Senior Director of Advancement

Arena Stage Fellowship•Washington, DC

16h

About The Position

The Senior Director of Advancement provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for Arena Stage's Individual and Corporate Giving programs. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), this role ensures strong portfolio management, thoughtful revenue planning, and meaningful donor engagement across all levels of giving. This position oversees the Director of Strategic Philanthropy and the Corporate Giving Manager, strengthening alignment across membership, Inner Circle, major gifts, and sponsorship. The Senior Director builds systems that support sustainable growth, shared accountability, and relationship-centered fundraising. The CDO focuses on principal gifts, board partnership, executive alignment, and long-term strategy, while the Senior Director ensures consistent execution, team support, and progress toward contributed revenue goals.

Requirements

Significant experience in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success in relationship-based philanthropy.
Experience supervising and supporting staff in goal-oriented environments.
Understanding of annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and donor pipeline development.
Experience working with revenue projections and performance tracking.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to build trust with donors, colleagues, and Trustees.
Willingness to participate in evening and weekend events, with schedule flexibility provided.

Nice To Haves

Experience in arts or mission-driven organizations preferred.
Familiarity with CRM systems (Tessitura preferred).

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Revenue Planning Provide leadership for Individual Giving programs, including Membership, Inner Circle, and Major Gifts.
Partner with the CDO to set annual and multi-year contributed revenue goals grounded in data and opportunity.
Guide portfolio strategy to ensure donors and prospects receive consistent, thoughtful engagement.
Monitor revenue progress and provide clear, timely forecasting and analysis.
Strengthen moves management systems to support transparency, collaboration, and shared responsibility.
Identify opportunities to deepen donor relationships and grow long-term philanthropic investment.
Ensure clear stewardship strategy for Inner Circle members, including intentional relationship-building through small gatherings and personalized outreach.
Team Leadership and Development Supervise the Director of Strategic Philanthropy and, through that role, support the Membership Manager, and Membership Assistant.
Directly supervise the Corporate Giving Manager.
Provide regular coaching, feedback, and professional development support to team members.
Establish clear, achievable performance benchmarks and support staff in meeting shared goals.
Facilitate regular portfolio review conversations that emphasize learning, collaboration, and progress.
Foster strong working relationships across Development, Operations, Marketing, Community Engagement, and Audience Services.
Contribute to a team culture grounded in mutual respect, clarity, and continuous growth.
Leadership-Level Fundraising Maintain a focused portfolio of select donors, as appropriate.
Support strategy for significant donor conversations led by the CDO, executive leadership, and Trustees.
Participate in cultivation and stewardship events, including performances and off-site gatherings.
Ensure coordination between individual and corporate fundraising strategies when appropriate.
Corporate Giving Strategy Provide strategic oversight of Arena Stage's corporate partnerships and sponsorship program.
Support proactive outreach, renewal, and relationship-building strategies.
Ensure clear communication and collaboration across departments to fulfill sponsorship benefits.