Manager, Grants and Institutional Relations

George Street Playhouse, a nationally recognized theater located in New Brunswick, NJ with a 45 year history of producing world class theater and providing the highest quality arts education programs, seeks an experienced fundraising professional to join its team. 

The Manager of Institutional Relations is a member of the Development Department reporting to the Director of Development. This position:

• has direct responsibility for generating significant funds from foundations, corporate foundations and government sources, meeting or exceeding GSP’s budget targets. 
•  is charged with managing a high volume of grant proposals and reports, demonstrating initiative at all stages of the funding cycle from research, to cultivation, to solicitation, to stewardship, in order to secure unrestricted and restricted programmatic support. 
• represents the mission of the organization effectively and persuasively in all written and verbal interactions with current and potential funders. 
• works closely with members of the administrative, artistic, and education departments to develop proposal content and stay abreast of anticipated fundable projects and organizational needs.

Principal Accountabilities: 

• Manage and execute all aspects of the institutional giving program, responsible for a substantial portfolio of foundation, corporate and government funders.

• Work with the Director of Development on the development and execution of a comprehensive plan for increasing institutional funding.

• Develop grant strategies, write and prepare letters of inquiry, write and prepare grant proposals and related budgets, documents, contracts, and all other correspondence in support of institutional solicitations and stewardship. 

• Conduct in-depth prospect research to identify potential funding opportunities from institutional funders for general operating support and programmatic funding. 

• Cultivate and steward sustainable relationships with funders

• Generate budget projections and reports on revenue from institutional funders. 

• Generate personalized grant acknowledgments; maintain ongoing communications and follow-up with current and prospective funders. 

• Manage the timely production of proposals, grant applications, report and collateral materials for corporate sponsorship and foundation giving and the fulfillment of sponsorship benefits and acknowledgements. 

• Participate in all development department projects and events, including Opening Nights.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Development. 

Qualifications: 

• 3-5 years of experience working in fundraising in a non-profit organization with 50% or more time devoted to preparing grant proposals and reports.
• Strong persuasive writing skills
• Experienced in securing support from both regional/local and national funding sources
• Demonstrated success building the size and scope of an organization’s institutional portfolio
• Ability to work independently
• Able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Comfortable working collaboratively with other members of the development team and with other departments
• College degree in related field preferred but will consider additional years of related work experience  in lieu of degree
• A background in theater is not required but those with an appreciation for the role of theatre in society are encouraged to apply.

Work Hours: In addition to regular office hours (Monday through Friday 10am - 6pm), weekend and evening hours are, at times, required. Weekly work hour schedules for this position are approved by the Director of Development. 

This position is expected to attend the following:

• All company “Meet & Greet” events, Opening Night pre- and post-show activities, and at least one preview performance for each mainstage production. 
• All major events produced by the company including but not limited to the Annual Gala Benefit, one night only events and special events related to the activities of the Education department.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster is required.

The values of George Street Playhouse embody and celebrate the identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences of our communities. 

We espouse to be an organization fully committed to: 

● Being open to and receptive of new ideas 

● Being an advocate of diverse populations within our communities 

● Being collaborative within our organization by giving everyone a voice 

● Being authentic in our curiosity and seeking opportunities to develop our own lives through learning and celebrating others 

Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Color; LGTBQ+ and gender diverse candidates; candidates with disabilities; as well as candidates from historically marginalized groups are all encouraged to apply.

To Apply: Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing samples for consideration to: Jacqueline Brendel, Director of Development at jobs@georgestplayhouse.org.