Development Director

The Development Director is a critical member of the administrative team that supports and carries out Near West Theatre’s mission and expands on its almost 50 years of operational strength. The Development Director works with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to build the organization’s capacity in all areas of fund development to solidify fiscal strength.

The Development Director will lead the strategic growth and diversification of contributed revenue at Near West Theatre that advances individual philanthropy, institutional, corporate and government funding, donor stewardship, and long-term sustainability. The ideal candidate is both strategic and relationship-driven, with the ability to build and manage fundraising systems and technology, cultivate meaningful and authentic donor relationships, and translate Near West Theatre’s mission into compelling philanthropic opportunities.

Near West Theatre has a unique identity as an intergenerational community-based theatre where people work side‑by‑side, onstage and off, producing our annual production season and through participation in mission-centric programs and events. NWT provides high quality, innovative, socially relevant movies that are inclusive and accessible with our community. NWT is a founding anchor institution of the Gordon Square Arts District serving the Detroit Shoreway, West Side and Northeast Ohio communities in our state‑of‑the‑art 27,000 square foot, ADA accessible facility.

• Raise annual operating contributed revenue and cash reserve through new and established fundraising initiatives and campaigns
• Manage the annual appeal campaign in coordination with Grants & Data Manager and Marketing Manager
• Oversee development and fundraising requests such as foundation and corporate proposals working closely with the Grants & Data Manager
• Approve and oversee annual grants and reporting calendar to ensure accurate and timely reports to all funding sources in coordination with Grants & Data Manager
• Advise and make recommendations on the contributed income and fundraising expenses for the annual operating budget
• Manage and oversee the Near West Theatre annual benefit
• Develop and manage the annual calendar of special donor cultivation and stewardship events
• Oversee regular maintenance and function of all fundraising systems and technologies
• Partner with the Development Committee to advance the fundraising goals of the institution
• Assist the Executive Director in facilitating relationships with local, state and federal officials
• Serve as a critical fundraising representative of the organization throughout the region

• Build authentic long‑term, values‑aligned donor relationships rooted in stewardship, trust, and sustained philanthropic engagement
• Identify, cultivate and steward prospects through audience development, alumni engagement, community programs, and events
• Engage the Board of Trustees and Development Committee to identify new fundraising opportunities and prospects
• Develop meaningful and creative opportunities to cultivate and steward donors
• Maintain development and acknowledgment policies and procedures in coordination with the Grants & Data Manager
• Create and implement a major donor program, working to cultivate and solicit gifts from high‑level donors
• Formalize and implement an institutional Planned Giving program
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year‑end gift reconciliation in partnership with the accounting consultant
• Serve as liaison to the accounting consultant for income reporting and reconciliations in coordination with Grants & Data Manager
• Assist with annual audit preparation and IRS Form 990 documentation
• Support grant compliance reviews and internal reporting needs
• Maintain organized digital and physical grant and donor records
• Partner with Production, Programs, Education, Marketing, and Finance teams to align data and reporting needs
• Partner closely with programs and marketing to translate organizational priorities into compelling funding opportunities
• Provide database training and ongoing support for staff and board members
• Contribute to continuous improvement of systems,…