Donor Engagement and Events Coordinator

STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY

Now celebrating its 50^th Anniversary Season, Steppenwolf Theatre Company has been a cultural leader in Chicago and model for theatre companies in the United States and around the world. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, playwrights and stage managers. Steppenwolf’s artistic ambitions are made possible by its incredible workforce of individuals, who help create a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and accountability. To that end, we attempt to use an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens in our roles and everyday decision-making. Join us in this ongoing process, as we navigate, together, our complex world.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is seeking candidates for the Donor Engagement and Events Coordinator. The Donor Engagement and Event Coordinator supports the Development team’s efforts to raise $7+ million annually. This role works closely with the Donor Engagement Director on all aspects of events, including the Gala, opening nights, and other stewardship, cultivation and fundraising events.This position acts as the internal liaison for all Development department events, working closing across departments to ensure successful execution of all events. 

Areas of Responsibility:

GALA

1. Assist the Donor Engagement Director in all planning aspects to make the theater’s annual Gala Benefit a success.
    
   • Coordinate the prospect lists, mailings, tracking event sales, and event attendee stewardship activities.
   • Coordinate the development and design of event solicitation materials, invitations, event collateral and other printed materials with outside vendor and internal design team. Create and deploy electronic event communications through WordFly.   
   • Track the fulfillment of benefits for sponsors and event attendees.
   • Process the event sales, including pledges, gifts, acknowledgment letters, pledge reminders and donor listings.
   • Manage event attendee reservations, ticket mailings and onsite registration.
   • Research key event attendees and prepare background information for theater and event leadership in collaboration with other team members.
   • Coordinate event timelines and work with the Donor Engagement Director to execute the event logistics according to the event budget and deadlines, including venue preparation, event design and implementation, volunteer coordination, entertainment coordination and onsite recognition.

2. Event Planning (Donor Engagement Signature Events)

• Lead the planning, execution and follow-up for Development signature stewardship and cultivation events
• Including but not limited to Opening Nights, Front Rows, Cocktail Nights and Steppenwolf Education Mornings.
• This includes coordinating print and digital collateral, list generation, invitations, RSVP tracking, talking points, day of logistics, registration, coordination with colleagues for event support and other duties as assigned.

3. Event Planning (Other Development Events)

• Support the planning process for additional events organized by other Development team members including but not limited to events for the Associates Young Professional Board, Board of Trustees, Individual Giving, Annual Fund, CFG and Ensemble Fund. 

4. Event Logistics (All Development Events)

Serve as the department liaison and logistical coordinator for all Development events including but not limited to sponsor receptions, backstage tours, ensemble lunches, production sponsor toasts and board meetings.

• Lead conversation with individual Development team members on event logistics including budget, catering and bartender needs, House Account allocation, and menu selection.
• Work with Rental & Events Manager to mirror the confirmation and execution processes of events with larger organization practices. This includes sending out event sheets to all stakeholders two weeks out from event dates, ensuring rooms are reserved and attending the bi-weekly events meeting.
• Serve as the operational point person for all Development events, coordinate with other departments (e.g. Operations, Production and F&B) as needed to arrange all event logistics such as set-up, tear-down and clean-up operations.
• Ensure a representative from the Development team is onsite for each event to act as host. When needed, be onsite for event to assume host duties.
• Deliver effective management and execution of all assigned events.

• Knowledge of donor database systems; Tessitura experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proven organizational skills and great attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• 1-2 work experience required; 3-4 work experience preferred.

About Steppenwolf:

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier Ensemble Theater with 49 members who are among the top actors, playwrights and directors in the field. Thrilling, powerful, groundbreaking productions — from Balm in Gilead and Grapes of Wrath to August: Osage County, Downstate and The Brother/Sister Plays — have made this theatre legendary. Founded in 1976, Steppenwolf started as a group of teens performing in the basement of a church. Today, the company's artistic force remains rooted in the original vision of its founders: an artist-driven theatre, whose vitality is defined by its appetite for bold and innovative work. Every aspect of Steppenwolf is rooted in its Ensemble ethos, from the intergenerational artistic programming to the multi-genre performance series LookOut, to the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf Education and Engagement which serves nearly 15,000 teens annually. While grounded in the Chicago community, more than 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Steppenwolf also holds accolades that include the National Medal of Arts, 12 Tony Awards, two Pulitzer Prize-winning commissions and more. Led by Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis, Executive Director Brooke Flanagan and Board of Trustees Chair, Keating Crown — Steppenwolf continually redefines the landscape of acting and performance.  

Steppenwolf Mission:

Steppenwolf strives to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world. steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr. 

Steppenwolf Core Values:

Equity + Inclusion
Integrity + Curiosity
Courage + Collaboration
Accountability + Leadership

Compensation:

Salary range: $46,635 - $51,002 with excellent benefit package for full time employees, including medical, dental, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, vacation pay, paid sick time, personal days, Ventra transit benefit program, employee assistance program and 401(k) matching retirement program.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three references by following this link by

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=163358&clientkey=FFA63F8D7510DAA0AAC6BCEC71DBE021&jpt=20efd77cb0e0582805e4b2668816d0a2

NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS PLEASE

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Steppenwolf complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.