SEEKING THEATER MU’S NEXT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Status: part time, salary employee

Compensation: $25,000 annually

Schedule: On average 25 hours per week. Flexible, primarily daytime, with some evenings and weekends required. Ideal start date in late January.

Priority deadline: Jan 6, 2026

Location: Saint Paul, MN (hybrid)

JOB OVERVIEW

The development manager is a key member of the Theater Mu team and leads the day-to-day execution of our fundraising program. This role ensures that supporters receive meaningful communication, thoughtful stewardship, and a high quality donor experience. The ideal candidate is organized, collaborative, and excited to build relationships that strengthen Mu’s community.

Working closely with the managing director, artistic director, and contract grant writer, the development manager oversees annual fundraising operations, individual giving, donor communications, sponsorship coordination, and development events. This role serves as the operational backbone of Mu’s development work and plays an essential part in growing individual and institutional support.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Theater Mu is one of the nation’s leading Asian American theater companies. With a commitment to equity, access, and community, Mu produces work that celebrates our shared humanity and advances a more just and inclusive future. Our audiences, artists, and supporters come from many backgrounds, and we strive to ensure that every person who engages with Mu feels welcome, valued, and seen.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

INDIVIDUAL GIVING & DONOR ENGAGEMENT

  • Lead the execution of annual fundraising campaigns, including year-end giving, Give to the Max, and seasonal appeals.

  • Manage donor communications, including appeals, acknowledgments, and stewardship signals across print, email, and digital platforms.

  • Partner with the Artistic Director to support major donor cultivation, including research, meeting preparation, follow-up, and tracking.

  • Respond to donor inquiries with care, clarity, and a spirit of hospitality.

DONOR STEWARDSHIP

  • Prepare personalized acknowledgments and donor recognition lists.

  • Coordinate invitations and special access opportunities for donors, including behind-the-scenes experiences and opening nights.

CRM, DATA, & REPORTING

  • Serve as the primary administrator of PatronManager while working with the office manager to maintain accurate and complete donor records, giving histories, and segmentation tags.

  • Generate reports to track progress toward annual goals and provide insight for leadership and the board.

  • Work with staff and consultants to maintain data integrity and improve development systems.

DIGITAL FUNDRAISING

  • Collaborate with the marketing and communications director to develop donor-focused content for emails, social media, and website appeals.

  • Manage online fundraising tools, donation forms, and campaign pages.

  • Coordinate digital stewardship, including automated thank you messages and impact updates.

EVENTS & SPONSORSHIPS

  • Coordinate 2 to 4 fundraising or cultivation events per year in collaboration with the Mu staff.

  • Support event logistics, guest lists, sponsorship benefits, and donor hospitality.

  • Assist in identifying and stewarding potential sponsorship partners and local businesses.

  • Track sponsorship commitments, benefits, and recognition.

ADMINISTRATIVE & COLLABORATIVE DUTIES

  • Maintain development files and documentation.

  • Support board fundraising activities and provide materials for board meetings.

  • Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and Mu events.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least two to four years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, arts administration, or nonprofit operations.

  • Experience with Salesforce, PatronManager, or comparable CRMs.

  • Strong writing and communication skills with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.

  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered work.

  • Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

  • Experience coordinating events preferred but not required.

  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for performances and special events.

TO APPLY

Send cover letter and resume to info@theatermu.org with DEVELOPMENT MANAGER in the subject line. Priority deadline is Jan 6, 2026, with an ideal start date in late January.

We know there are great candidates who won’t fit everything we’ve described above, or who have important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself in your cover letter.