The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre
New York, NY
US

DESCRIPTION

Development Lead (Part-Time, with Growth Potential)

The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre
📍 New York, NY | Hybrid / Flexible

The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, a historic nonprofit acting conservatory and home of the Meisner Technique in New York City, seeks an experienced and relationship-driven Development Lead to support and grow the School’s fundraising efforts as we build toward our 2028 Centennial Anniversary.

This role is expected to begin as a part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week) and is ideal for an arts development professional interested in fractional leadership work within a small, mission-driven institution. The scope of the role may expand over time as fundraising capacity and institutional priorities evolve.

About The Neighborhood Playhouse

The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre is a full-time acting conservatory dedicated to the artistic and professional development of actors. With a distinguished faculty trained in the Meisner Technique and a global alumni network spanning generations of working artists and supporters, the Playhouse occupies a singular place in American actor training.

The Opportunity

Reporting to senior leadership, the Development Lead will play a central role in strengthening a culture of philanthropy, deepening alumni and donor relationships, and expanding institutional support for the School’s mission. This position is well suited to a seasoned arts development professional who enjoys both strategic thinking and hands-on fundraising work, and who is comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy in a small organizational setting.

As the School prepares for its Centennial, the Development Lead will help lay the groundwork for sustainable growth, working collaboratively with leadership and the Board while maintaining responsibility for day-to-day development execution.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Planning

• Partner with senior leadership to plan and implement annual and longer-term fundraising strategies across individual giving, alumni engagement, events, and institutional support

• Contribute to long-range development planning with an emphasis on sustainability, capacity-building, and Centennial preparation

Donor & Alumni Engagement

• Cultivate and steward relationships with alumni, donors, trustees, and prospective supporters across multiple generations

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, including longtime supporters and high-potential alumni

• Support senior leadership in donor meetings, solicitations, and stewardship activities

Grants & Institutional Giving

• Lead institutional fundraising efforts, including foundation, corporate, and government support

• Research, write, submit, and report on grant proposals; maintain and manage a comprehensive grants calendar

• Maintain familiarity with New York City, New York State, and national arts funding environments (e.g., DCLA, NYSCA, NEA)

Board & Leadership Collaboration

• Collaborate with senior leadership and Board members on development initiatives and donor engagement strategies

• Prepare development materials, updates, and reports for Board review as needed

Development Operations

• Oversee donor tracking, acknowledgments, and reporting systems

• Ensure accurate records and effective stewardship practices

• Collaborate across departments to align institutional messaging and fundraising priorities

• Work within the School’s existing donor database (Bloomerang) to maintain accurate records and support effective stewardship

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate brings prior experience in nonprofit development and is comfortable working independently within a small, collaborative arts organization. They are equally at ease managing details and building relationships, and they value the opportunity to contribute meaningfully on a part-time, fractional basis while helping shape the long-term growth of a respected cultural institution.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in the performing arts, arts education, or higher education

• Demonstrated success in donor relationship management and grant writing

• Comfort working directly with senior leadership, trustees, and donors

• Familiarity with the New York City and New York State philanthropic landscape strongly preferred

• Experience with donor databases and CRM systems; familiarity with Bloomerang is a plus

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, and manage multiple priorities

• A genuine passion for theater, the performing arts, and arts education

Compensation & Structure

• Part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week)

• Compensation: $40 per hour, commensurate with experience

• Flexible structure: part-time or fractional to start, with potential for expanded scope and responsibility as fundraising capacity grows

• Hybrid / flexible work environment, with periodic in-person meetings and events in New York City

How to Apply

To be considered, all applicants must complete our application form at the link below:

https://bit.ly/4rK73gT

Please note: We kindly ask that applicants do not call the School directly regarding this position. While we appreciate your enthusiasm, phone inquiries are disruptive to the daily operations of a busy conservatory.

SALARY

$40.00 – $40.00 per hour

APPLY ONLINE

https://bit.ly/4rK73gT