Assistant Director of Annual Fund

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

PlayMakers Repertory Company ( PRC) is the premiere professional theatre company of North Carolina, serving as a working laboratory for the Department of Dramatic Art and as a nationally recognized cultural destination for UNC and the entire southeast region. PlayMakers Repertory Company strives to produce entertaining, relevant, and courageous work that tells stories from and for a multiplicity of perspectives and creates transformational impact in our immediate and extended communities.

PRC manages the planning and oversight of a 3.1 million dollar professional and educational theatre operation. This unit has a staff of about 120 which includes approximately 27 employees, 60 independent contractors, 30 workstudy students and up to 100 volunteers. Approximately 16 of these employees are seasonal employees, requiring new contracts and university personnel paperwork for each season. This unit is responsible for creating significant professional artistic programming, student and community engagement activities and attendant fundraising endeavors. The unit functions as a program of the Department of Dramatic Art. Employees of the unit are essentially employees of the department and the budget of the unit falls under the budget of the department. Playmakers is currently responsible for raising close to 60% of its annual 3.1 million operating budget.

At the heart of PlayMakers Repertory Company's mission is the belief that theater has the power to transform individuals and entire communities. We continue to assess and evaluate our practices in order to embed equitable, antiracist policies into our mission and our operations. For more information, please see PlayMakers Antiracism Accountability Statement and other AEDI resources at: https://playmakersrep.org/playmakers-antiracism-accountability-statement/.

The Assistant Director of Annual Giving position will lead the comprehensive strategy and execution of the Annual Fund program at PlayMakers Repertory Company and the Department of Dramatic Art.

Responsibilities include: drafting solicitation letters and collaborating with colleagues on development and implementation of email and mail appeals for PlayMakers and the Department of Dramatic Art; delivering appeals within established timelines; identifying and instructing vendors as necessary; adhering to budgets and tracking/reporting expenses; researching and implementing best fundraising practices; serve as the liaison to the PlayMakers Advisory Council and Gala Committee; oversee and manage the donor databases; and work closely with PlayMakers staff on external communications.

The Assistant Director of Annual Giving is expected to work autonomously and use independent thought when carrying out these responsibilities. This position will report directly to the Director of Development and would serve as the backup for the Director in lieu of the Director's absence.

Minimum of a bachelor's degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with related experience. For positions with responsibility for direct solicitation of gifts and funds, a minimum of 1 year of professional-level, direct solicitation/fundraising experience is required.

Some directly related fundraising experience required, which include experience in annual fund, major gifts, corporate relations, prospect management, sales or other transferable skills. This position requires the ability to successfully balance competing priorities, strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, coordination and organizational skills, critical thinking and interpretive skills. Strong computer skills are essential, including Microsoft Office software, with demonstrated proficiency in Excel and Word and Outlook.

Preferred candidates will possess experience in a higher education setting, be comfortable with alumni databases, Blackbaud software and Access databases.

Additionally, a shown ability to multi-task, achieve goals, work independently, show good judgement when working with donors and volunteers, and meet deadlines in a dynamic, collaborative work environment. Ability to interact professionally and effectively with a wide variety of constituents, including alumni, donors, faculty, and administrators. Ability to work as an integral part of a high-achieving fundraising team in a workplace is preferred.

Preferred candidate would have an ability to work well with a diverse and varied artistic and administrative staff while also having a background in the performing arts.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.