Development Events and Stewardship Associate

Reports to:

Development Events Manager

Compensation: $58,000-$63,000, depending on qualifications

Benefits:
Benefits Eligible

The Development Events and Stewardship Associate plans, coordinates and executes Development events and donor stewardship activities that deepen donor engagement with the Guthrie Theater. This role leads Opening Night dinners and related donor hospitality, supports cultivation and stewardship events throughout the season, and helps ensure donors receive thoughtful, accurate and welcoming communication before, during and after Guthrie events.

This position also supports event RSVPs, donor seat notes, guest list management, event records, post‑event follow‑up, donor trips, the annual Gala, campaign‑related events and other Development activities. Working closely with the Development Events Manager and cross‑functional partners, this role helps ensure events and stewardship experiences are well‑organized, donor‑centered and aligned with Guthrie priorities. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence;
Community;
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

This position is full‑time, exempt and benefits eligible. The typical schedule for this role will vary based on the dynamic schedule of a theater and will require evening and weekend availability, especially around Development events and activities. This position is eligible for hybrid work.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams that are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

1. Development Event Planning and Execution (50%)

• Lead planning and execution of Opening Night dinners and related donor hospitality, including timelines, guest lists, invitations, seating, menus, staffing plans, run‑of‑show documents, vendor coordination and day‑of execution.
• Plan and execute selected donor cultivation and stewardship events in partnership with the Development Events Manager, Annual Giving staff and Development leadership.
• Support the annual Gala, campaign‑related events, major donor gatherings, donor trips and other Development events as assigned, with a focus on guest experience, logistics, materials, records and day‑of support.
• Manage event check‑in, attendance tracking, seating updates, guest questions and onsite details to ensure a polished and welcoming donor experience.
• Coordinate event‑related communications, including invitations, reminders, confirmations, briefing materials and follow‑up communications that are accurate, timely and aligned with Guthrie standards.
• Maintain continuity of the Guthrie brand and donor experience across Development events and assist with post‑event evaluation and improvements.

2. Stewardship and Donor Engagement (30%)

• Help develop and implement meaningful donor stewardship touchpoints connected to Guthrie productions, donor events, giving milestones and Development priorities.
• Coordinate personalized donor seat notes, event follow‑up, gratitude outreach and other relationship‑centered communications in partnership with Annual Giving staff.
• Support donor benefit fulfillment and donor experience workflows, ensuring donors receive accurate information, timely responses and thoughtful service.
• Monitor and respond to the Development events RSVP inbox and event‑related phone inquiries in a timely, professional and welcoming manner.
• Partner with gift officers and Development colleagues to identify donor preferences, special guest considerations and follow‑up opportunities before and after events.
• Track stewardship activity and relevant donor interactions in Tessitura or other systems as appropriate.

3. Department Support and Administration (20%)

• Maintain accurate event and donor records in Tessitura, including RSVPs, attendance, seating,…