Associate Director of Development

About People's Light

Founded in 1974, People’s Light is one of Pennsylvania’s most respected professional theatres, renowned for producing innovative and thought-provoking work that reflects the diverse voices of our community. Located in Chester County, our mission is to inspire, entertain, and engage audiences through live theatre and educational programs, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. At People’s Light, we believe in the power of storytelling to connect people and create lasting impact.

Position Overview

People’s Light seeks a dynamic and strategic Associate Director of Development to join our fundraising team. Reporting to the Director of Development, this role drives the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts while expanding strong pipeline of high-capacity donors.

An authentic and joyful champion of live arts, the Associate Director researches and qualifies prospective donors, builds relationships with high net worth (HNW) individuals, and helps to secure five-to-seven figure gifts in support of the mission and activities of People’s Light. They create tailored strategies for each prospect, move donors toward solicitation, and steward relationships to increase support beyond annual giving.

This role leads the planning and execution of key fundraising and donor engagement events – including donor benefit gatherings and travel experiences – and directs support staff as needed. The Associate Director also partners across the organization, working closely with Executive Leadership, the Artistic Team, Marketing and Farmhouse Operations.

This position serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees, arranging and supporting full board meetings and some committee meetings.

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, results-driven fundraising professional who is passionate about the arts and ready to make a meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

• Research, identify, cultivate and solicit gifts from individual donors and prospects for People’s Light, with a focus on gifts of $10,000 and higher.
• Establish solicitation priorities, manage prospect lists and research, develop and execute targeted cultivation plans and solicitation strategies for a range of prospects; prepare and provide support to staff, board members and volunteers for solicitations
• Build an on-going and dynamic pipeline of major gift prospects
• Actively manage a dynamic portfolio of 150 to 200 prospects, holding 10 to 15 prospect meetings per month.
• Create a strong foundation for the cultivation and solicitation of major donors, collaborating with and supporting the Producing Artistic Director, Director of Development, and other senior staff and board members, as appropriate
• Write briefings and proposals for prospect meetings, compile contact reports, and track donor activity within the Tessitura donor database.
• Assist in tracking, assessing, and reporting on major gift and overall fundraising metrics and giving reports, as requested by the Producing Artistic Director, Director of Development, or as appropriate
• Working with the Producing Artistic Director and appropriate Board committee chairs, generate board meeting agendas, assemble and distribute meeting materials, prepare for Zoom/in-person meetings, and record and distribute minutes of each meeting
• Maintain Board-related documents
• Develop, plan, and execute fundraising events and experiences that support the cultivation and solicitation of prospects and donors, including the London and other tours, collaborating and coordinating with Artistic, Marketing, Farmhouse Operations, volunteer committees and/or other departments as appropriate
• Collaborate closely with Marketing to support the editorial and content needs of People’s Light, for increased and enhanced integration of earned and contributed strategies that support the organization’s revenue goals
• Fulfill other projects as may develop, and/or relevant duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of individual fundraising experience, with demonstrated success securing five- and six-figure gifts. 
• Experience with fundraising databases and wealth screening platforms. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Superior organizational and project management abilities.
• Proven collaborator and team player with strong leadership and independent working skills. 
• Interest in and curiosity about theatre and the performing arts
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Desired Skills and Abilities

• Experience with the Tessitura database is a plus.
• CFRE or other fundraising certification is desirable.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range: $70,000–$75,000
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Medical/dental/life/disability insurance plans (employee coverage 100% funded)
• Defined Contribution Plan through TIAA-CREF with employer contributions after one year.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Primarily in-person with partial remote work schedule

Why Work With Us?

At People’s Light, you’ll join a passionate team dedicated to artistic excellence and community engagement. Our collaborative work environment encourages creativity, professional growth, and meaningful connections. We celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive space for all employees and patrons.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
People’s Light is an equal opportunity employer. We work to cultivate a deep and wide reach in order to connect with prospective employees who have varied experiences and skills, a collaborative attitude, and the capacity and desire for growth.

NON-DISCRIMINATION HIRING POLICY
People’s Light seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to create an antiracist, socially just, and inclusive presence in Chester County and our surrounding community. People’s Light does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Applicants from populations historically underrepresented in the theatre field are strongly encouraged to apply.