Cygnet Theatre is entering the final year of its $43.5M Capital Campaign to fund its new home at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center in Liberty Station, Point Loma. The new theatre complex is set to open in September 2025. We are seeking a highly organized, theatre- passionate professional with at least two years of experience in a Development Department to join our team as a Development Associate. This is an exciting time to join the team and gain experience working on a capital campaign.

The Development Associate plays a key administrative role in supporting the development team and managing donor stewardship activities. This position offers the potential to grow into an Annual Giving Manager role over time.

Essential Duties

• Ensure proper donor recognition and benefits are provided.
• Coordinate and execute fundraising and cultivation events.
• Maintain and update reports on annual and capital giving.
• Keep current and prospective donors engaged through cultivation touches, regular
• communication, and group events.
• Prepare solicitation proposals, presentations, meeting arrangements, digital and print
• materials, and track donor data.
• Coordinate meetings and facilitate communication to ensure projects and initiatives stay
• on track.
• Manage the campaign donor/prospect database, performing data entry for gift tracking,
• event attendees, and donor research.
• Track pledges and handle bookkeeping related to the campaign.
• Provide general support to staff and volunteer leadership as needed.

Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Minimum 2 years of experience in Fundraising.
• Administrative and project management experience preferred.
• Four-year college degree or equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with executive leadership, accounting, marketing,
• development teams, Board of Directors and diverse groups of donors and prospects.
• Proficiency in creating thoughtful donor correspondence, conducting research and
• managing database requirements.
• Strong organizational and strategic thinking skills: able to work independently while
• contributing to a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize a multitude of tasks and deadlines.
• Strong ethical conduct, with adherence to AFP Code of Ethics and Standards of
• Professional Practice.

Personal attributes necessary for job performance

• Flexibility, positivity, reliability and patience.
• Proactive and results-driven, able to work independently and within collaborative teams.
• Ability to professionally interact with all levels of staff, volunteers, donors, and the public, inspiring engagement and connection.
• Detail-oriented, with excellent communication skills via phone, email and in-person interactions.
• Active listening skills, with the ability to respond quickly and resolve donor and staff needs.
• Discretion and sensitivity when handling confidential information.

Compensation

• Full-time position
• Salary range $65,000 to $75,000 based on experience
• Benefits package, including 401(k) with matching

About Cygnet Theatre

• Cygnet Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusivity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status in accordance with applicable nondiscrimination laws.
• Our work environment is creative, dynamic, and flexible, offering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. Cygnet Theatre produces a diverse range of 6-7 mainstage productions each year, from timeless classics to world premieres and Broadway-style musicals. We also provide outreach and educational programs for youth, emerging artists, and military communities across San Diego County.
• Mission: Believing in the power of theatre to startle the soul, ignite debate and embrace the diversity of the community in which it serves, Cygnet Theatre Company is fearlessly committed to the dissection, examination and celebration of the human story through the medium of live theatre.

To Apply

• Please send your resume and cover letter to Cygnet Theatre’s Development Director, Marinda Peugh, at