Development Lead (Part-Time, with Growth Potential)The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre 📍 New York, NY | Hybrid (On-Site & Remote)The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, a historic nonprofit acting conservatory and home of the Meisner Technique in New York City, seeks an experienced and relationship-driven Development Lead to support and grow the School’s fundraising efforts as we build toward our 2028 Centennial Anniversary.This role is expected to begin as a part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week) and is ideal for an arts development professional interested in fractional work within a small, mission-driven institution. The position follows a hybrid work model, combining remote work with periodic on-site presence at the School’s campus at 340 East 54th Street, New York, NY 10022.About The Neighborhood PlayhouseThe Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre is a full-time acting conservatory dedicated to the artistic and professional development of actors. With a distinguished faculty trained in the Meisner Technique and a global alumni network spanning generations of working artists and supporters, the Playhouse occupies a singular place in American actor training.The OpportunityReporting to senior leadership, the Development Lead will play a central role in strengthening a culture of philanthropy, deepening alumni and donor relationships, and expanding institutional support for the School’s mission. This position is well suited to a seasoned arts development professional who enjoys both strategic thinking and hands-on fundraising work, and who values meaningful in-person connection alongside flexible, remote work.As the School prepares for its Centennial, the Development Lead will help lay the groundwork for sustainable growth, working collaboratively with leadership and the Board while maintaining responsibility for day-to-day development execution. While much of the work can be completed remotely, the role will include periodic on-site meetings, donor engagement, and School events, making proximity to New York City important.Key ResponsibilitiesFundraising Strategy & PlanningPartner with senior leadership to plan and implement annual and longer-term fundraising strategies across individual giving, alumni engagement, events, and institutional supportContribute to long-range development planning with an emphasis on sustainability, capacity-building, and Centennial preparationDonor & Alumni EngagementCultivate and steward relationships with alumni, donors, trustees, and prospective supporters across multiple generationsManage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, including longtime supporters and high-potential alumniSupport senior leadership in donor meetings, solicitations, and stewardship activitiesGrants & Institutional GivingLead institutional fundraising efforts, including foundation, corporate, and government supportResearch, write, submit, and report on grant proposals; maintain and manage a comprehensive grants calendarMaintain familiarity with New York City, New York State, and national arts funding environments (e.g., DCLA, NYSCA, NEA)Board & Leadership CollaborationCollaborate with senior leadership and Board members on development initiatives and donor engagement strategiesPrepare development materials, updates, and reports for Board review as neededDevelopment OperationsOversee donor tracking, acknowledgments, and reporting systemsEnsure accurate records and effective stewardship practicesCollaborate across departments to align institutional messaging and fundraising prioritiesUse the School’s current donor database (Bloomerang) to support accurate recordkeeping and stewardship, while assessing whether enhancements or alternative tools could better support the School’s development goalsThe Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate brings prior experience in nonprofit development and is comfortable working independently within a small, collaborative arts organization. They value a hybrid work environment and are able to be on-site in New York City as needed for meetings, events, and relationship-building. Candidates should be based in New York City or the surrounding tri-state area to support periodic in-person engagement.Qualifications5+ years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in the performing arts, arts education, or higher educationDemonstrated success in donor relationship management and grant writingComfort working directly with senior leadership, trustees, and donorsFamiliarity with the New York City and New York State philanthropic landscape strongly preferredExperience with donor databases and CRM systems; familiarity with Bloomerang is a plusExcellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsAbility to work independently, exercise good judgment, and manage multiple prioritiesA genuine passion for theater, the performing arts, and arts education
