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Development Director

Job Title: Development Director
Organization: Rubicon Theatre Company
Reports to: Managing Director
Location: Ventura, CA
Salary range: $95,000–$125,000 (Full-time, Exempt)

ABOUT RUBICON THEATRE COMPANY

Founded in 1998, Rubicon Theatre Company is a non-profit professional theatre located in Ventura, California’s vibrant Downtown Cultural District. Now in its 27th Season, Rubicon has produced more than 175 productions to consistent critical acclaim – including numerous world and regional premieres – winning the L.A. Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Sustained Excellence, N.Y. Drama Desk Awards, an Irish Times Award, Ovation, and NAACP Awards. Known for its intimate 180-seat venue, exceptional production values, and commitment to developing new works, Rubicon is a cultural hub that draws artists and audiences from around the world. Actors of renown including Tony, Oscar, Obie, Olivier and Ariel Award-winners have graced the Rubicon stage. Nestled between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Ventura is often called the “coastal crossroads” of California. The city offers the charm of a small town with the amenities of a thriving arts community,

Rubicon is entering an exciting new chapter in its storied history, with a dynamic artistic leadership transition and a season themed Crossroads: Moments That Can Change Everything. We are seeking a visionary, strategic, and hands-on Development Director to help move one of the nation’s most respected intimate professional theatres into its next exciting era.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Rubicon Theatre Company seeks an experienced, goal-oriented, strategic, and relationship-driven Development Director to lead all fundraising initiatives during an exciting new era of growth. The successful candidate will be a proven fundraising leader with expertise in major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation and government grants. Experience with building and capital campaigns and Planned Giving/Legacy Gifts is also of value. Our top candidates will have strong verbal and written communication styles, be organized, and have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a talent for building strong, productive relationships. This role will be instrumental in ensuring the company’s long-term financial sustainability and in deepening connections with donors who believe in our mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
    • Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive development plan to meet annual and long-term contributed income goals.
    • Partner with the Managing Director, Producing Artistic Director, and Board to align development strategy with organizational vision and priorities.
  • Major Gifts & Individual Giving
    • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and high-net-worth prospects.
    • Lead annual giving campaigns, donor appeals, renewals, and targeted initiatives.
  • Planned Giving & Legacy Gifts
    • Establish and grow a robust Planned Giving/Legacy Gifts program.
    • Cultivate relationships with donors and advisors to secure bequests, trusts, and other estate-related commitments.
  • Corporate Sponsorships & Foundations
    • Develop and manage corporate sponsorship programs, ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships.
    • Research, write, and submit compelling grant proposals and timely reports to funders.
  • Events & Campaigns
    • Plan and execute donor cultivation events, galas, and benefit performances in collaboration with the Producing Artistic Director and Managing Director.
    • Collaborate on capital, endowment, or comprehensive campaigns as needed.
  • Board & Volunteer Engagement
    • Support the Board Development Committee and engage trustees in fundraising efforts.
    • Provide tools, resources, and opportunities for Board and volunteers to participate in donor cultivation.
  • Research, Data Management & Reporting
    • Research donor and patron capacity.
    • Oversee donor database (currently Audience View) for accurate tracking, board reporting, donor fulfillment, and stewardship.
    • Prepare and send thank you notes and tax letters to donors and donor honorees.
    • Pull lists of donors for programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • Minimum 5+ years of progressive non-profit development, or relevant experience.
  • Knowledge of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and techniques. Demonstrated record of success in generating significant commitments from corporations, foundations and private donors.
  • Experience with creative event management and event oversight.
  • Proven success securing major gifts and planned gifts.
  • Experience with donor database management.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of methods, practices, and procedures for obtaining information about the giving programs of corporations and foundations.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal and networking skills with large groups as well as with individuals.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances, while working in a fast-paced setting.
  • Demonstrated ability to take primary responsibility for a diverse number of projects and complete them in a timely manner with limited supervision.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

  • Passion for the performing arts and belief in the transformative power of theatre.
  • Charismatic relationship-builder with a strategic mindset.
  • Highly organized, self-motivated, and results-oriented.
  • Thrives in a collaborative, team-based environment.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • Salary range: $95,000–$125,000, commensurate with experience and proven track record.
  • Medical insurance provided (no dental or vision coverage).
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:

Perla Ponti, Chief of Staff
E-mail: [email protected]
Subject line: Development Director Application – [Your Name]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling` basis until the position is filled.

Rubicon Theatre Company is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis, including race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or national origin.

Join us in shaping the future of a nationally respected theatre company—help ensure that world-class artistry continues to thrive in our coastal community for generations to come.