’re excited about this opportunity but don’t meet every qualification listed, we still
encourage you to apply. Research shows that individuals from historically underrepresented
communities often hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. Long Wharf Theatre
values a broad range of experiences, perspectives, and professional paths, and we welcome
candidates who believe they can contribute meaningfully to our mission.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a written cover letter OR video/audio
cover letter no longer than four (4) minutes describing their interest in the position and how
their experience aligns with Long Wharf Theatre’s mission, values, and fundraising goals.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Materials should be submitted to the Hiring Committee at: jobs@longwharf.org. Please use DD-0826 in the subject line.

References may be requested following the second and final interview.
 

Company Manager

Reports to: General Manager (Finance & Operations)

Works closely with: Director of Artistic & Community Partnerships, Artistic Producer, Production Management, Stage Management, Audience Experience, and guest artists.

Location: Must reside in or near New Haven, CT, with regular on-site work at rehearsal, performance, and artist housing locations throughout the Greater New Haven area.

Employment: Full-Time (non-exempt)

Salary: $50,000–$60,000 annually, depending on experience, with benefits and applicable overtime.

Position Summary

The Company Manager coordinates day-to-day artist logistics and hospitality across Long Wharf Theatre’s itinerant productions, rehearsals, and residencies. Reporting to the General Manager (Finance & Operations), this role plans ahead, communicates proactively, and helps ensure artists have the information and support they need. Between production periods, the Company Manager provides additional administrative and operational support to the General Management office.

Primary Responsibilities

- Coordinate artist logistics during rehearsals, performances, and residencies, including arranging transportation and driving artists and staff between train stations, housing, and theatre locations. Coordinate pre-performance company check-ins with Stage Management. 

- Coordinate housing for visiting artists, including setup and stocking of units, move-in and move-out walkthroughs, and scheduling cleaning and turnover between residencies. 

- Assist with travel details, schedules, and hospitality, including welcome packets with local information such as pharmacies, groceries, gyms, and emergency contacts.

- Coordinate company communications and distribute schedules prepared with the appropriate artistic, production, and Stage Management staff. Promptly communicate schedule changes, put-ins, and weather-related adjustments to company members and relevant departments.

- Provide on-site support during key production periods, including load-in and strike, by coordinating company related scheduling needs between the artistic, production, and management teams.

- Serve as the primary contact for routine artist needs, anticipate potential challenges, and resolve issues within established policies and available resources. Provide after-hours coverage during designated production periods, escalating emergencies or issues beyond the role’s authority to the General Manager or designated leadership contact. Coverage schedules and backup arrangements will be established with the General Manager.

- Track and process per diem, housing stipends, and travel reimbursements for visiting artists alongside the finance department.

- Support AEA compliance under the General Manager’s guidance and in coordination with Stage Management, including posting required notices, maintaining assigned records, and preparing and submitting required union reports. Coordinate with Stage Management regarding break requirements and half-hour calls.

- Manage comp ticket requests and house seat holds for artists and their guests.

- Support post-show talkbacks and community engagement events, including greenroom logistics and scheduling artist appearances.

Secondary Responsibilities

- Provide administrative support to the General Manager, including scheduling, document preparation, and cross-department coordination.

- Assist with preparing, tracking, and organizing artist, creative team, and production contracts.

- Provide administrative support for operations and facilities in coordination with the General Manager and Managing Director.

- Assist with facilities requests, maintenance tracking, and vendor coordination.

- Support basic financial processes including invoice tracking, coding assistance, and documentation for review and approval in coordination with the General Manager and Managing Director.

Qualifications

- Approximately two years of relevant experience in company management, stage management, arts administration, or comparable work; equivalent experience will be considered.

- Strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance shifting priorities across multiple locations.

- Ability to anticipate needs, propose practical solutions, and resolve routine issues independently while recognizing when to involve the General Manager.

- Sound judgment, discretion with confidential information, and a thoughtful, professional approach to working with artists and colleagues.

- Comfort with spreadsheets, shared calendars, and routine administrative and financial documentation.

- Familiarity with AEA requirements and professional theatre production processes a plus.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement

Long Wharf Theatre is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those historically underrepresented in the arts.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Long Wharf Theatre is dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and belonging where all team members can thrive.

Application Details

Please email resume and cover letter to jobs@longwharf.org. Please use CM-1026 in the Subject Line. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. 

Please Note:

- The schedule varies with production needs and includes evenings and weekends, average 45- 52 hours per week during productions. The General Manager will coordinate scheduling and after-hours coverage, with applicable overtime paid for this non-exempt position.

- Role requires a valid driver’s license, ability to meet the theatre’s vehicle insurance requirements, and a background check relevant to the position.

None at this time

None at this time