The Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb, Illinois, is seeking a passionate and experienced fundraising professional to join our growing team as the Development Director. This new full-time position will play a key role in advancing the mission of the Egyptian Theatre by securing philanthropic support, cultivating donor relationships, and expanding the theatre’s financial resources to ensure long-term sustainability.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director will be responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing the theatre’s comprehensive fundraising efforts. This includes individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation and government grants, major gifts, planned giving, and special fundraising events. The Development Director will work closely with staff and the Board of Directors to execute strategic fundraising initiatives that align with the theatre’s long-term goals.
About the Egyptian Theatre:
The Egyptian Theatre is a historic and mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving history, presenting the arts, and promoting community engagement. As a leader of the performing arts and economic driver in our region, the theatre welcomes thousands of patrons annually for a diverse array of live performances, film screenings, and community events.
With a growing donor base, staff, programming, and dedicated volunteers, we are poised for expanded impact and financial growth. One of only seven Egyptian Theatre’s left in the United States and the only one remaining east of the Rocky Mountains, the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb has been named by the State of Illinois as one of the Top 20 Architectural Treasures in Illinois.
The Egyptian Theatre opened in 1929, seats 1,400, and has an annual operating budget of around $2M. Programming includes over 170 events per year, host to over 30 different community organizations each year, 30+ touring shows, 40+ films, and many private events in total welcoming over 55,000 guests per year.
Website: www.EgyptianTheatre.org
Duties and Responsibilities Include, but are Not Limited to:
- Fundraising Strategy and Annual Campaigns:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the theatre’s annual budget.
- Lead individual giving campaigns, including donor retention, acquisition, recognition, and stewardship efforts.
- Manage the Friends of the Egyptian Theatre membership program, end-of-year giving campaign “Birthday Club”, and annual giving day “Give DeKalb County”.
- Identify and cultivate major gift prospects, securing multi-year commitments where possible.
- Involve Board members in developing/maintaining donor relationships.
- Corporate/Business Support:
- Identify, solicit, and steward corporate/business partners for sponsorships and philanthropic support.
- Develop funding proposals in collaboration with staff. Provide reports and updates to funders as needed and/or required.
- Involve Board members in developing/maintaining corporate/business relationships.
- Grants:
- In collaboration with the Executive Director and other staff, research, write, and manage grant applications, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
- Community Engagement and Advocacy:
- Represent the Egyptian Theatre in the community by attending networking events and engaging with key stakeholders.
- Serve as an ambassador, strengthening relationships with arts patrons, business leaders, and funding partners.
Desired Qualifications Include, but are Not Limited to:
- Minimum of 5 years of proven fundraising experience, preferably in the arts or nonprofit sector.
- Passion for and understanding of the Egyptian Theatre’s mission and ability to communicate it to others.
- Strong track record of securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and grants.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and donor communications.
- Growth mindset – ability to identify challenges and create solutions using information and data to drive action.
- Outgoing personality unafraid to make the big ask.
- Experience managing donor databases and ability to analyze data.
- Proficient in budget management, tracking and reporting of finances.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
- Ability to work collaboratively with coworkers, board members, and volunteers.
To view the full job description, Visit: Development Director Egyptian Theater
Compensation and Benefits:
- Starting salary range: $60,000 – $80,000
- Health reimbursement plan: $365.17/month for single, $561.80/month for married or those with dependents. Annual cost adjustment.
- SIMPLE IRA retirement plan: up to 3% match
- Cell phone plan provided: unlimited data/minutes/text and hot spot included
- Annual cell phone device stipend: $300
- As-needed Time Off Policy
- Flexible schedule / Hybrid work environment
- Paid holidays off
- Professional development opportunities
- Eligible for annual bonus based on organizational performance
To Apply:
- Provide a cover letter explaining why you are qualified for the position and why you want the job.
- Provide a resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments.
- Professional references and portfolio of past work will be requested after initial screening. Not needed for initial application.
Submit items via email to:
Egyptian Theatre Executive Director
Alex Nerad – alex@egyptiantheatre.org
or by mail: Egyptian Theatre, Attn: Alex Nerad, 135 N. 2nd Street, DeKalb, IL 60115