Hedgerow Theatre Company, a professional non-profit theatre based in Rose Valley, PA, seeks a strategic and collaborative Director of Development to lead all fundraising and engagement efforts on behalf of the organization. Reporting to and in partnership with the Executive Artistic Director (EAD), this position serves as a key member of the senior management team. The Director of Development creates and implements the annual development plan and will lead the theatre’s 100th anniversary fundraising campaign. The 100th season spans September 2022 – August 2023.

Organizational Context
Founded in 1923, Hedgerow Theatre is dedicated to providing cultural enrichment, engaging entertainment, and training in theatre arts and management. As stewards of a nineteenth-century grist mill turned theatre building, Hedgerow produces whole-hearted, resonant theatre in an intimate 100-seat venue. The company offers extensive educational programs through theatre school, in-school residencies, and touring programs, and provides performance, technical training, and theatre management opportunities through a resident fellowship program. Hedgerow has been referred to as the “the mother of all Philadelphia theatres” because renown companies – including Freedom Theatre, People’s Light, and Curio Theatre Company – can trace their roots back to this storied theatre in Rose Valley. On the eve of celebrating 100 years (April 2023), Hedgerow faces a historical moment of transformation toward the spirit of innovation and inclusion that earned it a place in the national theatre conversation.

Hedgerow Theatre is committed to building an inclusive and welcoming space for all individuals and actively seeks to intentionally break down barriers to support and celebrate diverse (especially underrepresented) perspectives in all facets of the organization and its work.

Position Overview
Joining a modest-but-mighty staff, the Director of Development will provide strategic leadership for all Hedgerow fundraising activities, including: individual and institutional giving; the 100th Anniversary campaign; major gift initiatives; and institutional grantwriting and reporting. A passion for the performing arts, especially theatre, is critical to success, as is the fundamental belief that the arts are for all members of society.

Key Responsibilities

-Create and implement 100th anniversary development and campaign plans in collaboration with EAD and Board.
-Cultivate, solicit, and steward a select portfolio of major gift prospects and annual donors.
-Implement strategies to identify and engage prospective donors, steward current donors, increase donor retention, and reconnect with lapsed donors.
-Research, craft, and submit proposals and reports to foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
-Oversee the patron database (currently ArtsPeople) – ensuring accurate donor information and providing internal reporting on contributed revenue efforts.
-Craft consistent and compelling fundraising messaging, including annual appeal mailings, eblasts, invitations, and campaign materials.
-Support cultivation and special fundraising events, in collaboration with staff, board, and a recruited team of volunteers.

Candidate Qualifications

We are looking for someone who enjoys the puzzle of campaign planning, the challenge of pursuing and achieving ambitious fundraising goals, the opportunity to establish institutional systems all in collaboration with a team of proactive partners, including staff and Board.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer with a highly organized work style, including very strong attention to detail (they are the person catching the punctuation errors in this posting!). This individual possesses a level of ease engaging in meaningful conversations in support of the mission of the organization, a proven track record of success securing contributions, and has a meaningful connection to this region.

The ideal candidate is gracious and adaptable. And a good sense of humor won’t hurt.

Position Information

The Director of Development is a full-time, temporary position (with the possibility to become a permanent position) and includes a combination of in person and remote working with a flexible schedule.
Salary range is $45,000 – 50,000, with two weeks of paid vacation.

To apply, please send cover letter, resume, two writing samples and three references to mbramucci@hedgerowtheatre.org.

Hedgerow Theatre Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring, supporting, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.