About the Position

The Institutional Giving Manager plays a vital role in advancing the American Shakespeare Center’s mission by cultivating meaningful partnerships with corporate sponsors and institutional funders. Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Development, this role focuses on identifying new funding opportunities, building and stewarding institutional partnerships, and developing and executing strategic sponsorship and fundraising initiatives that support ASC’s mission. 

This is a highly collaborative position requiring strategic coordination with the Patron Loyalty Team to secure program ad slots, sponsorships, naming opportunities, and support for cross-departmental campaigns. The Institutional Giving Manager is instrumental in maintaining ASC’s reputation as a premier arts organization while advancing our mission through institutional support.

Reports to: Director of Marketing and Development
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Key Responsibilities

Season and Corporate Sponsorships

  • Collaborate with the Patron Loyalty Team to develop and implement strategies to secure corporate sponsorships for ASC’s productions, events, and programs.
  • Build and maintain long-term relationships with corporate sponsors by identifying and presenting tailored partnership opportunities that align with their goals and ASC’s mission.
  • Represent ASC at performances, donor events, and other public-facing opportunities, ensuring sponsors feel valued and connected to the organization.
  • Manage the sponsorship booking process, ensuring all agreements are accurately documented and approved by all necessary parties.
  • Track sponsorship payments to ensure timely receipt, following up with sponsors as needed to address delays or discrepancies.
  • Coordinate with the Finance Team and Database Manager to ensure all sponsorship payments are accurately recorded and aligned with budget expectations.
  • Serve as the primary liaison for corporate sponsors, ensuring consistent and professional communication throughout the sponsorship lifecycle.
  • Track and manage sponsorship deliverables, including logo placement, event  recognition, and marketing exposure, ensuring all benefits are fulfilled as promised.
  • Provide regular updates and reports to corporate sponsors, showcasing the impact and value of their partnership with ASC.
  • Collaborate with the Communications Manager to integrate sponsor recognition across digital and print platforms, ensuring consistent branding.

Institutional Donor Relations

  • Pursue local, state, and federal grant funding opportunities, such as sponsorships, appropriations, and partnerships.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with government officials and agencies, fostering strong relationships to advocate for ASC’s role in the arts and community.
  • Represent ASC at public meetings, hearings, or events to engage with government stakeholders and elevate ASC’s visibility.
  • Coordinate special events or tours for government representatives to showcase ASC’s programs and contributions to the local economy and cultural landscape.
  • Develop and execute advocacy strategies that align with ASC’s mission, ensuring elected officials and policymakers understand ASC’s impact and funding needs.
  • Collaborate with leadership to create and deliver tailored presentations or materials for meetings with government officials and community leaders.
  • Maintain detailed records of government interactions and funding opportunities, ensuring alignment with ASC’s broader development strategy.
  • Actively greet and engage patrons at the Playhouse, ensuring they feel valued and connected to ASC’s mission.

Administrative Tasks

  • Maintain accurate records of all institutional giving activities in donor databases (e.g., PatronManager).
  • Prepare and submit progress reports to funders, donors, and internal stakeholders.
  • Generate sponsorship decks, donor reports, and other supporting materials for funder engagement.
  • Process institutional gifts, ensuring timely acknowledgment and recognition.
  • Collaborate with the Patron Loyalty Team to align individual giving efforts with broader engagement and fundraising strategies.
  • Act as a knowledgeable and welcoming representative of ASC, greeting institutional donors and sponsors at the Playhouse.

Professional Development

  • Willingness to learn more about Shakespeare, theatre, or nonprofit arts organizations 

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

  • Proven experience in corporate sponsorship and creating sponsor benefit packages.
  • Proven experience in institutional fundraising, including grant writing, sponsorships, and donor relations.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and presentations.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
  • Proficiency in donor management software (e.g., PatronManager, Salesforce) and grant-tracking tools.
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Familiarity with Shakespeare, theatre, or nonprofit arts organizations is a plus.
  • Experience in corporate sponsorship development or government grant applications.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried position with an annual salary of $43,000. Benefits include:

  • Subsidized health insurance.
  • Paid time off.
  • Access to vision, dental, and life insurance.

Work Environment and Schedule

  • Full-time, on-site position (40 hours per week).
  • Flexibility: The hours and schedule may vary per week based on the time of year. A typical work week is Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., and 8 hours of flexible time for playhouse greetings and weekend events.
  • Based at ASC’s offices in Staunton, Virginia.

 

Why Join Us?

At the American Shakespeare Center, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Build relationships with institutional funders who share your passion for the arts.
  • Play a pivotal role in advancing ASC’s mission through strategic funding initiatives.
  • Collaborate with a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to creating impactful theatre experiences.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by emailing a resume, cover letter, and references to Stephanie.Cabacoy@americanshakespearecenter.com with the subject line: Application for Institutional Giving Manager.

In addition to your application materials, please include one of the following:

  • A brief sponsorship pitch (less than 1 page) for a hypothetical corporate partner focused on one of ASC’s funding initiatives (e.g., a production season, education program, or community outreach event).
    This should include a proposed value proposition, key sponsorship benefits, and a creative approach to aligning the sponsor’s brand with ASC’s mission.

OR

  • A portfolio of relevant work samples (minimum 2), which may include:
    • Donor/sponsor reports or communications
    • Presentation materials or benefit packages
    • Marketing or recognition examples for institutional partners

Who We Are

The American Shakespeare Center (ASC) is dedicated to bringing the transformative power of live theatre to audiences of all ages. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we produce world-class performances, empower education through dynamic programs, and foster a vibrant, inclusive community. Located in Staunton, Virginia, the ASC is home to the world’s only recreation of the Blackfriars Playhouse, where we inspire and engage with innovative, audience-focused storytelling.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The American Shakespeare Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission to make the arts accessible to all.

About the American Shakespeare Center

The American Shakespeare Center (ASC) is a nonprofit theatre company based in Staunton, Virginia, and home to the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Playhouse. ASC is dedicated to engaging audiences through performances, education, and community programs.

What sets ASC apart:

  • Historic Blackfriars Playhouse: The first-ever re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre.
  • Innovative Education Programs: Workshops and lectures that make Shakespeare accessible to all.
  • Community Engagement: Partnerships and outreach initiatives fostering connections in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.
  • Repertory Theatre: Year-round productions featuring both Shakespearean classics and contemporary works.

Located in Staunton, Virginia, ASC provides a unique arts and cultural experience in a historic and vibrant setting, with easy access to Charlottesville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.