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Explore job opportunities currently available at CO_LAB Theater Group.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

CO_LAB Theater Group seeks a Director of Development to lead the organization’s fundraising strategy and events. This team member would ideally begin work with CO_LAB the week of January 4, 2027.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Fundraising Strategy

    • Cultivate and steward relationships with individual, institutional, and government donors through the annual giving campaign(s), major gift efforts, the annual crowdfunding campaign, and special event invitations

    • Write all grant proposals and reports, gathering information from other departments as needed

    • Supervise and delegate work to the part-time grant writer

    • Prepare acknowledgments for all gifts: corporate, foundation, and government grants, individual donations, and crowdfunding contributions

    • Maintain a master calendar of all proposal and reporting deadlines

    • Enter, track, and run reports on grant and donor information in the CRM database

  • Special Events

    • Oversee planning and execution of the fall CO_LABaret Benefit and the Spring Gala

    • Oversee special events, including but not limited to Season Opening, Season Finale, Opening Night parties, and community events

    • Coordinate event logistics with Programming staff, including venues, ticketing, supplies, and event materials

    • Solicit food and beverage sponsorships and raffle/auction prize donations for benefits

    • Track income and expenses for each event

    • Delegate responsibilities to staff, Board, and Associate Board as needed

  • Organizational Collaboration

    • Work with the full staff to brainstorm and implement new projects and ideas

    • Plan staff meetings with colleagues on a rotating basis

    • Attend Board and Associate Board meetings as requested

    • Work with marketing, programming, and other departments to keep reporting data accurate and current

    • Monitor how funded programs are carried out and act as liaison to department heads to make sure grantor requirements are met

WE’RE HOPING YOU CAN SAY YES TO ALL OR MOST OF THE FOLLOWING:

  • I have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

  • I have relevant education, work, or volunteer experience that applies to this position. This may include fundraising for small and/or medium-sized organizations, particularly individual giving and major gift campaigns; event planning; theater and/or performing arts; nonprofit experience; and/or working with individuals with developmental disabilities or neurodiversities.

  • I have experience leading complex, strategic projects. I am comfortable delegating tasks and prioritizing assignments.

  • I have exceptional written and verbal communication skills and outstanding relationship-building skills, and I can adjust my approach for different audiences.

  • I can speak with ease about the full scope of an organization and spot good avenues for partnership, even when they might not seem obvious.

  • I am tech-savvy and comfortable jumping into unfamiliar software such as the Google suite, databases, and CRMs.

  • I provide thoughtful individual supervision; I give timely feedback, celebrate successes, and encourage colleagues to grow.

  • I am goal-oriented, driven, and able to juggle several projects at once.

  • I am solution-oriented and able to contribute creative ideas.

  • I love to collaborate and welcome ideas from team members, but I can also work well independently.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS JOB:

  • This position reports to the Managing Director and will oversee a part-time grant writer.

  • This is currently a Full Time position requiring 40 hours per week and offering a salary of $75,000.

  • This is a hybrid position. Some in-person office hours and/or meetings are required, but CO_LAB is proud to offer employees a flexible schedule and remote work opportunities. The employee and their supervisor will agree on a specific schedule.

  • CO_LAB is proud to offer a generous vacation policy for our administrative staff.

  • CO_LAB will provide the technology needed to carry out the responsibilities of this position.

About CO_LAB:

Founded in 2011, CO_LAB (Creative Opportunities without Limits and Boundaries) Theater Group's mission is to build inclusive, neurodiverse spaces where disabled artists develop their voices, shape creative work, and are recognized as vital contributors to the cultural landscape. CO_LAB has grown from a single class of 13 actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) into a thriving ecosystem of individuals with I/DD who learn, perform, and work with our company year-round. Today, we engage more than 300 people across the Tri-State area each season through classes, workshops, and employment, and 1,000 youth with I/DD through school tours. Over our 16 years, CO_LAB has led more than 112 weekly classes, produced 39 original productions, and created paid opportunities dozens of adult artists with I/DD as teachers, facilitators, consultants, and administrators. Our central ethos is “all are welcome,” and every artist is encouraged to express themselves on stage, in class, and in the world.

CO_LAB Theater Group is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our organizational values state “All Are Welcome” at CO_LAB. Applicants of all races, religions, gender identities or expressions, familial statuses, sexual orientations, ages, or disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. We are committed to continually diversifying our team, and we aim to bring new voices and experiences into our work.

HOW TO APPLY:

  • Send your cover letter, resume, and a grant writing sample to careers@colabtheatergroup.com. Do not use artificial intelligence in the generation of your materials.

  • Incomplete applications or applications created with artificial intelligence will not be considered. No phone calls, please.