Development Manager

Auckland Theatre Company

Job Description

Job Title: Development Manager

Department: Development

Reports To: General Manager         

Direct reports: Development Administrator

Direct Relationships: Artistic Director, Marketing and Communications Manager, Business Manager, Production Manager, Creative Development and Education Manager, Marketing Assistant, Ticketing and Sales Manager,

Date:                           October 2011

PURPOSE

The purpose of the position is to manage, develop and grow non-production related revenue streams for Auckland Theatre Company, in order that it may realise its artistic and strategic goals and achieve long term sustainability.  Formulating and implementing strategies which build strong, mutually beneficial relationships within the corporate, funding and government sectors, as well as with private benefactors, is a key role of this position. 

Auckland Theatre Company has embarked on a major capital fundraising campaign to build a new theatre in the Wynyard Quarter. A key responsibility of the Development Manager is to support the General Manager and Board of Directors with the fundraising campaign – providing strategic advice and research, running the fundraising campaign on a day to day basis, contributing to lobbying efforts and executing campaign related communications and marketing strategies.

The scope of the position extends to ensuring that corporate, funding and donor partners reap the benefits of their investment and involvement with Auckland Theatre Company, thereby enhancing the Company’s reputation and creating new development opportunities.  This includes delivery of marketing benefits for sponsors, event management and maximizing the opportunities associated with opening nights and other development functions.

A high level of knowledge and experience within the not-for-profit funding environment is required in order to provide leadership, expertise and outstanding service delivery to Auckland Theatre Company, its funding and corporate partners, donors, and other stakeholders.

Planning, Strategy and Management

•           Develop and manage annual and long-range sponsorship plans in support of Auckland Theatre Company’s Strategic Plan.

•           Manage all sponsorship, funding and benefaction activities and strategies for the Company.

•           Formulate and manage Company policies for servicing sponsors, funders and benefactors.

•           Forecast and manage Development Department revenue and expenditure, against budget.

•           Manage the Waterfront Theatre Capital Fundraising campaign activity and strategy in conjunction with the General Manager.

Revenue Generation

•           Research and secure new  sponsors and grants from trusts and foundations 

•           Identify and cultivate prospective donors and manage donor acquisition.

•           Write and prepare all applications, proposals, collateral and other documentation needed for approaches to donors, funders and sponsors.  

•           Support the General Manager and Board of Directors in their approaches to potential donors, funders and sponsors in relation to the Capital Fundraising campaign by providing timely and relevant research and advice.

•           Manage the development and delivery of the Capital Fundraising campaign related collateral and communications including its online presence

•           Maximise Auckland Theatre Company’s commercial opportunities within the business environment, including revenue generated from programme advertising and merchandise where applicable.

Relationship Management and Servicing

•           Develop and manage positive relations with sponsors, trusts and foundations, benefactors and stakeholders.

•           Maintain relationships and an overview of day-to-day contact with sponsors, funders, benefactors and stakeholders.

•           Liaise closely with the Marketing and Communications Manager to ensure that sponsor and funder credit and contractual obligations are complied with on any marketing material and that sponsor and funder relationships are leveraged through marketing activity wherever possible.

•           Manage the ongoing delivery of benefits and correspondence with Capital Fundraising campaign donors, sponsors, funders, stakeholders and supporters

•           Maintain accurate databases and other contact lists in order to provide high quality relationship management information. 

Event Management

•           Manage, organise and oversee all Company opening nights, donor functions, Capital Fundraising campaign events and other related events, to ensure there is a high standard of service delivery.

•           Manage the compilation and distribution of invitations lists for opening nights and other performance related hospitality events; the collation of RSVP’s; and the allocation and distribution of VIP tickets.

•           Brief, contract and organise all suppliers, including caterers and venue staff, to ensure that events are delivered in a timely manner and within budget.

Operations and Reporting

•           Provide timely, accurate and appropriate reports on the performance of non-production revenue streams

•           Provide timely, accurate and appropriate activity and attendance reports to sponsors, funders and donors as contracted or required.

•           Maintain accurate files relating to all sponsors, funders and benefactors.

Staff Management

•           Develop and manage Development staff to implement strategies in support of the Company strategic plan.

•           Set clear objectives and conduct regular performance reviews; identify and address performance issues and development needs of staff.

•           Carry out all human resource functions in line with Company policies and procedures. 

GENERAL

This is a senior management position, and a high level of professionalism is required in this role. This includes but is not limited to:

•           maintaining a favourable working relationship with all Auckland Theatre Company employees to promote a cooperative and harmonious working environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement;

•           suggesting improvements in operations, processes, efficiency and service both internally and through out the industry;

•           developing employees for future advancement where possible;

•           developing strong relationships with the rest of the management team to ensure coordinated delivery of activities and services; and,

•           developing and maintaining a positive and professional profile for the Company in dealings with contractors, agents, stakeholders and other third party organisations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

A minimum of five years management experience within the fundraising, marketing or public relations sectors, related experience and/or training/education. 

Experience in managing stakeholder relationships and communications and procuring sponsorship, funding and donations is essential. Experience in managing a capital fundraising campaign is highly desirable.

Must have a sound understanding of the nuances of managing sensitive and confidential stakeholder and donor relationships.

Must have excellent computer skills including MS Office (Excel, Word and Outlook) and be adept at using the internet for research. Knowledge of online tools like invitation and content management skills an advantage. 

It is advantageous but not essential to have relevant experience working in arts sector, or for a not-for-profit organisation.

Other essential attributes include:

•           Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills;

•           Ability to coordinate multiple projects, including the management of internal and external resources.  Analytical and problem-solving skills;

•           Ability to think strategically and develop long-term plans and relationships;

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Maintain a valid Drivers License.