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Director of Development

AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas, TX, United States


ABOUT THE AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER The AT&T Performing Arts Center is a nonprofit foundation that operates and programs a 10-acre campus comprised of three premier performance venues and a park in downtown Dallas. Audiences enjoy the best and most recent from Broadway; the finest dance companies from across the globe co‑presented with TITAS Presents; and top concerts, performers and cutting‑edge speakers. Thousands of students explore and more deeply experience the arts through the Center’s education program, Open Stages. The Center also offers free programming for audiences from every part of the community.

Organizational Values: The Center’s culture is to focus on the values that guide its people’s actions. The Center commits to serving as a place of inclusion, diversity, and equity for our staff, artists, community, and beyond. We commit to listening to each other, learning from each other, and taking a stand for what we know is right so that all people feel valued, respected, and safe.

The Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Center’s Core Values

Achievement Focused

- Committed to the advancement and cultivation of the Performing Arts in Dallas

Community Minded

– Actively fostering and participating in meaningful community interactions

Customer Service Driven

– Dedicated to the service of internal and external constituents so that all want to return

Flexible

– Willing to change to achieve results

The Center’s five resident companies are among the city’s leading arts institutions: Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center and Texas Ballet Theater.

Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, the Center’s campus includes the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, Annette Strauss Square, and Elaine D. and Charles A. Sammons Park are some of the finest performance venues in the world.

Job Summary: The dynamic, experienced, and results‑driven Director of Development plays a key role in growing contributed income for the Center through the Bravo! Gala, annual fund campaign, membership, and major gifts programs. The Director of Development works with departmental staff to identify, cultivate, and solicit donors and donor prospects with the goal of increasing the number of donors and contributions on a consistent and repeatable basis.

This position is a detail-oriented, highly organized team player with excellent interpersonal skills who works seamlessly and efficiently with AT&T Performing Arts Center staff and end users of the facilities. Essential skills include the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Must be a self‑starter and work autonomously using independent judgement. A positive attitude towards the position and the Center’s Core Values is imperative.

Position Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

Work closely with the VP of Development to set goals, priorities, and direction for individual giving programs

In partnership with senior staff leadership and the Board of Directors Annual Fund Committee, create the strategy and plan to expand membership and philanthropic revenue

Oversee the development of retention and upgrade strategies to move donors and members through the giving continuum

Identify, qualify, and cultivate relationships with prospective and current major donors, with a focus on retaining and upgrading support

Manage a portfolio of current major gift donors and prospects. Develop and execute a personalized plan to solicit major gifts, curating appropriate involvement of the VP, CEO, and other key Board members

Create and maintain strong, trusting relationships with donors through personalized communications and engagement opportunities

Assign portfolio to the Development Manager

Oversee the execution of special events and programs in support of development activities, including the annual Bravo! Gala

Oversee Board of Directors engagement and annual giving

Manage two direct reports, the Development Manager and the Development Associate

Ensure strong data and communications infrastructure to support the fundraising program

Track contacts and strategy in Tessitura and oversee reporting of the annual fund revenue pipeline and forecasting

Conduct prospect research as needed

Exemplify the Core Values of the Center by working passionately to pursue the mission and vision of the organization

Other duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities This position has supervisory responsibilities for the Development Manager and the Development Associate.

Requirements Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited university or equivalent related experience as determined by hiring department.

Experience & Skills

Excellent verbal, written, budgetary and problem‑solving skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

At least 5 years of experience working in fundraising or equivalent experience including face‑to‑face solicitation

Demonstrated success in generating significant commitments from individuals

Flexible schedule for events, this position will work many nights and weekends, including holidays

Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment

Excellent organizational skills with a high attention to detail

Professional demeanor and attire

Highly motivated self‑starter, who works well independently and, in a group setting, a true team player

Ability to initiate and build relationships with prospective donors and must be an excellent networker and solicitor

Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances

Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and database management (experience in Tessitura a plus)

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