MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

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POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Director is a relationship-centered and strategic fundraising professional responsible for designing, implementing, and reporting on a comprehensive, donor-centered annual fundraising plan. 

 

This role manages all aspects of individual, corporate, grant and foundation giving, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and growing the $1,000+ donor base. 

 

The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, resourceful, and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment - comfortable building systems, structure, and momentum within a small but ambitious organization. MCT is a collaborative, mission-driven workplace where adaptability, creativity, and teamwork are essential to success. 

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CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Fundraising Strategy & Execution 

• Major Gifts: Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, with a focus on expanding MCT’s core group of $1,000+ annual donors. 

• Individual Giving: Create and implement an annual plan to deepen and broaden donor engagement, leverage production sponsorships, and manage two annual appeals. Develop and oversee a Planned Giving program. 

• Donor Base Growth: Use internal and external leads to build a robust pipeline of new supporters, re-engage lapsed donors, and convert audience members into investors in MCT’s mission. 

• Grant & Foundation Giving: Collaborate with the Grants Manager to maintain an annual grants calendar, steward institutional funders, and manage relationships with entities such as UPAF. Write or oversee competitive proposals for government and private grants. 

• Corporate Giving: Identify mission-aligned companies for operating and project support, fostering partnerships that connect MCT to broader community and business networks. 

• Events: Lead quarterly donor and cultivation events that generate income and build meaningful connections. Collaborate with the artistic and marketing teams to integrate development strategy into public-facing events and performances. 

2. Financial & Data Management 

• Develop, manage, and regularly forecast the contributed income budget. 

• Prepare fundraising reports for staff and board meetings, ensuring transparency and accountability. 

• Oversee accurate recording of contributions, pledges, and donor engagement activities in Tessitura. 

• Manage gift acknowledgment and recognition processes with accuracy and timeliness. 

3. Collaboration & Institutional Culture 

• Serve as a key member of MCT’s leadership team, contributing to a culture of inclusivity, accountability, and mutual respect. 

• Work closely with the Executive Artistic Director, Board of Trustees, and the Fund Development Committee to align fundraising efforts with strategic goals. 

• Represent MCT at rehearsals, previews, openings, and community events. 

• Identify and nurture community partnerships that expand MCT’s reach and enhance audience and donor engagement. 

• Bring a proactive, flexible, and collaborative spirit to every aspect of work - thriving in an evolving, fast-paced environment. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience + Knowledge: 

• Minimum 5 years of professional fundraising experience, with a proven track record in major gift solicitation and institutional giving. 

• Knowledge of Southeastern Wisconsin’s non-profit funding community is an asset but not required. 

Skills & Attributes: 

• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. 

• Strategic thinker who can balance long-term planning with day-to-day execution. 

• Highly organized, deadline-oriented, and adaptable; comfortable thriving in organized chaos and managing multiple priorities simultaneously. 

• Passion for the arts and for building authentic relationships with donors, patrons, and community partners. 

Technology: 

• Proficiency with CRM software (preferably Tessitura) and willingness to deepen skills as needed. 

• Competence with standard office and communication tools. 

Logistics: 

• Reliable transportation and availability for evening/weekend performances and events. 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds. 

 

COMPENSATION & WORK STRUCTURE 

This is a full-time position supervised by MCT’s Executive Artistic Director. This position is supported by a part-time Grants Manager, with potential for one additional supporting team member. 

• Salary: $60,000–$80,000 annually (commensurate with experience) 

• Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; paid holidays; unlimited sick days; 10 annual vacation days; and access to a 401(k) retirement plan. 

• Location: Based in Milwaukee, WI. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are available, though the role will include a mix of on-site and off-site work and events. 

 

TO APPLY 

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and encourages submissions from candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. 

 

To apply for this position, send a cover letter and resume to Rosalinda Fowlkes at rosa@colorfulconnections.com or click APPLY below.