DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT: Development

REPORTS TO: Managing Director

JOB TYPE: Full Time

START DATE: November 2025

COMPENSATION/SALARY: $100,000-110,000 annually

About The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) is the region’s premiere theatre for compelling, award-winning theatrical experiences that entertain, engage, and illuminate audiences’ shared humanity. Founded in 1966, for more than five decades The Rep has sustained and built upon its commitment to artistic excellence by creating, developing, and curating adventurous new works and beloved classics from the most exciting emerging and established American voices. The Rep builds bridges within the St. Louis community and beyond by offering productions that allow audiences to see themselves and the stories that matter to them represented on stage, through the organization’s robust community engagement programs, and across its educational initiatives.

The Rep welcomes audiences with inspiring and expansive productions at several inviting stages across St. Louis including the Virginia Jackson Browning Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts and other venues around the St. Louis area. A thought leader in the national theatre landscape, The Rep is a dedicated partner with arts organizations in St. Louis and across the country, expanding audiences’ appreciation and understanding of the world through theatre. In December 2023, The Rep was named a Missouri Historical Theatre, which is awarded to theaters that contribute to tourism in Missouri, promote arts in its community and throughout Missouri, and has been operational for a minimum of 50 years. For more information, please visit www.repstl.org and follow @repstl.

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES:

Mission: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis creates bridges between people in the St Louis region and beyond through expertly crafted theatrical experiences that are joyful, unique, inspiring, and thought-provoking.

Vision: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis will be a welcoming home where a full spectrum of artists and audiences courageously engage with one another and expand their appreciation and understanding of the world.

Values: Collective Excellence, Equity and Anti-Racism, Resource Stewardship for Sustainability and Growth, Life-Long Learning

POSITION SUMMARY

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) seeks a strategic, creative, and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead its fundraising efforts during a pivotal moment of artistic and organizational growth. This leader will design and execute a comprehensive development strategy that expands individual giving, deepens donor engagement, and strengthens The Rep’s culture of philanthropy.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Development will partner closely with the Artistic Director, Managing Director, staff, and Board of Directors to inspire philanthropic investment in The Rep’s mission. The successful candidate will be a dynamic communicator and connector—someone who thrives on building authentic relationships and advancing the theatre’s role as a cultural anchor for St. Louis.

The Rep is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and celebrating diversity in all aspects of its work. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, welcoming candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead Fundraising Strategy: Design, oversee, and execute a comprehensive fundraising program—including annual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and special campaigns—to meet and exceed institutional goals.
Drive Donor Engagement: Manage a robust portfolio of donors, developing tailored strategies for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship across individual, major, principal, and planned giving.
Cultivate Major Support: Cultivate and solicit transformational gifts through meaningful, face-to-face engagement that connects donor passion with The Rep’s artistic vision and community impact.
Expand the Donor Base: Identify, qualify, and engage new prospects while deepening relationships with current supporters through strategic, individualized cultivation and retention plans.
Empower Volunteer Leadership: Partner with the Board of Directors, Development Committee, and volunteers to inspire deeper involvement in fundraising and advocacy on behalf of The Rep.
Measure and Report Progress: Establish and track clear fundraising metrics, analyzing trends and sharing results to inform strategy and demonstrate impact.
Champion Long-Term Growth: Contribute to strategic planning, positioning The Rep for sustained revenue growth and expanded community reach.
Inspire and Lead the Team: Supervise and mentor a team of three fundraising professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Create Exceptional Donor Experiences: Design and execute memorable donor engagement opportunities, from intimate cultivation events to large-scale stewardship gatherings, supported by professional proposals, personalized correspondence, and timely acknowledgements.
Leverage Leadership Partnerships: Support the Artistic Director and Managing Director in managing their donor relationships and maximizing their impact in fundraising efforts.
Serve as a Visible Ambassador: Represent The Rep at external events and community functions, embodying the theatre’s mission and values.

QUALIFICATIONS

Proven Fundraising Expertise: Minimum of five years of progressive development experience with a strong track record of meeting or exceeding annual fundraising goals across major donors, foundations, and corporations.
Major & Planned Giving Success: Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward significant gifts—including major, principal, and planned contributions.
Commitment to Equity & Inclusion: A clear dedication to embedding diversity, equity, access, and inclusion into fundraising practices and fostering a respectful, thriving workplace culture.
Relationship Builder: Exceptional ability to engage, inspire, and sustain relationships with donors, Board members, and community stakeholders at all levels.
Strategic & Collaborative Thinker: Adept at identifying high-impact opportunities, setting priorities, and aligning resources to achieve ambitious goals.
Exceptional Communicator: Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, coupled with strong problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence.
Community & Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with the St. Louis philanthropic community—or demonstrated knowledge of the arts and culture funding landscape nationally.
Mission-Driven Leader: Deep enthusiasm for the transformative power of theatre and a commitment to advancing The Rep’s artistic and community mission.

OTHER INFORMATION

At The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, you’ll join a vibrant, artistically driven, and diverse community of creative professionals who share a passion for storytelling, collaboration, and impact. Here, your contributions are valued, your voice matters, and your work directly enriches the cultural life of our community.

We are proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health & Wellness Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance to support your overall well-being.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings to help cover eligible healthcare expenses.
Generous Paid Time Off: Two weeks of paid vacation in your first year, increasing to three weeks annually after year one.
Retirement Savings Plan: 403(b) with employer contributions beginning in your third year of employment.
Creative, Collaborative Culture: The opportunity to work alongside passionate artists and professionals, shaping the future of one of St. Louis’ most beloved cultural institutions.

TO APPLY

Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to developmentsearch@repstl.org. No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted in Word or PDF format. Subject line should read: Last Name, First Name – Director of Development.