AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE CENTER 

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
JOB DESCRIPTION

The American Shakespeare Center (ASC), a $3 million Equity theatre and educational center seeks experienced candidates for the position of Director of Development.  The Director of Development provides leadership for the ASC’s fundraising activities and supervision for all personnel in the Development Department.  The Director of Development works with the development staff, Managing Director, Founding Executive Director, and Development Committee of the Board of Trustees to develop fundraising goals and create the annual and long-range strategies for achieving those goals.  The Director of Development works with the Managing Director to prepare and manage the expense budget of the Development Department.  The Director of Development plays a leadership role in orchestrating the major-gifts cultivation and solicitation efforts of the Managing Director, Founding Executive Director, and members of the Board of Trustees.  In addition, the Director of Development is responsible for managing his/her own portfolio of prospective major-gifts contributors.  The Director of Development is supported by the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees, an Associate Director of Development responsible for grant writing, and a Development Manager responsible for direct mail annual fund, special events, and database management.  In anticipation of re-creating the 1614 Globe theatre, the Director of Development is also an active participant in planning for a capital campaign to begin within two-three years. The Director of Development reports directly to the Managing Director and also works closely with the Founding Executive Director. 

Headquartered in Staunton, Virginia, the ASC performs and educates at the Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor playhouse, 52 weeks per year.  In addition, the ASC on Tour is the most active Shakespeare touring company in America.  Of equal important to its artistic productions, the ASC’s education and research activities are central to its mission.

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree and demonstrated success in progressive fundraising positions, preferably within performing arts organizations and/or organizations of comparable size to the ASC.  In addition, candidates should have strong communication and organizational skills, and experience with development and standard office software systems.  Compensation is commensurate with experience. Letters of inquiry, resumes, and reference lists can be delivered to Mr. David Dreyfoos, Managing Director, American Shakespeare Center, 13 W. Beverley Street, 4th floor, Staunton, VA 24401, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .