INTRODUCTION
At Zach Theater, we believe in the power of light — to illuminate new ideas, spark imagination, and bring people together. As Austin’s premier professional producing non-profit theater, we create bold, intimate performances that challenge, delight, and inspire audiences. Our work doesn’t stop on the stage. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley and Managing Director Jamie Herlich. Each year, Zach serves over 125,000 Central Texans – over 55,000 of which are children and youth who participate in our education and outreach programs, as well as inspiring camps and classes.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Development Coordinator supports the day-to-day operations of the Development Department and serves as a key point of coordination for development operations, donor relations, database management, and fundraising activities. This position takes ownership of key departmental workflows and provides reliable, responsive support to Development staff, donors, and organizational partners. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, a desire to fulfill a diverse range of needs across the team, and a passion for helping our donor family. The successful candidate will be able to maintain focus, operate at a high volume, and master relevant functions in Tessitura database.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Development Operations & Database Management
- Process contributions within one business day of receipt of funds or pledge notification, ensuring accurate and timely entry in Tessitura.
- Monitor automated gift acknowledgment processes and ensure gifts are appropriately acknowledged. Produce and send personalized acknowledgments, receipts, and related correspondence for institutional funders, specialized gifts, campaign gifts, and other contributions requiring individualized stewardship.
- Manage pledge receivables and monthly gift billing, coordinating reminders, invoices, and Portfolio Manager outreach to minimize write-offs and deferments.
- Coordinate documentation and reporting to ensure accurate record keeping and reconciliation between Finance and Development systems.
- Generate and distribute standard reports using Tessitura, Tessitura Analytics, and Excel.
- Perform routine data hygiene and validation tasks in Tessitura, including constituent information, relationships, and relevant Board service records.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date Board of Trustees records in Tessitura, including constituent information, relationships, and relevant Board service records.
- Support improvements to departmental reports, database practices, and operational workflows in collaboration with Development leadership and staff.
- Partner with the Director of Development and other Development staff to improve reports, processes, database practices, and departmental workflows that increase efficiency and capacity.
- Maintain the Development Department calendar, including performance dates, fundraising deadlines, donor events, and other key departmental activities.
- Monitor and distribute Development mail and ensure gifts, correspondence, and other materials are routed and processed appropriately.
Donor Relations & Departmental Coordination
- Serve as a first point of contact for Development-related phone and email inquiries, providing responsive and exemplary donor service and routing questions to the appropriate staff member.
- Serve as an active member of the VIP Ticketing Concierge Team, responding to donor ticketing requests in a timely and professional manner and providing a high level of personalized service. Share responsibility for day-to-day ticketing requests and donor support in coordination with the Annual Fund Associate and under the direction of the Donor Stewardship & Events Manager.
- Coordinate administrative aspects of Development events, including RSVP tracking, donor benefit fulfillment, attendance records, and constituent record updates in Tessitura.
- Maintain the Development Department's administrative calendar, including performance dates, fundraising deadlines, donor events, and other key departmental activities.
- Monitor and distribute Development mail, ensuring gifts, correspondence, and other materials are routed and processed appropriately.
- Provide administrative and database support for fundraising activities, including preparation and tracking of proposals, pledges, acknowledgments, and related materials.
- Maintain accurate fundraising documentation and shared departmental resources.
- Support special fundraising initiatives and departmental projects as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- At least 2+ years of experience in Nonprofit Development or data processing.
- Previous donor/customer facing roles providing exceptional service.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Extremely well-organized, detail oriented and able to meet deadlines.
- An enthusiasm for theatre and arts experiences that serve Zach’s community.
- 2 years of experience or Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, communications, business, marketing, theatre or another arts discipline, public relations, English or related field preferred.
- Prior fundraising database experience, specifically Tessitura, a plus.
- Ability to work in a busy office environment, perform work on a computer, talk on the phone, and interact with patrons/external parties.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This is an on-site, campus-based role with the occasional ability to work remotely with approval. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions upon discussion with HR.
- Ability to lift, push, pull or otherwise maneuver up to 30 lbs repeatedly, either alone or with assistance
- Must have reliable transportation and the ability to work frequent nights and weekends; flexing schedules as needed.
- The noise level in this work environment is typically moderate and can be high
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to: Director of Development
Supervises (if any): N/A
Supports: Development Team Members
Peer collaboration/communicates with: Collaboration with Executive & Leadership Teams; collaboration across departments and teams; interacts with Board of Trustees, Donors, and Patrons
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Beginning salary starting at $19.00-21.00 hourly commensurate with experience and qualifications. New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum and midpoint of the range posted depending upon qualifications, years of experience in a similar role in a professional setting, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. As a non-exempt position, this role is eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.
Some of the great benefits available to Zach Employees:
- Affordable Healthcare Coverage for Full-Time Employees and their Dependents
- Employer Paid Life and AD&D insurance
- Employer Paid Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 401K Matching Program
- Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
- Paid Holidays
- Free Parking
- Tickets to Mainstage and Family Series shows and enrollment in Camps/Classes
All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of background and reference checks.
We’re excited to review your application. To ensure a smooth and fair hiring process, please apply online only. We’re not able to accommodate phone calls or in-person visits about this position.
Zach Theater is committed to ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce and we strive for a team that reflects Austin’s diverse culture. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, sex or age.