Development Associate, Major Gifts at Lincoln Center Theater

Overview:

LCT’s mission is to bring exceptional theater to life. Building on a legacy of artistic excellence, LCT strives to expand what is possible: to make the magic of theatre more palpable, empowering visionary artists and extending the invitation for the community to join in celebrating the power of live performance. This upcoming season embodies this mission-driven work and is the second under the leadership of Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, Managing Director Mike Schleifer, Executive Producer Barlett Sher, Stacey and Eric Mindich Producer Nicole Kastrinos, and LCT3 Artistic Director and Producer Maria Manuela Goyanes.

Founded in 1985 by Board Chair Hon. John V. Lindsay, Executive Producer Bernard Gersten and Director Gregory Mosher, and led for 33 years by André Bishop, LCT is one of the leading nonprofit theaters in the country, producing an annual season of plays and musicals that have been seen by millions around the globe. It is one of 11 autonomous constituents of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Each year, the three theaters that make up LCT welcome nearly 400,000 audience members to its home on the Lincoln Center campus.

Over the last 40 years, LCT and its outstanding productions have received many of the highest accolades, including 91 Tony Awards, 181 Drama Desk Awards, 84 Outer Critics Circle Awards, 36 Obies, 13 NY Drama Critics Circle Awards, and one Pulitzer Prize, as well as two finalists.

LCT Values:

LCT is dedicated to fostering a theater representative of all the populations we serve. We are proactively committed to better serve artists, staff, crews, audiences, and broader communities through our organization's values. We welcome applicants who are in alignment with our organization's values of empathy, dignity, and care.

Position Summary:

The Development Associate, Major Gifts plays a vital role in supporting Lincoln Center Theater's major gifts fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts, this position provides critical administrative, data, and relationship-management support to the Director of Major Gifts, Director of New Philanthropy, and Director of Special Funding Initiatives, while also managing a small portfolio of major donors. This is an excellent opportunity for a development professional looking to grow their career in major gifts

fundraising within a leading nonprofit theater.

Responsibilities:

Support the Director of Major Gifts, Director of New Philanthropy, and Director of Special Funding Initiatives with accurate and timely data entry in Tessitura.
Generate reports and analyses from Tessitura to support fundraising strategy, donor pipeline management, and portfolio reviews.
Conduct donor and prospect research and assist in maintaining major gift portfolios, tracking donor engagement and next steps.
Coordinate donor meetings, prepare briefing materials, and ensure timely documentation of donor interactions and follow-up activities.
Create polished major gifts materials, including donor proposals and presentation decks.
Support the implementation of individualized donor stewardship plans, including donor recognition, benefit fulfillment, and engagement opportunities.
Support Major Gifts team with cultivation and stewardship events, managing major donor communications and event RSVPs.
Assist LCT Patron Desk with ticketing and event RSVP coordination for major donors, including opening nights, galas, and special events.
Route contributions and pledges through internal processes and generate timely, accurate acknowledgment letters for all major gifts.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Development, Marketing, Events, and Finance teams to ensure smooth gift processing and an excellent donor experience.
Manage a small portfolio of major donors, including cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation activities.
Support additional major gifts projects and initiatives as needed.

Skills and Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
2–4 years of experience in development, fundraising, or a related field (arts/nonprofit experience a plus).
Experience with donor database systems; Tessitura experience strongly preferred.
Excellent written communication skills, with experience drafting donor-facing materials.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy, particularly with data entry and gift processing.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Discretion in handling confidential donor information.
Genuine interest in theater and the performing arts.

Preferred:

Experience supporting major or principal gifts officers.
Familiarity with gift acknowledgment and stewardship best practices.
Experience creating donor proposals or presentation materials.
Interest in portfolio-management or a Major Gifts Officer role.

Compensation & Benefits:

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with an annual salary range of $62,000-$66,000. Lincoln Center Theater provides comprehensive benefits including: Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 403(b) and Employer Match, and Paid Time Off.

Application Instructions:

Please apply here: https://lct.bamboohr.com/careers/75

Please note only candidates who submit a resume, cover letter will be considered.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, affectional preference, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health decisions, pregnancy, disability, genetic predisposition, age, military or veteran status, marital or familial status, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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