Thank you for considering registering for Education Programs at Northern Stage.

 - To qualify for Sliding Scale, please fill out the form below to take advantage of our tuition support.
 - You will be required to submit the first two pages of the parents'/guardians' most recent federal income tax return. Without these documents we will not be able to process your submission.
 - If you believe you qualify for further financial aide, you may provide information about additional circumstances we should consider in our optional statement of need.
 - Northern Stage uses the Vermont Department for Children and Families Child Care Financial Assistance Sliding Fee Scales as a guideline.
 - Once submitted, your responses are valid through June 1, 2024 and will apply to all programs you participate in.

 Applications may be submitted through this Submittable form, postal mail, or email:

 Mail:
 Northern Stage
 Attn: Sam Empey
 76 Gates Street
 White River Junction, VT 05001

 Email:
 sempey@northernstage,org

 If you have any questions or concerns please contact Assistant Director of Education, Sam Empey, at sempey@northernstage.org.

Hello adVenturers! Please help us to evaluate the effectiveness of the BOLD Ventures grant at your theater by submitting this form within 60 days of your project's public showing.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at cdunne@northernstage.org.

Northern Stage
Director of External Affairs

Northern Stage’s Director of External Affairs will be an essential member of the senior leadership team at an energized, professional regional theater company with a mission of changing lives, one story at a time. This position is responsible for overseeing the Development and Marketing departments, which together bring in $2m+ in earned and contributed revenue annually.

The Director of External Affairs will be a creative and visionary team leader and problem-solver. This individual will lead the strategic planning for all public campaigns and initiatives and will hold individual relationships with key stakeholders. They will design and supervise implementation of all fundraising and marketing campaigns (subscription, show, and event-based) and oversee external communications. 

The Director’s primary responsibilities will include campaign planning, marketing and development writing, budgeting, and team management.

This position will manage a combined team of 8 development and marketing staff, along with external vendors and consultants. The Director of External Affairs will report to the Managing Director and will work closely with the Producing Artistic Director and the entire Senior Leadership Team. This individual will be instrumental in supporting the theater’s work in all areas of inclusion and anti-racism.

Primary Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Managing Director, build out annual development budget and income goals for individual, corporate, and foundation giving programs. Forecast ticket sales and other earned revenue, and track progress. 
• Strategize and oversee implementation of annual development plan to ensure the achievement of contributed income goals. Develop comprehensive short- and long-term marketing plans, including campaigns for main stage and student productions, public events, education programs, subscription sales, school matinees, access initiatives, fundraising campaigns, and the institutional brand.  
• With Managing Director and Producing Artistic Director, lead institutional messaging.
• Supervise the fundraising, marketing, box office, front of house staff members, as well as external contractors. Establish goals and measurable metrics, and monitor progress.
• Maintain a small portfolio of major donors and prospects. 
• Oversee a major gifts program, a membership program, a small corporate giving circle, and foundation and government grant-writing.
• Manage and inspire Board outreach. Serve as a staff lead for the Development and Campaign Committees (through completion of the Act II Campaign), attend board meetings, and partner with Board leaders in shared fundraising and community building goals.  
• Oversee efficient operations of the marketing and development departments.
• Ensure the effective execution of patron, subscriber, donor and community engagement events.
• Maintain consistent and positive relations with the press. Grow media exposure and reach. Oversee pitching and communication of all news, stories, press releases, etc. 
• Oversee departmental expenditures and expense tracking to ensure adherence to annual expense budget.

Qualifications Desired:

• Passion for theater and performing arts 
• 7+ years of progressively more responsible experience, including at least 2 years managing staff 
• Experience in creating campaign plans and development/marketing calendars 
• Proven record of measurable accomplishments in fundraising and/or marketing
• Ability to think creatively and identify new opportunities 
• Exceptional interpersonal, networking, written, presentation and verbal communication skills 
• Eagerness to learn, grow, and stay on top of trends in philanthropy and arts marketing 
• Strong understanding and practice of cultural humility and respect for others 
• Proficiency in PatronManager, other CRM, or fundraising/ticketing software and/or systems 

This is a full time position. Standard work days are Monday – Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, but the Director of External Affairs will be expected to occasionally work evenings/weekends to attend/host Northern Stage performances.

Compensation: $85,000 annual (exempt), commensurate with experience, plus health, dental and vision benefits, opt-in 403(b), paid time off, and other benefits. Subsidized housing is available for lease through Northern Stage. Relocation assistance will be provided if the successful candidate is non-local.

Ideal start date: January 2024 or as soon as practical.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and two marketing writing samples in PDF format to Managing Director Jason Smoller via SUBMITTABLE. All inquiries and materials will be confidential.

We believe the most important and impactful art is made when we consider and commit to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access both on and off of our stage. We highly encourage folks who are Black, Native or Indigenous, People of Color, Queer or Trans, Poor or Working Class, Disabled, Young, Elderly, and/or who speak English as a second language to apply. To learn more about Northern Stage, please visit our website:www.northernstage.org

BOLD Ventures is a program funded by the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation to offer grants to artists to develop new and innovative work for the American theater. Proposals for grants will be accepted beginning January 8, 2024. Deadline for applications is March 15 unless otherwise notified. We look forward to seeing your adVentures!