Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Lookingglass Theatre Company
Job overview
The Senior Director of Development at Lookingglass Theatre Company leads fundraising efforts to expand contributed revenue and support the company's artistic and civic ambitions.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves designing and directing fundraising activities, cultivating major donors, collaborating with marketing and artistic teams, supporting development staff, and engaging board members to meet financial goals.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have extensive development experience, especially in Chicago cultural fundraising, leadership in development departments, budget management, CRM data use, and applying anti-racism principles in fundraising.
Work environment and culture
Lookingglass values anti-racism, equity, and inclusion, fostering a collaborative and community-focused environment with a hybrid work schedule including evenings and weekends.
Company information
Lookingglass Theatre Company is a renowned ensemble theatre founded in 1988, known for original, story-centered productions and a commitment to anti-racism and community engagement.
Team overview
The Senior Director will join a leadership team including the Artistic Director, Managing Director, and development staff such as an Assistant Director and Donor Relations Manager.
Job location and travel
The position is based in Chicago with a hybrid work environment requiring attendance at performances and events.
Unique job features
The role uniquely integrates fundraising with artistic and community engagement, emphasizing anti-racist practices and collaborative leadership within a historic theatre setting.
Company overview
Lookingglass Theatre Company is a renowned Chicago-based theater organization celebrated for its innovative, ensemble-driven productions that often blend physical theater, original storytelling, and immersive stagecraft. Founded in 1988 by a group of Northwestern University graduates including David Schwimmer, the company has built a reputation for reimagining classic works and developing new plays that challenge conventional theatrical boundaries. Revenue is generated through ticket sales, educational programs, touring productions, and support from donors and grants. Lookingglass has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award in 2011, highlighting its impact on the national theater scene. Candidates should be aware of the company’s collaborative culture and commitment to artistic experimentation.
How to land this job
Tailor your resume to highlight leadership in development within performing arts, emphasizing experience in managing diverse fundraising streams like major gifts, events, and capital campaigns specific to Chicago's cultural scene.
Focus on showcasing your ability to collaborate with boards, artistic teams, and community partners to expand donor networks and activate board members, reflecting the community-centric and anti-racist values Lookingglass champions.
Apply through multiple platforms including Lookingglass Theatre Company's official website and LinkedIn to maximize your exposure and ensure your application is received through all available channels.
Connect with current development staff and leadership at Lookingglass on LinkedIn; use ice breakers such as complimenting recent fundraising campaigns, expressing enthusiasm for their anti-racism initiatives, or asking about how the team integrates artistic and fundraising goals.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'fundraising strategy', 'donor cultivation', 'board activation', 'capital campaigns', 'anti-racism', and 'Chicago cultural fundraising' to improve the chances of passing automated screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications across multiple sites, identify relevant LinkedIn contacts for networking, and ensure your resume is ATS-optimized, freeing up your time to focus on strategic networking and interview preparation.
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