Development Director | Steep Theatre

Details

ABOUT STEEP THEATRE

Over the past 25 years, Steep has established itself as one of Chicago’s iconic ensemble-based storefront theatres. Called “the most fearless theater in town” by the Chicago Tribune, Steep has produced over 80 plays with remarkable critical and commercial success. The company’s artistic accomplishments have been matched at every step by organizational growth. Steep opened its first theater in 2003 and quickly outgrew its space, prompting a move to a new artistic home in 2008 where it produced for 12 years. In 2022, Steep bought a building to create a long-term artistic home and theater which is scheduled to open in late 2026. As it navigates new opportunities and new challenges, Steep is focused on core values that have driven and guided the ensemble: prioritizing artistic risk; engaging in responsible financial planning; nurturing connections between artists, audience members, and the community; and creating a welcoming and supportive place to share stories and conversations.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Director is a senior leadership role responsible for leading all fundraising and advancement efforts for Steep Theatre, partnering closely with the Artistic Director. This role is responsible for setting and executing a comprehensive development strategy across individual, foundation, and government giving. The Development Director maintains strong relationships with donors, community partners, and stakeholders. The position also supports marketing and communications. As a key ambassador, the Development Director cultivates donor and community relationships, engages the Board in fundraising, and represents Steep at public events.

This part-time position (20-25 hrs/wk) has an annual salary of $30,000 to $34,000.

RESPONSIBILITIES

General Operations: 

• Uphold the Mission and Values of Steep Theatre; be responsive to the priorities and artistic vision of the Ensemble. 
• Report to the Board of Directors.
• Support strategic planning as set forth by the Artistic Director, the Board of Directors, and the Ensemble.
• Attend Board and Committee Meetings.
• Create monthly reports for the Board of Directors in collaboration with the Finance Manager; regularly communicate donations, earned income, and pledged income.
• Work in conjunction with the Finance Manager and Operations Director to oversee income and expenses; ensure fundraising activities support company expenses and cashflow needs.

Development: 

• Build and execute the development strategy in collaboration with the Board of Directors and the Artistic Director.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising Committee to create annual plans and benchmarks for foundation, government, and individual giving, including strategies for achieving those benchmarks, indicators of success, and evaluating progress. 
• Build and maintain relationships with key donors and community partners; engage members of the Board in relationship-building initiatives. 
• Plan and implement annual donor stewardship and cultivation activities alongside the Fundraising Committee; leverage Steep-sponsored special events and identify other opportunities to engage new donors.
• Collaborate with the Artistic Director on annual fundraising letters.
• Coordinate printing and mailing of fundraising letters.
• Record donations and coordinate printing of donor acknowledgement letter; update and maintain the donor database to track fundraising activity and future opportunities; update donor lists on a regularly determined schedule on website, programs, etc.
• Lead the preparation and submission of all grant proposals, reports, and appeals.
• Research and cultivate new funding prospects for individual, foundation, government and corporate giving.
• Represent Steep at public events, meetings, and conferences as needed; work to expand the Steep community and audience.

Miscellaneous Responsibilities:

• Support marketing and communications activities with the Artistic Director and Marketing Committee as needed.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors, assist with the onboarding of Board Officers, provide counsel and aid the Board in carrying out their responsibilities. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• A minimum of 3 years experience in non-profit fundraising, preferably with an arts organization.
• Experience managing fundraising projects and maintaining long-term relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors. 
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, managing annual appeals, and overseeing fundraising campaigns.
• Experience planning and executing high-impact fundraising events.
• Exceptional interpersonal, writing, and public speaking skills. 
• Previous experience working with board members and high-level volunteers. 
• Strong analytical and database skills. Experience and comfort with Excel and AudienceView (or other comparable fundraising database) is required.  
• Availability to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during performance runs. 

Steep Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We acknowledge that the American theater sector has historically operated within systems of privilege and exclusion, and these biases have disproportionately marginalized underrepresented groups. Steep is an antiracist organization actively working to dismantle these systemic barriers in our hiring and administrative practices. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to info@steeptheatre.com. Priority application deadline is August 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.