Development Manager

About Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is a professional, nonprofit Equity theater located in the heart of historic Over-the-Rhine.
Founded in 1986, ETC is recognized as a leading arts organization in the region, dedicated to producing bold, contemporary
plays and musicals that engage, challenge, and inspire. As Cincinnati’s premier theater destination for new and innovative
works, ETC is committed to fostering local talent, advancing arts education, and contributing to the cultural vitality of our
community. Each season, the theatre welcomes thousands of patrons from across the region and beyond, offering a vibrant
and inclusive space that celebrates diverse stories and perspectives. With its strong reputation for artistic excellence and
community impact, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati provides a dynamic and rewarding environment for individuals passionate
about the performing arts.

Job Title: Development Manager

The Development Manager plays a vital role in supporting all aspects of Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s fundraising efforts.
This position focuses on major gifts, sponsorships, donor engagement, special events, institutional funder relationships, and
day-to-day development operations. Working closely with the Producing Artistic Director/CEO and Development
Coordinator, the Development Manager helps ensure that fundraising strategies are well-coordinated and effective. This
role also serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors’ Fundraising Committee, guiding and coordinating the
participation of Board members in fundraising activities. This is a hands-on position ideal for a detail-oriented, organized
development professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and can manage multiple projects and deadlines. The
Development Manager will also supervise the Development Coordinator.

Salary commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, exempt position and is eligible for benefits (medical, vision,
dental, and life insurance, as well as paid time off).

Location and Schedule
This is an in-person position at 1127 Vine Street in Cincinnati, OH, with occasional opportunities for remote work. Base
work schedule is during business hours (9 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday); however, work hours for this role will sometimes
vary based on theatre programming and events. Evening and weekend hours may be required occasionally for fundraising
events, openings, donor cultivation, and stewardship activities, scheduled with as much reasonable advance notice as
possible.

Roles and Responsibilities
Donor Engagement and Major Gifts
• Support the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors, with a focus on major gifts.
• Prepare donor materials, including proposals, briefings, acknowledgments, and impact reports.
• Assist the Producing Artistic Director/CEO in major donor outreach and meetings.
• Manage donor lists, track interactions, and ensure timely follow-up.
Institutional Giving and Grant Support
• Collaborate with the Development Coordinator to manage a calendar of grant deadlines, proposal submissions,
and reporting.
• Support relationship development with foundation and corporate funders.
• Assist with reviewing and editing grant proposals and reports.

Event Coordination
• Plan and execute donor events, including opening night receptions, Producer events, cultivation gatherings, and
campaign-related functions.
• Coordinate logistics, invitations, and follow-up in collaboration with staff and vendors.
• Ensure events align with stewardship and fundraising goals.

Campaign and Appeal Support
• Work with the Development Coordinator to support annual giving campaigns.
• Work with the development team to support the success of the Pillars Campaign.
• Collaborate with the Development Coordinator to maintain timelines and organization.

Board and Committee Liaison
• Serve as staff liaison to the board’s fundraising committee.
• Work with fundraising committee co-chairs, prepare agendas, reports, and materials for committee meetings.
• Coordinate board participation in fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
Team Collaboration and Oversight
• Participate in development planning and strategy sessions.
• Work closely with finance, marketing, and leadership to align messaging and tracking.
• Supervise the Development Coordinator.

Additional Expectations
In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, all employees are expected to: adhere to organizational policies and
procedures; work safely and maintain a positive, respectful attitude; communicate regularly with supervisors and team
members; effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines; demonstrate consistent attendance and
punctuality; participate in fundraising events as needed; and complete other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands
This position requires use of standard office equipment (computers, phones, copiers). Digital dexterity and hand-eye
coordination required for administrative tasks, and clear verbal communication and active listening skills are essential for
internal and external interactions. While the position primarily involves desk work, it may occasionally require local travel to
meetings and events. Light lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling supplies and files (typically up to 10 lbs but occasionally up
to 25 lbs) may be required, as well as occasional stooping, kneeling, and crouching. The physical demands and safe working
expectations described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the
essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Prior development or fundraising experience necessary.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with donor databases (Spektrix preferred).
• Ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Experience and commitment to working with individuals and teams across lines of difference, including race,
gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, and socioeconomic background.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity, equity,
inclusion, and belonging in every aspect of our work—onstage, offstage, and throughout our community. We strongly
encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds and life experiences to apply, especially those who bring diverse
perspectives to our team and enrich the stories we tell.

To apply: Please submit a cover letter, writing sample, and résumé to development@ensemblecincinnati.org with
“Development Manager, [Your Last Name]” in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as
possible for full consideration, as we are eager to fill this position promptly. Candidates of interest will be contacted. We
regret that we’re unable to follow up with every candidate. No phone calls, please.