Senior Director of Advancement

Arena Stage seeks a Senior Director of Advancement to lead philanthropic growth and community partnerships in Washington, D.C. This full-time leadership role shapes the future of American theater by building relationships with donors, corporations, and foundations who fuel our mission to celebrate diverse voices and innovative new work.

About the Role

As Senior Director of Advancement, you'll oversee all development activities that sustain Arena Stage's groundbreaking productions and community engagement programs. Working directly with the executive leadership, you'll craft and execute advancement strategies that secure support from individual donors, institutional partners, and government grants—ensuring our commitment to American artists and the stories that unite us remains strong.

What You'll Do

• Lead the advancement department to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from high-capacity donors and institutional funders
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising campaigns aligned with the organization's strategic vision
• Manage grant research, proposal writing, and relationships with foundations and government arts agencies
• Build corporate partnerships and sponsorships that support innovative theatrical productions
• Oversee annual giving, membership, and other revenue-generating programs
• Collaborate with artistic leadership to communicate the value and impact of our work to supporters
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing advancement team

What We're Looking For

• Proven track record leading nonprofit development operations with demonstrated success securing major gifts
• Deep expertise in grantwriting, donor relations, and campaign management
• Strategic mindset with ability to develop realistic budgets and financial projections
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across all constituencies
• Experience in arts, culture, or mission-driven organizations is strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree required; CFRE or equivalent certification a plus

About Arena Stage

For over 65 years, Arena Stage has been the resident theater company of Washington, D.C., championing American playwrights and diverse artistic visions. We produce innovative interpretations of classic works alongside bold new plays that reflect the stories of our nation. Our commitment to accessibility, community engagement, and artistic excellence makes us a vital cultural institution.

How to Apply

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.