Long Wharf Theatre (LWT) founded in 1965 in a vacant warehouse space inside a food terminal with seats borrowed from a retired moviehouse became an important force in the regional theatre movement. Artistically ambitious, LWT is known for its commitment to commissioning, developing, and producing new work that becomes part of the modern American canon. LWT is a gathering place dedicated to producing boundary-breaking theatre with and for its kaleidoscopic communities. LWT is guided by the pillars of Artistic Innovation, Radical Inclusion and Revolutionary Partnerships. We strive to approach our work with the values of curiosity, joy, disruption, and conversation. ABOUT THE POSITION The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) role is ideal for an innovative fundraising professional with a vision for an iterative model of philanthropy that supports and promotes social and economic justice. We are particularly interested in candidates who dream to revolutionize the way nonprofits think about fundraising and are looking for an organization to pilot their innovative strategies and tactics. This new organizational leader will be able to communicate their vision and strategy and catalyze change within and outside of the organization. Because Long Wharf strives to exemplify the power of theatre to strengthen communities, the incoming DOP will be energized by the opportunity to bolster and cultivate authentic, enduring relationships. The DOP will have a facility for speaking about LWT’s values alongside its artistic work and community and educational programs. The ideal candidate will align with our philanthropic values: Artistic Innovation - a leader who cares deeply about merging artistic collaborations with supporters in our community and beyond to engage through philanthropic endeavors. Radical Inclusion - welcoming everyone to the theater, no matter their gift. Revolutionary Partnerships - creating opportunities for new connections and relationships within the New Haven community, regionally, and nationally to fund our work. The Director of Philanthropy will be a key senior team leader in partnership with Jacob (Artistic Director) and Kit (Managing Director), providing a values-aligned fundraising perspective in all aspects of the theatre’s current operations and future planning. The DOP will be a key strategic partner, helping to shape the organization’s future as a theatre rooted in its community. In this role, the DOP will plan and execute fundraising and advancement strategies and build relationships with supporters, connecting them with Long Wharf Theatre’s artistic, educational, and operational funding possibilities. Radical inclusion and anti-racism will underpin all of the DOP’s work with all of LWT’s constituents, internal and external.
