Summary
Description
Position Description
The Director of Development Operations leads the systems, processes, donor engagement, and operational coordination that support fundraising at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD). Working closely with the Senior Director of Advancement & Development, Grants Manager, finance, marketing, artistic leadership, and program staff, the Director oversees donor database administration, gift processing and acknowledgment, individual giving, donor stewardship and communications, sponsorship fulfillment, development reporting, and fundraising for CPRD’s signature gala and year-round special events.
Celebrating its 56th anniversary in the 2026–2027 season, CPRD is a multifaceted cultural arts institution built on five pillars: the CPRD Ensemble, Academy, Theatre, Arts-in-Education, and Arts-in-Wellbeing programs. The ideal candidate combines strong operational and analytical abilities with excellent writing, relationship management, and project management skills, along with a passion for the cultural arts, arts-in-education, racial equity and justice, and community wellbeing.
Primary Responsibilities
Development Operations and Systems
- Oversee fundraising systems, procedures, and workflows, and maintain the development calendar for campaigns, donor communications, events, stewardship, and reporting deadlines.
- Administer the donor database and establish standard operating procedures for accurate records, data quality, confidentiality, and access to donor information.
- Oversee gift administration, including gift entry, acknowledgments, pledge tracking, matching and tribute gifts, and sponsorship commitments.
Individual Giving and Donor Stewardship
- Execute individual giving and donor engagement strategies with the Senior Director of Advancement & Development, including prospect research, meeting preparation, proposals, and follow-up for major donors.
- Manage an assigned portfolio of donors and prospects through cultivation, solicitation, personalized outreach, and stewardship.
- Create donor engagement opportunities through performances, rehearsals, artist conversations, and education programs, and coordinate donor recognition.
Corporate Sponsorships
- Support sponsorship presentations with the Senior Director of Advancement & Development, and track commitments, payment schedules, recognition requirements, and deliverables.
- Coordinate sponsor acknowledgment and benefit fulfillment with marketing and communications, and prepare sponsor impact reports and renewals.
Gala and Special Events
- Coordinate fundraising for CPRD’s signature gala and year-round special events, including underwriting, sponsorships, table and ticket sales, appeals, and auctions.
- Maintain event calendars, donor and sponsor lists, and solicitation schedules, and prepare post-event reports on results and donor participation.
Donor Communications
- Develop appeals, acknowledgment letters, newsletters, stewardship correspondence, and impact updates, drawing on program outcomes and impact stories.
- Partner with marketing and the Grants Manager to keep messaging consistent and ensure donor and institutional communications complement one another.
Reporting and Financial Coordination
- Develop fundraising dashboards and reports that track progress toward goals, donor retention, campaign results, giving trends, and stewardship activity.
- Work with finance to reconcile gifts, pledges, sponsorships, event proceeds, and grant awards for accurate revenue reporting.
Qualifications
- Four to five years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, advancement, fundraising operations, or donor relations; business management experience required.
- Demonstrated experience managing donor databases, gift administration, fundraising reporting, donor stewardship, or campaigns, with measurable results (required).
- Proficiency with donor management systems, Microsoft Office, and spreadsheets.
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to assess procedures, weigh alternatives, and prepare clear reports.
- Excellent leadership, writing, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and on a team, set priorities, and meet competing deadlines.
- Strong work ethic, accountability, and professional integrity, including handling sensitive information with confidentiality.
- Commitment to the arts, cultural equity, community engagement, and CPRD’s mission.
Class and Compensation:
Full time | Salary Range: $68,000–$78,000
Benefits: two weeks of paid time off, ten paid holidays, two personal days, participation in CPRD’s health insurance plan with an 80% contribution paid by CPRD, and full-year access to Academy movement classes.
To Apply: Please send cover letter and resume to cleodanceresumes@gmail.com. Applications omitting a cover letter and resume will not be reviewed. Application deadline: November 18, 2026
