SOUTH COAST REPERTORY

POSITION:                  Assistant Director of Development, Events

DEPARTMENT:          Development

REPORTS TO:             Director of Development

STATUS:                     FT/Exempt

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory, founded in 1964, is led by Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Paula Tomei. SCR is widely recognized as one of the leading professional theatres in the United States. While its productions represent a balance of classic and modern plays and musicals, SCR is renowned for its extensive new-play development program—The Lab@SCR—which includes one of the nation’s largest commissioning programs for emerging, mid-career and established writers. Of SCR’s more than 500 productions, one-quarter have been world premieres. SCR-developed works have garnered two Pulitzer Prizes and eight Pulitzer nominations, several Obie Awards and scores of major new-play awards. Located in Costa Mesa, Calif., SCR is home to the 507-seat Segerstrom Stage, the 336-seat Julianne Argyros Stage and the 94-seat Nicholas Studio.

ABOUT THE POSITION

SCR seeks an experienced Assistant Director of Development, Events to join a dynamic team of artists and staff in growing one of the nation’s best regional theatres. The Assistant Director of Development, Events is responsible for managing the theatre’s fundraising events from inception to conclusion and for increasing revenue, improving ROI, and creatively integrating SCR’s mission and strategy into the event experience.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, creative and innovative leader who has strong project management skills, is highly organized and deadline driven, and who has the collaborative spirit to enhance SCR’s events and maximize their fundraising potential.

ABOUT THE ROLE

·         Work with the Director of Development, Managing Director and the Trustee Gala Committee in developing the strategy and overseeing the execution of SCR’s annual Gala.

• Produce the Gala and drive the development of concepts, themes, formats, collateral and all printed and electronic communications.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Gala committee, as well as the Production and Marketing departments.
• Work closely with the event venue to coordinate all aspects of install, strike, food, beverage, and all additional needs.
• Work closely with the Development team to create, manage and execute on the underwriting plan.
• Negotiate and manage all vendor relationships and manage the overall Gala budget.

·         Plan, lead and provide creative input for 6-8 First Night (Opening Night) celebrations annually, includes simultaneous pre-show dinners and a post-show party.

·         Plan and lead 10-20 donor cultivation and stewardship events annually that offer educational experiences and special access to SCR’s artisans and designers, including Trustee events, donor benefit fulfillment events, and a Major Donor awards recognition event. Assist planning of Board retreat, as scheduled.

·         Identify, cultivate and solicit in-kind event underwriting from local restaurants, hotels, retail General Managers and other local businesses, creating custom proposals resulting in both cost-savings and revenue-generating opportunities; building and stewarding lasting relationships that are mutually beneficial.

·         Work with multiple departments to plan a 4-day schedule of special events and meals during the Pacific Playwrights Festival, seeking significant sponsorship partners.

·         Plan and lead 6+ SCR staff social functions, including parties, lunches and other gatherings.

·         Creates clear and concise event support documents such as event layout, design breakdown, bar breakdown, and timeline that incorporate all information for internal staff and external vendors.

·         Acts as main point of contact for each event across multiple departments and with external vendors. Must be able to shift seamlessly between event management and donor stewardship.

·         Create comprehensive Special Events budget and regularly monitors projections.

·         Oversee post-event coordination including but not limited to debrief meetings, recognition to key stakeholders, financial reporting and data transfer.

·         Oversee and be actively involved in the shopping, install, execution and strike of all events. Must be able to lift 25 pounds regularly and often.

·         Negotiate and review all contracts and work with the General Manager to ensure insurance coverage and compliance with SCR policies and procedures.

·         Support the Production department in venue rentals to outside companies.

·         Support corporate buyouts and receptions.

·         Other special events as assigned.

ABOUT THE PERSON

Qualities and skills that best serve an Assistant Director of Development, Events may be:

·         Minimum four years’ experience in event leadership, planning and execution.

·         A successful track record of leading fundraising events netting six- to seven-figures, including but not limited to gala production.

·         Experience producing events in Orange County strongly preferred.

·         Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and experience with high-net-worth individuals and VIPs.

·         Flexibility to work evenings and weekends required.

·         Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and a high level of comfort with technology and learning new software.

·         A commitment to excellence and to making a meaningful difference; results-driven, improvement-focused, and action-oriented.

·         A working style that promotes teamwork, enhances creativity and motivation, facilitates communication and builds consensus.

·         Self-starter able to jump in and manage multiple concurrent projects with little supervision.

·         Valid California Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

·         A background in the arts and/or entertainment strongly preferred.

·         Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging and enthusiasm to nurture an anti-racist work culture.

WORKING CONDITION

Regular tasks of this position may include:

·         Standing & walking for 4-5 hours at a time, occasionally outdoors

·         Lifting 15-20lbs

·         Pushing/pulling dollies and carts

·         Moving/assembling collapsible tables

COMPENSATION

SCR offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including a retirement plan with an employer match, escalating paid vacation, sick, personal days and holidays, and excellent health benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.

COVID PROTOCOLS

SCR requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, subject to limited medical or religious exceptions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SCR is a proud equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

TO APPLY

To be fully considered for the position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary expectation to devojobs@scr.org. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.