The Ordway: The Ordway is the arts epicenter of Saint Paul, Minnesota, and one of the leading nonprofits performing arts centers in the country. Founded on the belief that performing arts should be wide-ranging and accessible to all, the Ordway is home to a variety of performances that encompass the finest in Broadway musicals, concerts, dance and vocal artists. Known as the most comfortable place to catch a show in Minnesota, the Ordway includes a magnificent 1,900-seat Music Theater, a state-of-the-art 1,100-seat Concert Hall and spacious lobbies. The Ordway aims to reflect the communities it serves and address barriers to ensure everyone can experience the power of the performing arts.

About the Arts Partnership: In 2006 the Arts Partnership—Minnesota Opera, Ordway, Schubert Club, and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra—was formed to solve the challenges of scheduling and usage of our premier performing arts venue, the Ordway. Today this unique, strategic alliance ensures the equitable sharing and effective stewardship of the Ordway Center as a vital cultural asset in the Twin Cities.

Position Purpose: The Arts Partnership Development Manager, reporting to the Ordway Vice President of Advancement, will plan, execute, and manage an annual fund strategy in coordination with Advancement staff in each of the Arts Partnership organizations, and be familiar with best practices in philanthropic messaging and digital communications. This position is responsible for spearheading and developing a strategic fundraising plan that will generate growth for the Arts Partnership Annual Fund which is currently $550,000.

Position Details:

• Posting Date: 4/16/24
• Closing Date: The Ordway is dedicated to building an equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender, and non-binary candidates. This position will remain open until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Employee Type: Exempt, Full-time
• Pay: Starting at $62,000
• Department: Advancement      
• Reports to: VP of Advancement     

Key Performance Areas:  

• Coordinate activities of Annual Fund Committee, staff, and others as they relate to Annual Fund planning and implementation.
• Schedule and prepare materials for committee meetings including notifications, agendas, prospect lists, action plans, and reminders. 
• Schedule and coordinate bi-weekly meetings with Annual Fund staff team.
• Support creation and use of Annual Fund materials including support of staff and volunteers in preparing cultivation and solicitation presentations.
• Maintain donor database and regularly review top prospects and status of gifts, volunteer and staff assignments, cultivation strategies, solicitations, and contact reports.
• Prepare Annual Fund communications—written and web-based—including solicitations and acknowledgements.
• Maintain thorough, accurate, and secure donation and pledge records and prepare weekly annual fund progress reports for committee members and staff.
• Ensure timely and effective acknowledgement of all gifts and pledges and pledge reminders.
• Maintain calendar of corporate and foundation grant application and reporting deadlines, keeping apprised those colleagues who will be preparing the materials. 
• Event Support – Plan Arts Partnership Annual Meeting and other donor cultivation events.

Other Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required, bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least three years’ work experience in annual fundraising and memberships.
• Audience View database experience, preferred.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people including donors, staff, volunteers, and the general public.
• Knowledge of the performing arts industry.
• Knowledge of philanthropy and the nonprofit world with an emphasis on annual giving and direct response. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and the enthusiasm to help build the capacity of the Arts Partnership.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.
• Resourceful, works well independently.
• Requires honesty, integrity, and the ability to work confidentially.
• Meticulous attention to detail.

The Ordway requires all employees to adhere to the COVID safety standards set by the artists and tours that perform on our stages. This means that at times Ordway employees may be required to wear masks, to take COVID tests, and possibly, to provide proof of COVID vaccination. The Ordway is an equal opportunity employer and will consider requests for reasonable accommodation for employees and applicants based on disability or sincerely held religious beliefs.

To Apply: For more information or to apply, visit ordway.org/employment.

Ordway is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, age, local human rights commission activity, national origin, and veteran, or disability status. The Ordway Theater and administrative office are wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcomed. All applicants who have questions or needs regarding access accommodations or interpreting assistance for job interviews are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources.

We know there are great candidates who may not fit into the criteria we’ve outlined here, or who have important skills we haven’t listed. If that’s you, please don’t hesitate to apply anyway and tell us about yourself.