Marquee Arts - Director of Philanthropy
The Andrews Group
Ontario, Canada · Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Posted on Sep 10, 2025
Marquee Arts is a Michigan based non-profit organization committed to keeping community inspiration alive through the preservation and programming of historic theaters. Curators of film, theater and live entertainment, we proudly oversee the operations, upkeep, and artistic direction of the Michigan and State theaters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Marquee Arts is the founding entity for Michigan's Cinetopia Film Festival and curator of the Not Just For Kids performance series. Rooted in Michigan's artistic history, the organization is committed to producing state of the art creative programming, unparalleled in diversity, quality and scope.
Marquee Arts, a vibrant and historic cultural hub dedicated to presenting dynamic performances on stage and screen, and fostering artistic engagement, seeks an innovative and strategic Director of Philanthropy. This senior leadership role is responsible for leading all fundraising and external development communication efforts to support the organization's artistic and community-driven mission. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director will oversee a three-person development and communications team, guiding philanthropy and brand strategy to deepen donor relationships, secure transformational gifts, and amplify the organization's impact. This role is an exciting opportunity for a creative and relationship-driven leader who is passionate about the arts and committed to advancing cultural experiences for all.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Philanthropy & Fundraising
- Develop & Execute:
- A comprehensive annual fundraising plan encompassing individual and major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, planned giving, and special events.
- Strategies to secure long-term financial sustainability and major gifts.
- A robust donor stewardship program that fosters engagement, recognition, and lasting relationships.
- Lead & Manage:
- The team’s execution of fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, events, and annual giving programs.
- Grant research, writing, and reporting to ensure alignment with Marquee Arts’ mission and funding priorities.
- Cultivate Relationships:
- Build and steward meaningful relationships with major donors, board members, foundations, corporate partners, and community leaders.
- Oversee the identification and cultivation of new donors at all levels.
- Reporting & Analysis:
- Track and evaluate fundraising performance, providing regular updates to the Board of Directors and executive leadership.
Communications
- Develop & Implement:
- Integrated communications strategies—including public relations, social media, email marketing, and print materials—to elevate the visibility of Marquee Arts.
- Collaborate with Director of Marketing to develop compelling storytelling to promote community impact, stewardship and membership.
- Manage:
- Content creation across all platforms, including newsletters, press releases, website updates, and social media related to philanthropy.
- Brand consistency and messaging across marketing materials and digital channels.
Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, board relations, and long-term growth.
- Engage the Board of Directors in philanthropy efforts, guiding fundraising participation and ambassadorship.
- Develop and oversee budgets for philanthropy and communications programs, ensuring resources are effectively allocated.
- Use data-driven insights to refine fundraising and communications strategies for maximum impact.
Additional Duties Attend regular meetings as requested.
Supervisory Responsibility This position has supervisory responsibility of the Membership & Towsley Society Manager, Sponsorship & On-Screen Advertising Manager and the Community Impact & Outreach Manager.
Work Environment: The work is primarily indoors within a theater building(s) and may have some exposure to fumes, odor, dust, etc. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This role requires walking and standing for extended periods of time. This role also regularly requires reaching, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing stairs. Extended computer use is required. The employee will regularly lift, push, pull and/or move items that weigh up to 25 pounds.
Required Education and Experience:
- A Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- 5–7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications, with at least 2 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven success in securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants, and in the development and management of campaigns.
- Deep understanding of communications strategy, digital marketing, and public relations.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with donor management software (Tessitura or similar platforms preferred).
- A warm, engaging, and relationship-oriented approach to fundraising and communications.
- A collaborative and creative mindset, with a passion for the arts and community engagement.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills to motivate and empower staff and volunteers.
- Visionary storytelling to develop the narrative of philanthropy.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of fundraising and communications.
Preferred Education and Experience: Advanced degree and/or fundraising certification.
Compensation & Benefits:
- The salary range is $90,000 to $110,000 annually.
- Benefits Include: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, Company Paid Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match, Paid Time-Off Package, Employee Assistance Program, Parking Reimbursement Program, Free Movie Admission and Concessions Discount
- This position is hybrid: 4 days in-office & 1 day remote