| This is a rare opportunity for an experienced and energetic development professional to redesign their own comprehensive approach for fundraising for the fastest growing regional theater in the country. The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will lead the development and implementation of fundraising strategies and plans for the Paramount Theatre (PT).
Reporting to the President & CEO, the CDO will be responsible for the organization’s fundraising goals, with an emphasis on growing philanthropy throughout the community. This includes substantially broadening the organization’s donor base, with a focus on engaging and acquiring Major Gifts donors and Show Sponsorship.
Building upon a successful capital campaign, the CDO position requires strong leadership who thrives in a high energy environment. The CDO must be a team player with extraordinary interpersonal skills and is a highly motivated and organized project manager.
STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES: - Understands PT’s mission, values, culture, communities, constituencies and governance structure;
- Understands PT’s financial structure, budget and the short and long-term funding requirements of all segments of the organization;
- Develops strong trust and confidence of the President, Board Members, and other senior leaders;
- Understands and works in concert and alignment with the organization’s stated goals and objectives;
- Actively contributes to and engages with the organization’s strategic planning and goal-setting efforts;
- Ensures that the Development Department is well-structured and able to support annual fundraising goals
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Being an active member of the PT Executive Leadership Team;
- Successfully develops and implements strong fundraising vision;
- Serves as top advisor to President on development/philanthropy related matters;
- Primary philanthropic leader and liaison to the President, Board of Directors, donors, volunteers, staff and community-at-large;
- Assists President with governance issues, as needed, including proposing individuals for Board membership and other key volunteer considerations;
- Plans, manages and directs all PT fundraising efforts including Major Gifts, Capital, Endowment, Show Sponsorship, Planned Giving, Grants and Annual/Special Events campaigns and activities (including fundraising/theater experience in New York);
- Identifies, cultivates and solicits a personal portfolio of major gifts and sponsorship donor prospects;
- Manages major gift portfolios for organizational leadership and others, including the President, key volunteers and staff, and the Development staff;
- Mentors and trains Executive Leadership Team/Development staff/other key staff and Board/other key volunteers in PT’s philanthropic goals and processes;
- Develops and leads cultivation and solicitation strategies, including show related donor cultivation events;
- Maintains relationship with Board members and Community Foundation staff associated with the endowment fund;
- Plans and coordinates a comprehensive stewardship and donor acknowledgement program;
- Develops a comprehensive prospect research program;
- Establishes, manages and monitors the Development department revenue and expense budgeting process;
- In collaboration with the CEO and CFO, ensures use of restricted funds, as appropriate, in PT’s organizational budgeting, and in accordance with a donor’s gift designation;
- Is knowledgeable about philanthropy best practices and acts as a resource for optimal philanthropic activities;
HISTORY - PURPOSE - DIRECTION OF ORGANIZATION The Aurora Community Civic Authority, is Paramount Theatre’s governing body for a $23 million municipal-based community organization whose mission is to develop and grow Aurora into a major alternative entertainment destination in the greater Chicago area and Midwest. PT is comprised of the 6000-person RiverEdge Outdoor Park, 1,843-seat Paramount Theatre, the 173-seat Copley Theatre, the impending Stolp Theatre, the Paramount School for the Arts and other educational and performing arts activities.
Located in the heart of downtown Aurora (the second largest City in Illinois), along the Fox River, the 88-year old landmark played host to 325,000 patrons last season that enjoyed comedy, dance, concerts, family programming and the self-produced Broadway Series shows. The Paramount currently has over 41,000 Broadway Series subscribers. Organization's financial resources come from: Contributions, Foundation and Corporate grants, Special events, Interest income, Earned income (dues, fees, tuition, etc.) Maintains a presence in the community to build relationships and help market Paramount and other PT experiences and fundraising opportunities.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Annual Budget for Organization: $23M
Organization's financial resources come from: Contributions, Foundation and Corporate grants, Special events, Interest income, Earned income (dues, fees, tuition, etc.)
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