This is a part-time hybrid role as a Development Coordinator. Working 14-15 hours per week, this position will focus on executing development strategies to strengthen and grow the organization's fundraising capacity. The Development Coordinator will collaborate with leadership and a development consultant, ensuring the effective stewardship of donors and sponsors, grant management, and seamless execution of fundraising campaigns. This is a part-time role based in Cleveland, Ohio. The coordinator will work closely with a strategist who provides direction quarterly, focusing on implementing day-to-day development activities, as well as with our marketing team.
Who We Are
BorderLight Theatre Festival is an annual arts festival based in downtown Cleveland, showcasing performing artists from around the globe. Since its 2019 debut, BorderLight has celebrated theatre that inspires, builds cross-cultural understanding, and highlights the diversity of the human experience. Learn more about our mission and explore our past festival timeline. The festival features a dynamic mix of local and national fringe performances, international touring productions, and new works developed in collaboration with Cleveland-based organizations. By offering accessible and diverse performances, BorderLight engages both residents and visitors, contributing to the cultural vibrancy and economic growth of the region.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
The Development Coordinator will work closely with the Executive Director to implement and refine fundraising strategies, and will collaborate with board members, volunteers, and staff to achieve development goals.
Fundraising and Donor Relations
Execute development strategies as directed by leadership and a quarterly development consultant.
Help manage fundraising campaigns and events, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
Compose donor communications and sponsorship materials.
Coordinate with the marketing team to incorporate fundraising and donor recognition strategies into newsletters, social media, and outreach materials.
Steward donors and sponsors by ensuring benefits are fulfilled and recognition is timely.
Support donor cultivation by researching and identifying potential supporters.
Assist the Executive Director in planning and executing 2-3 annual fundraising and donor appreciation events.
Grant Management
Coordinate deliverables and budgets for ongoing grants.
Write and report on smaller-scale grants, with the option to spin off larger grants.
Track grant opportunities and deadlines, ensuring compliance with requirements.
Database Management and Reporting
Maintain accurate donor and sponsor records in the donor database (e.g., Little Green Light).
Work with the Executive Director to track, analyze, and report fundraising progress to leadership and the board.
Generate and share regular donor and fundraising reports to support strategic planning.
Financial and Resource Management
Support processing and tracking of donations, sponsorships, and pledges, ensuring acknowledgment and accuracy in coordination with the Executive Director.
Support the preparation of budgets for development-related activities
Qualifications
Minimum of 2 years of experience in nonprofit development, donor relations, or a related field.
Excellent writing and communication skills, with experience in grant writing and reporting preferred.
Ability to be productive through remote collaboration.
Familiarity with donor databases (e.g., Little Green Light or similar CRM) for tracking contributions and generating reports.
Attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining donor records.
Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently in a flexible, part-time role.
Project management skills for coordinating events, campaigns, and collaborations.
Passion for the arts and a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Skilled at working both collaboratively within a team and independently.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
Event planning experience a plus.
What We Offer
A collaborative and supportive team culture that values creativity and innovation.
Professional development opportunities.
Primarily remote work and a flexible schedule.
The chance to make a tangible impact on a vibrant, community-driven performing arts festival.
Hours/Salary
This is a part-time contractor position, working approximately 14-15 hours per week and offering annual compensation of $20,000 to $22,000. This is equivalent to a full-time pro rata salary of $60,000 to $66,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
As an independent contractor, you are not expected to work on holidays when BorderLight is closed (e.g., federal holidays, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the Christmas-to-New-Year's break). These hours are not required to be made up.
While this role does not include additional benefits, it provides flexible scheduling and the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic arts organization making a meaningful impact in the community.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to the Executive Director, Dale Heinen, at Dale@borderlightcle.org, with the subject line Attn HR: Development Coordinator. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged. No phone calls, please.
Equal Opportunity Employer
BorderLight Theatre Festival is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals from equity-seeking groups, including those historically underrepresented in the arts, to apply.