Major Gifts and Executive Associate

Overview  

This newly-created position is focused on supporting the Wilma Theater’s goals to increase funding from major individual donors. Key activities include research, planning, data entry, scheduling, event planning and execution. The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive and able to communicate warmly and efficiently both in person and in writing. Comfortable with phone and email and with work days that are characterized by many different activities performed at a fast yet accurate pace is essential. We are looking for a generalist who has worked with Microsoft Office software in office settings and is potentially interested in a career in development. 

Duties 

For Major Gifts (60% time) 

• Identify major gift prospects for the Wilma utilizing data in Tessitura, the WIlma’s CRM, and iwave, our prosect research tool, to identify high net worth individuals. Assist with additional identification through board member and other higher level donor contacts, as assigned by the Development Director 
• Research major gift prospects and create profiles, utilizing iwave and other online tools, including social media, etc.  
• Create donor profiles, including photos, and update regularly.  
• Record cultivation and stewardship plans and update status for all major donors/prospects.  
• Prepare proposals for donor meetings with guidance from Development Director 
• Track and report on progress towards fundraising goals.  
• Plan and execute donor cultivation events, and assist with all development events. 
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of donor interactions in the CRM system. 
• Support all Development fundraising and stewardship/cultivation events, including planning, invitations, follow-up and other communication. Includes set up and tear down 

For Managing Director (40% time) 

• Coordinate and manage the Managing Director’s calendar.  This includes scheduling meetings and calls, drafting emails and other correspondence, and actively ensuring that all requests are handled in a timely manner. 
• Ensure MD has all materials for any meetings, including notes, research, constituent giving histories and profiles.  
• Ensure all meeting follow up is performed, including follow ups and recording notes in plans in Tessitura. 
• Support Board management, including meeting scheduling, preparation, and management; organization and distribution of materials, including minutes; and assist with maintenance of contact sheets and other work materials. Assist with maintenance of board portal and online files.  
• Work with DD and MD to manage process for vetting, onboarding, and offboarding Board Members. 

Department Administration 

• Manage and track development budget – ensure that all expenditures are properly assigned, and process paperwork.  Reconcile credit card bills. Prepare check requests as necessary. 
• Assist with creating presentation materials and graphics as necessary in accordance with the Wilma’s brand guidelines, presentations for corporate prospects, etc. 
• Assist with proofreading letters, proposals, invitations, etc. generated by the Development Department 
• Assist with organizational surveys and other external requests for information, including SMU Data Arts, etc. 
• Other duties as needed/assigned 

Working Hours 

Administrative office hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, unless otherwise established by your supervisor or the Managing Director to meet the theater's needs.  

From time to time, you may be required to work outside of normal business hours.  

Compensation and Benefits 

This is a full-time, exempt role with compensation of $50,000.  

Benefits include 85% payment of toward group health plan including vision, dental insurance, life insurance, generous paid time off, paid holidays, 403(b) retirement plan, and other benefits such as complimentary tickets to Wilma productions, various free and low-cost workshops and networking events in the arts and business community, discount at the Double Tree Hotel parking garage, and a discount at the Good Karma Cafe. 

Applications and Inquiries 

Applications will be open until Monday, September 14, 2026, with the desired start date of Monday, October 5, 2026. 

Please submit a resume and letter of interest as PDF attachments with your name and "Major Gifts and Executive Associate candidate" to hr@wilmatheater.org 

Mission and Values  

The Wilma Theater creates living, adventurous art, presenting bold, original, well-crafted, thought-provoking productions that represent a range of voices, viewpoints, and styles. The Wilma’s organizational values were developed through conversations with Wilma staff, board, and HotHouse Company members. Our organizational values are curiosity, courage, care, rigor, joy, collaboration, and liberation. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement  

The Wilma Theater is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, age, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or public assistance status in the recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, promotion, transfer, layoff, recall and termination of employees. The Wilma is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment. Those who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other members of underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.