The Playwrights Realm
New York, NY
US

CONTACT NAME

Jena Yarley

DESCRIPTION

Development & Special Events Assistant

The Playwrights Realm, a not-for-profit Off-Broadway theatre company devoted to supporting early-career playwrights along the journey of playwriting, seeks one person for the part-time position of Development & Special Events Assistant. This is a part-time position beginning in January 2026 and reports to the Director of Development.

The Development & Special Events Assistant is a part-time non-exempt position, working an average of 24 hours per week, depending on programming, with peaks up to 40 hours per week during production and the gala (typically September-October and April-May). Generally, hours will be scheduled during regular office hours (Mon-Fri, 10AM-6PM) but occasional nights and weekends will be required for events. The Realm maintains a hybrid work environment, and while some tasks will require time spent in our administrative office, some of this work can be done remotely. Weekly schedule will be determined in conversation with the Director of Development.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Special Events Assistance (30%)
- Management of online and silent auctions for annual gala. Process includes solicitations for donated items, tracking auction items and value, preparing presentation of items online and at the event, and sending in-kind acknowledgements.
- Assistance with the annual gala and partial leadership in some aspects. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: income processing, volunteer management, event design aspects, day of logistics and general gala close out.
- Assistance in planning and running special events connected to Realm programming, like opening nights. This may involve facilitation between staff, venue, high priority donors, patrons, and outside vendors.

Database & Income Management (30%)
- Donor database entry, management, and running of reports.
- Responsible for gift processing, including: batching and inputting contributed income into system and donor database, generating receipts, and sending gift acknowledgements. Also works closely with General Management on financial reconciliations.

General Development Duties (25%)
- Oversee quarterly appeal mailings and email/phone follow-ups.
- Execute printing and mailing of event invitations and donor communications.
- Manage wealth screening software and prospect research.
- Maintain organization of files and event supplies in The Realm’s administrative office.
- Other administrative tasks as assigned by the Director of Development.

Grants Management (15%)
- Maintain grants calendar, updating with foundation/corporate research.
- Assist in coordinating grant systems and collecting information across departments.
- Write first drafts of small grants and proofread larger grants.

The ideal candidate will have 0-2 years of relevant experience through jobs or internships, as well as…
- The ability to problem-solve creatively and independently, with a strong attention to detail and neatness
- An affinity for creating and implementing organized systems
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a good sense of humor
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including being a great proofreader
….and a passion for theatre and new plays!

While many strong candidates may come from a theatre or fundraising background, candidates with core competencies to fit this job who come from other backgrounds will be given strong consideration as well. Specific skills for this position can be taught, as long as the candidate is eager to learn.

Compensation for this position will be $20/hr.

Part-time employees are eligible for paid sick days per New York State guidelines; The Realm also offers paid time off for part-time employees on days the office is closed for holidays. Part-time employees are eligible for the company’s 401(k) plan after one year of service.

The Development & Special Events Assistant will join a dedicated and talented team of passionate professionals at an exciting time for The Realm. The Playwrights Realm is committed to anti-racist ideals, equity, and inclusion. We acknowledge that we all have implicit biases and will work to combat these. We strongly encourage candidates of color or those from underrepresented communities to apply.

To Apply: Please email cover letter and resume to [email protected] with subject line “Development & Special Events Assistant”. Applications will be accepted through December 12th. Flexible start date around January 5th.

For more information about The Playwrights Realm, visit our website: www.playwrightsrealm.org.

DURATION

Jan 5, 2026 -

SALARY

$20.00 – $20.00 per hour

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