Development Manager, New Brunswick, NJ

George Street Playhouse (GSP), a professional producing theatre at the heart of New Brunswick’s vibrant cultural district, seeks a proactive and detail-oriented Development Manager to play a vital role in the success of its fundraising efforts.

Position Summary

The Development Manager is a full-time exempt position reporting to the Director of Advancement. This role is pivotal in executing GSP’s annual fundraising strategy, with a strong emphasis on cultivation and stewardship events. In addition, this position manages donor benefit fulfillment, departmental operations, recordkeeping, and communications to ensure the smooth and efficient function of the Advancement department.

Salary Range:                   $50,000 – $60,000
Status:                                Exempt, Full-Time
Reports to:                        Director of Advancement
Works closely with:        Development Associate, Data Services Manager, Marketing Manager

About George Street Playhouse

Founded in 1974, George Street Playhouse has been a cornerstone of Central New Jersey’s cultural landscape, producing new plays, reimagined classics, and education programs that inspire and engage. Under the 25-year artistic leadership of David Saint, GSP became known as an incubator of important new works, many of which went on to enjoy successful lives on Broadway and beyond. His legacy continues to shape the theatre’s commitment to bold storytelling and artistic excellence.

Now entering a new era, GSP is led by an Artistic Triumvirate, a collaborative leadership team reimagining the organization’s mission and vision with fresh energy and inclusive values. With a permanent home at the state-of-the-art New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, GSP remains committed to creating transformative experiences through live theatre.

GSP has a commitment to company culture that leads with relentless curiosity, limitless imagination and kindness and is welcoming and inclusive, focused on creative innovation and empowerment, and driven by accountability and fun. We build our strength on trust, diversity and the authentic expression of each individual.

GSP is now in the second year of its “Bridge to the Future” strategic plan, an ambitious endeavor that will secure its artistic and financial future, ensuring GSP’s legacy and influence for generations to come.

Key Responsibilities

Annual Fund & Department Operations

• Lead the planning and execution of annual fund campaigns in coordination with Director of Advancement
• Oversee gift processing, acknowledgments, donor benefits, and pledge tracking
• Maintain departmental calendars, budgets, and expense records
• Coordinate with the Finance Department to reconcile development income and expenses
• Collaborate with Development Associate and Data Services Manager to ensure accurate CRM recordkeeping in Tessitura

Event Management

• Serve as project manager for all Development events including Opening Nights, donor cultivation events, annual Gala, and other fundraisers
• Act as the primary point of contact for vendors, hospitality partners, and internal staff for event logistics
• Manage all event timelines, budgets, and task follow-up with staff and committee members
• Assist committee members with donor outreach and cultivation efforts
• Coordinate invitations, materials, and seating assignments; oversee onsite logistics and staffing

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Serve as a concierge for key donors and prospects, ensuring an exceptional engagement experience.
• Maintain stewardship plans and assist with moves management in collaboration with the Director of Advancement.
• Oversee timely gift acknowledgements and personalized communication strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum 2 years of experience in fundraising, with emphasis on event planning and annual fund coordination
• Strong organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with donor database systems (Tessitura preferred)
• Ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with diverse constituencies including donors, staff, artists, board members, and the public
• Passion for the performing arts or nonprofit work is a plus

Work Hours

The standard office schedule is Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Evening and weekend hours are required for events, performances, and special activities. Regular attendance is expected at:

• All company “Meet and Greet” events
• Dress rehearsal or one preview performance of each production
• Opening Night activities and major fundraising events

Benefits

• 90% employer-paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Paid parking near the theater
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Fridays off in summer
• One week of paid leave in summer and another in December
• One remote workday per week
• Additional perks are designed to support work-life balance and foster a thriving team culture.

Please submit your resume and cover letter by noon on July 31, 2025 to Megan Cherry at mcherry@georgestplayhouse.org with “GSP Development Manager” in the subject line.

George Street Playhouse is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. GSP encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.