Director of Development

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Byrd Theatre Foundation (BTF) is seeking a visionary and results-oriented Director of Development to lead and grow its fundraising operations in support of one of Richmond’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Reporting directly to the Executive Director and working in close partnership with the Development Committee and staff, this role will be responsible for crafting and executing a robust, multi-channel fundraising strategy that fuels BTF’s mission, programs, and ambitious restoration efforts.

This is a high-impact leadership role for a strategic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven fundraising professional. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in development, philanthropy, sales, and/or marketing, and will be energized by the opportunity to build on a strong foundation while taking BTF’s development program to the next level – growing unrestricted revenue, deepening donor engagement, and cultivating long-term philanthropic partnerships.

POSITION DETAIL

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will be responsible for leading the creation and execution of the Byrd Theatre Foundation’s Annual Fund plan (e.g. individual, foundation, corporate, events) as well as The Foundation’s Capital Campaign, ensuring its congruence with the Strategic Plan. The Director of Development will oversee identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts, expanding a recurring giving program with special focus on individual members and expanding peer-to-peer fundraising. This position will also develop and maintain ongoing relationships with funders. It is the Director of Development’s responsibility to handle gift processing and to keep detailed records in the database (DonorPerfect). The Director of Development will be the lead staff for the Development Committee.

Job Duties

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Development will:
• Design and implement a comprehensive Annual Fund strategy, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and signature fundraising events.
• Lead and manage The Byrd Theatre Capital Campaign, ensuring strategic alignment with the organization’s long-term vision and goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, with a focus on individuals and peer-to-peer fundraising networks.
• Develops, implements, and manages a planned giving program providing mechanisms for bequests, charitable trusts, and endowments.
• Grow and strengthen recurring and membership-based giving programs to enhance donor retention and sustainability.
• Build and manage relationships with new and existing donors, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Develops and implements fundraising policies and procedures.
• Oversee all aspects of gift processing, tracking, and reporting using DonorPerfect, ensuring timely stewardship and accurate donor records.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Development Committee, mobilizing volunteer leadership to support fundraising goals.

Skills Required

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree preferred (equivalent professional experience will be considered).
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts of $10,000+ from individuals, corporations, and/or foundations.
• Experience in grant writing, reporting, and funder management is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with or interest in learning planned giving strategies.
• CFRE certification preferred.
Skills & Competencies
• High proficiency with donor management systems (e.g. Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect, etc.).
• Technology savvy, with an ability to leverage digital tools to drive fundraising success.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with excellent time management and project coordination skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and public speaking skills; a natural storyteller and persuasive communicator.
• Creative thinker with a strategic mindset and an eye for new fundraising opportunities.
• Confident and proactive donor engagement, with a commitment to excellence and follow-through.
• Adherence to the AFP Code of Ethics and the Donor Bill of Rights
Additional Requirements
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally as required.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule and be available for evening or weekend events as needed.

Work Schedule

This is a hybrid position. The Byrd Theatre Foundation has offices at Grace Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, about a mile from the actual theatre. This position will work from 8:30am – 5pm as well as some nights and weekends as required.

Additional Info

Compensation and Benefits
• Salary: Commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Health insurance (62% employer-paid), dental coverage, paid vacation and sick leave, and paid holidays.

How to apply:
To apply for the position: Send your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to bcronly@byrdtheatre.org with “Director of Development” in the email subject line. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a ‘rolling basis’ until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of anticipated applications, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.