Development Manager

The Development Manager will play a key leadership role within the organization's fundraising efforts and will work closely with the Executive Director to support contributed revenue strategies, donor stewardship, institutional giving, and campaign management. This position oversees the day-to-day operations of the Development office and supervises a staff of four., Lead the implementation of fundraising campaigns and development events in collaboration with the Executive Director

• Oversee annual giving campaigns, direct mail initiatives, donor upgrades, and targeted fundraising efforts

• Manage stewardship and engagement strategies for donor accounts within the Tessitura CRM system

• Supervise Development Department staff, including workflow management, evaluations, and professional development

• Oversee grants management and collaborate with grant writers and institutional funders

• Conduct donor prospect research and participate in cultivation strategies for major gifts

• Support multi-year special project campaigns including capital, endowment, and legacy giving initiatives

• Manage financial tracking, invoices, and reporting related to development activity

• Coordinate development-focused events and donor engagement opportunities

• Prepare campaign, attendance, donor, and financial reports as needed

The ideal candidate will be a highly organized and collaborative professional with excellent written and verbal communication skills and a passion for the performing arts.

Qualified candidates should possess:

• Minimum of three years of fundraising or development experience

• Experience working with CRM databases, preferably Tessitura or comparable fundraising software

• Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with board members, donors, staff, and community partners

• Experience with donor stewardship, campaign coordination, and institutional fundraising

• Comfort managing multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed for events and performances

• Familiarity with Financial Edge, Wealth Engine, and prospect research tools is preferred.

$75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Florida Studio Theatre is working towards becoming a more inclusive and accessible organization. FST is thus committed to developing a work environment that is reflective of the diverse world that it serves. Applicants from all populations and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Consideration for employment will be given to all applicants without regard to race/ethnicity, gender identity/sexual orientation, age or ability. Florida Studio Theatre, a professional LORT D theatre located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Florida, seeks an experienced and dynamic Development Manager to help advance the mission and growth of one of the largest subscription theatres in the United States. With an annual operating budget of $11.1 million, Florida Studio Theatre serves more than 225,000 patrons annually through five theatre venues, a nationally recognized new play development program, children's programming, improv, cabaret, and arts education initiatives. FST is currently entering an exciting period of expansion through the development of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, a transformational project that will expand FST's downtown campus and artistic impact for decades to come. FST operates five stages, the 173 seat Keating Theatre, the 237 seat Gompertz Theatre, the 109 seat Goldstein Cabaret Theatre, the 110 seat John C. Court Cabaret Theatre and the 100 seat Bowne's Lab Theatre.