Senior Director of Advancement

Arena Stage•Washington, DC

About The Position

Arena Stage is the voice of American theater resident in our nation's capital. Focused on American artists, our productions are innovative and representative of stories from across the country. We nurture new plays and reimagine classics. We celebrate our democracy and diversity through a multitude of voices in our productions and community engagement programs to inspire people to action. Arena Stage values a work culture that values experimentation and collaboration, excellence in all aspects, diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion, community service, and effective partnerships. 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).
Balances long-term strategy with thoughtful implementation
Approaches leadership with clarity, empathy, and accountability
Values collaboration and shared problem-solving
Communicates with transparency and care
Comfortable working with data to inform decisions
Committed to expanding access to philanthropy and deepening community relationships
Belief in the power of theater to engage, inspire, and connect people

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.