OVERVIEW
Mission:
The Geffen Playhouse is a non-profit, professional theater dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Los Angeles through plays and educational programs that inform, entertain and inspire.
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Statement:
In recognition of the essential examination of systemic racism and injustices, we at the Geffen Playhouse commit to continued analysis and expansion of our own institutional practices in order to be part of the solution. Our vision for the Geffen is that people of all races, faiths, sexual orientations, abilities, genders, and backgrounds find it an easily accessible and highly relevant source of art that reflects the dynamic human experience and galvanizes a more equitable and vibrant community. In adopting this statement, we are amplifying our strategic and ongoing commitment to improving and increasing the cultural diversity, equity and inclusion of our audiences, staff, artists, board, and programming.
We are committed to the safety and health of our employees, visitors, and the public we serve. As such, Geffen is proud to have implemented a mandatory vaccination policy, requiring COVID-19 vaccination(s) for all employees, including contracted third-party staff, and new hires. In accordance with our mission, we firmly believe that vaccinating all employees is essential for our community’s safety and health. Should you have any questions regarding this, please speak with your recruiting contact directly. The Company understands and respects that a limited number of candidates may have medical or religious reasons for not receiving the vaccine. As such, we are asking those candidates who wish to request an exemption from being required to be vaccinated, submit a request for their exemption through Human Resources once hired.
Position Summary
The Director of Individual Giving reports to the Director of Development and is responsible for developing and implementing a robust individual philanthropy and major gift strategy.
Primary Responsibilities
- Create, oversee, and monitor strategies to achieve Individual Giving goals as part of the Organization’s Annual Giving program and endowment campaign.
- Experience and success in building rapport with and maintaining long-term relationships with major and mid-level donors.
- Develop appropriate cultivation strategies
- Collaborate closely with the Director of Development to oversee the creation and implementation of a new Planned Giving program
- Manage annual fundraising and opening night events.
- Assist in managing the annual Backstage at the Geffen Event Â
- Collaborate closely with the Director of Development to monitor prospective contacts to ensure positive and purposeful prospect stewardship
- Collaborate with Development Department staff to identify potential leadership giving prospects and enhance philanthropic gift opportunities
- Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively with all organizational levels
- Demonstrate excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills with ability to develop long-term plans, set objectives, and track and report on progress towards achieving them.
- Cultivate relationships with Board and Advisory Board members and work with Development team to keep those members informed and engaged in the Geffen.
Skill and Background
- Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, non-profit management, or related field.
- 7+ years successful progressive experience in individual fundraising, preferably in non-profit performing art organization
- Demonstrated success and effectiveness in identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding donors/prospects.
- Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and to work calmly under pressure of goals and deadlines.
- Self-directed, performance-oriented individual who has demonstrated initiative and achievement of goals.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with a variety of audiences. Includes one-on-one conversations, proposals and reports, and emails.
- A strong collaborator with excellent interpersonal skills. Able to work with all types of people, including board members, donors, and a diverse staff.
- Intellectual curiosity, inquisitive nature, and excellent listening and critical thinking skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Experience with CRMs and other fundraising tools and platforms.
- Strong understanding of budgets and finance, including restricted and unrestricted funds
- Interest in and/or appreciation for Performing Arts.
- Strong moral compass; able to maintain sensitive and confidential donor information.
- Committed to fostering an environment of trust, transparency, and mutual respect.
- Committed to success of the Geffen and be able to communicate thoughtfully and enthusiastically about the work of theater, its opportunities, and its challenges.
- In addition to the duties listed above, the theater expects the following of each employee: adhere to theater’s policies and procedures; work in a safe manner; perform duties as workload necessitates; maintain a positive and respectful attitude; communicate regularly with Executive Director about department issues; demonstrate efficient time management and prioritize workload; demonstrate regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meet department productivity standards; participate in the theater’s events as needed or required; and complete other duties as assigned.
The Geffen Playhouse aims to build a diverse and inclusive workplace, in which we strongly encourage non-conforming and historically excluded individuals to apply for any and all available positions.
Compensation and Benefits:
$100,000-$110,000 annual
Health, Dental, Vision Insurance: The Geffen covers the costs of HMO for health, and PPO for Dental and Vision. The option to “buy up” to PPO coverage and / or to add spouses, domestic partners, and children to their health policy
Life Insurance: The Geffen provides all regular full-time employees with a $25,000 life insurance policy, at no cost to the employee. Â
Section 125 Flexible Spending Plan: The Geffen offers its regular full-time employees the opportunity to purchase additional benefit programs to off-set medical and dependent-care related expenses.
Retirement Plan: The Geffen has established a retirement plan commonly known as a code section 401 (k) profit sharing plan which is currently available after one year of service.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please submit a resume with references in .pdf format at www.geffenplayhouse.org/apply.
No phone calls, please.
The Geffen Playhouse, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Geffen Playhouse provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Geffen Playhouse complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us via telephone at 310-208-6500 x148.

