Job Description

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.

The Annual Fund Associate supports fundraising strategies that grow and steward Zach Theater’s broad base of annual donors through compelling communications, campaign execution, and donor engagement efforts. Reporting to the Director of Development, this role assists with implementing fundraising appeals, managing donor stewardship tasks, and providing essential support to achieve annual giving goals. This is an ideal role for someone early in their fundraising or arts administration career who is eager to grow and learn in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

Fundraising and Donor Communications

• Execute annual giving campaigns across email, print, social media, and web platforms
• Draft donor appeals, acknowledgments, and campaign materials with oversight from the Director of Development
• Help coordinate timelines, proofing, and deployment of communications to ensure quality and consistency
• Maintain the department's Communications Calendar and collaborate with Marketing/Communications staff as needed
• Support the creation of donor-focused materials including campaign landing pages, printed inserts, and event signage, ensuring consistency of voice and message across all touchpoints

Donor Engagement and Stewardship 

• Support stewardship of donors in the Friends of Zach program, especially those giving up to $1,000 annually
• Generate personalized donor acknowledgments and assist with thank-you calls, mailings, and event follow-up
• Act as a donor concierge, providing high-touch, personalized service and cultivating meaningful connections
• Support the Development team to fulfill Donor Relations needs, fielding donor calls, emails and serving as a VIP Ticketing concierge; provide donors with exemplary customer service
• Represent Zach at performances and donor events to help build relationships with supporters
• Partner with the Donor Stewardship & Events Manager to deliver high-quality donor experiences and track RSVPs for events and donor benefit fulfillment 

Prospect Collaboration and Qualification

• Work closely with colleagues to support prospect research and help identify and qualify donors who may be ready for major gift cultivation
• Track donor activity and engagement to help inform moves management and major gift strategies
• Contribute insights from frontline experiences—such as events, performances, and donor communications—to support the development of donor pipelines

Operations and Database Support

• Track donor interactions and update records in the Tessitura database using Plans and Steps
• Run standard donor reports and assist with list segmentation and tracking for appeals and events
• Help maintain accurate records of donor communications, event participation, and gift acknowledgments
• Assist with general department operations including donor lounge staffing, event support, and special projects

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• At least 2 years of professional experience, preferably in fundraising, communications, customer service, or nonprofit administration
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable drafting copy for emails, letters, and social posts
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel; familiarity with email marketing tools or donor databases (e.g., Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) is a plus
• Enthusiasm for theater and a passion for Zach Theater’s mission and values
• Willingness to work select nights and weekends for events and performances

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.

• 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 with a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends as scheduled
• 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

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.

This is an exempt salaried position compensated between $45k-$52k annually based on experience. As an exempt position, this role is not eligible for overtime pay.

We will respond to applicants as available. No phone calls, please.

Compensation details: 45000-52000 Yearly Salary

PIf47f134cc786-30492-38429782

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