Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

Director Of Development & Alumni Affairs

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The Director of Development & Alumni Affairs reports to the Dean of David Geffen School of Drama/Yale Repertory Theatre (DGSD/YRT). Working closely with the DGSD/YRT Associate Dean/Managing Director, the Director leads and supervises the Development and Alumni Affairs Office, overseeing annual fundraising, alumni communications, and related organizational efforts and events that support a dynamic, mission-driven operation for DGSD/YRT.

The Director is instrumental in cultivating and sustaining meaningful relationships with DGSD/YRT alumni, donors, friends, and prospects; overseeing volunteer initiatives; and meeting annual fundraising goals while delivering exceptional stewardship experiences that deepen donor and alumni commitment. The role includes planning and executing monthly, quarterly, and annual messaging; producing program- and constituency-specific communications (including newsletters); and reporting on fundraising trends and opportunities.

The position requires availability for occasional travel and evening/weekend events. It also includes mentoring DGSD students in professional work assignments in the Development Department and potentially teaching workshops/courses in DGSD's Theater Management Program.

Essential Duties:

• Lead all fundraising strategy and execution for DGSD/YRT, aligning solicitation campaigns and alumni affairs priorities with school and university objectives.
• Design, implement, and manage comprehensive fundraising programs, including annual giving, major gifts, endowment, planned giving, and capital campaigns, in partnership with DGSD/YRT leadership and the Yale University Development Office.
• Direct the full donor/prospect lifecycle: identification, research, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, proposal development, closure, stewardship, and follow-up; oversee accurate tracking and monitoring of donors and prospects.
• Set and manage measurable fundraising performance targets: revenue, participation, activity.
• Monitor annual giving performance and solicitation strategies on a regular cadence; analyze participation and dollar trends, identify opportunities, and adjust strategies to meet goals.
• Build and sustain strong alumni engagement and relationships; review donor profiles to identify and strategically solicit top annual donors.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of alumni affairs programs and events, including targeted annual initiatives; plan and attend on- and off-campus meetings and events.
• Prepare and/or oversee compelling gift and grant proposals, coordinate with the University Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations on proposals for specific projects.
• Serve as primary liaison to the DGSD Board of Advisors, organizing Board meetings and overseeing Board committees, solicitations, and stewardship.
• Serve as liaison to the Yale University Development Office and relevant university officers/departments; collaborate closely with faculty, staff, students, and campus partners on fundraising initiatives.
• Develop and manage the Development/Alumni Affairs budget; ensure effective resource allocation in support of strategic goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing development team; establish a culture of responsiveness, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Supervise and mentor student rotations within the Development Office; coordinate with the Chair of the Theater Management Program to implement and evaluate student development training.
• Participate in annual and long-range planning processes; contribute to short- and long-term fundraising strategy development with senior management.
• Travel as required to support donor engagement and fundraising activity, consistent with Yale fundraising expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required

Skills and Abilities:

• Experience and…