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Current Employment Opportunities

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

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. 

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.

INTERIM COMMUNICATIONS & PATRON SERVICES COORDINATOR

 

Position Classification: temporary, part-time, hourly  

Compensation: $17 per hour 

Reports to: Marketing & Communications Director  

Core Collaborative: BTC Box Office, Production Artists, Patrons, Community Partners  

Other Collaborative: Executive Artistic Director, Development Director, Artistic Producer, Production Manager, Trustees, volunteers, vendors, Skylight Music Theatre staff, others as necessary  

Location: working hours are site-based with limited remote work possible by approval of Marketing & Communications Director  

 

POSITION SUMMARY 

In concert with and under the supervision of the Marketing & Communications Director and in collaboration with the MCT staff, the Interim Communications & Patron Services Coordinator will create, implement, and/or enact various patron engagement pathways that open and deepen patrons’ relationships with MCT.  

 

This is a temporary, part-time position designed to provide coverage during an employee leave and phased return-to-work period. Leave coverage beginning in mid-October, with limited training hours beginning in mid-September. The primary coverage period will continue into early 2027, with additional hours of supplemental transition support available through April 2027. Hours will vary over the course of the assignment but will not exceed 20 hours per week. 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

 

COMMUNICATIONS 

  • Support external communications through creation and dissemination of messaging materials and response compilation under guidance from Marketing & Communications Director, including but not limited to social media (Facebook, Instagram) and email marketing (Mailchimp)  

  • Generate contact lists via Tessitura and ensure that patron data in Tessitura is accurate and up to date  

  • Compile promotional materials from artists and collaborators, assisting in preparation of show programs and lobby marketing materials 

  • Update Wix-based institutional website  

  • Facilitate communication with artists, partner groups, media, or other stakeholders as needed 

  • Assist in development of additional collateral as needed and able 

 

PATRON AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS 

  • Serve as first point of communication for MCT patrons and community members  

  • Execute subscription campaign as coordinated by Marketing & Communications Director, including coordination of patron data, development and distribution of subscription messaging, and subscription processing 

  • Facilitate group sales and educational outreach, process group bookings, and collaborate on collateral development  

  • Liaise with box office as needed on patron inquiries and exchanges and Front of House communications  

  • Fulfill and track MCT’s voucher program as needed per Marketing & Communications Director and Development Director  

  • Monitor general email address and Wix messages, and reply or direct responses as appropriate  

 

COLLABORATIVE 

  • Attend weekly internal meetings as determined by Marketing & Communications Director  

  • Represent MCT at occasional events and performances, if needed 

 

Other duties as mutually agreed, with the understanding that additions to and deletions from the position will naturally occur as part of a central role in an evolving institution and industry.  

 

The accuracy of this job description to actual practice will be evaluation and any needed adjustments made as part of an annual performance review process.  

 

QUALIFICATIONS  

  • Strongly motivated by MCT’s mission, vision, and values, and able to take ownership of task outcomes with the capacity to align process and outcome to mission, vision, and values;  

  • Highly organized and deadline-driven with excellent time management and written/verbal communication skills;  

  • Current on technological tools of the role with facility to deepen skills;  

  • And excited by and skilled in building relationships with individuals from a wide variety of demographics, personalities, lived experiences, and worldviews throughout greater Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin.  

 

Computer literacy and data management facility are essential, and programs utilized in the role include Microsoft Word and Excel, Canva (for collateral templates), Wix (for basic website updates), Mailchimp (for email distribution), and Tessitura (for patron data management). Some training is available. 

 

A reliable means of transportation and the ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation is required. 

 

COMPENSATION & WORKFLOW 

The Interim Communications & Patron Services Coordinator’s standard work week will vary throughout the coverage period but will not exceed 20 hours per week at its highest point. Dates and weekly hours are anticipated and may be adjusted based on the timing and duration of the leave and return-to-work schedule. Candidates should have some flexibility to accommodate reasonable changes to the assignment schedule. The ideal anticipated structure for this leave coverage is: 

  • September 21 – October 18: 5 hours per week (training period) 

  • October 19 – January 3: 20 hours per week 

  • January 4 – February 28: 10 hours per week 

  • March 1 – May 2: 5 hours per week 

 

We understand that this schedule may not perfectly fit into the availability of all applicants and are able to offer some flexibility in structure for the ideal candidate.  

 

Some evening and weekend availability, including occasional attendance at performances as well as off-site events, may be requested. 

 

This position is not eligible for benefits. 

 

TO APPLY 

Please submit a brief statement of interest and your resume to Marketing & Communications Director Stephanie Brownell at stephanie@milwaukeechambertheatre.org before August 28th, 2026. Initial review of applications will begin on August 21st.

INTERNSHIPS & APPRENTICESHIPS

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) offers internships for passionate and motivated individuals eager to make an impact in the arts. Opportunities may include but are not limited to Marketing, Community Engagement and Events, Business Administration, Development, and Education. These positions are tailored to align with your unique skills and career learning goals. School credit is also available for eligible students.

At MCT, you’ll gain hands-on experience while helping us create transformative theatre for Milwaukee. Our work bridges divides, sparks multigenerational and multicultural conversations, and connects Milwaukeeans more deeply to each other. Join us in building a sustainable arts infrastructure that tells impactful local stories and engages our vibrant community.

For more information or to pursue an application, please contact Marketing Director Stephanie K Brownell at stephanie@milwaukeechambertheatre.org. Please include a resume or CV to begin the conversation.

UNDERSTUDIES

MCT engages local early career artists as understudies for our productions. Understudies are offered a stipend and have the opportunity to work with and learn from local and visiting professional actors, directors, and designers throughout the rehearsal process.

For more information or to express interest in being considered for an Understudy role, please contact Artistic Producer Josie Trettin at josie@milwaukeechambertheatre.org.

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Honorary Co-Chairs

Julie Anding and Lisa Kornetsky

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