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Careers & Requests for Proposals

Come work at the Folly

The Folly Theater’s mission is to preserve Kansas City’s oldest historic theater as a premier performance venue. We are committed to maintain our building’s heritage, diversify our program and entertainment offerings, and be an enthusiastic participant in the continuing revitalization of downtown Kansas City.

The Folly Theater and its Board of Directors value Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity as one of the Folly’s primary guiding principles. We understand that the foundation of a vibrant, thriving arts theater and performance venue is the cross-pollination of creative/diverse programming, the cultivation of inclusive practices and strategies, and the development of a diverse team of employees and volunteers who share in these values.

Open Positions

Job Description:          Grants and Donor Relations Manager

Reports to:                  President and CEO

Date:                           04.17.2025

Mission: To inspire, entertain, and unite audiences through inclusive programming that harnesses the transformative power of the performing arts experienced in Kansas City’s most historic theater.

Vision: To be an iconic hub for artistic expression and co-creator of a future where creativity flourishes, barriers to access are dismantled, and cultural experiences enrich all lives.

The Folly Theater is the most up-to-date historic theater in Kansas City and home to diverse artists and performances, from the longest-running Jazz Series in the region to classical music, R&B, dance, youth programming, and much more. The theater, currently in its 125th year, recently received $4.2M in renovations, making the Folly a combination of 19th century history with 21st century amenities and convenience.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Grants and Donor Relations Manager works closely with the Development Director to develop strategies for and manage activities related to donor relations and fundraising activities, including corporate, foundation, and government grants; individual giving; and special events. They will develop and implement integrated strategies to strengthen donor relations and build partnerships within the Greater Kansas City community.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Grants management, including:
    • Researching grant opportunities;
    • Tracking grant application and report deadlines;
    • Processing grant applications, including collecting and organizing requisite data and documents, writing accompanying narratives, and submitting to funders;
    • Processing grant reports, including collecting and organizing requisite data, documents, and records; writing accompanying narratives, and submitting to funders.
  • Donor relations management, including:
    • Assisting Development Director in identifying and researching potential donors and developing targeted strategies for approaching potential donors;
    • Developing, implementing, and evaluating donor engagement opportunities, including Jazz Series receptions, in collaboration with the Development Director;
    • Managing contribution processing systems, including programming the Folly’s CRM, entering data in the CRM, training other staff on data entry, ensuring accurate and thorough records, and preparing, sending, and filing donor acknowledgement letters;
    • Managing fundraising appeals in coordination with Development Director and Marketing Manager, including project management, concept development, copy writing, proofing, and distribution list preparation;
    • Compiling and preparing donor reports, including monthly reports of online donations and annual reports of donors.
  • Special events management, including:
    • Developing, coordinating logistics, and implementing fundraising events in collaboration with Development Director;
    • Researching potential sponsor candidates in collaboration with Development Director;
    • Managing sponsorship activities, including maintaining accurate sponsor records and implementing sponsor benefit opportunities;
    • Collaborating with the Marketing Manager on marketing activities for fundraising events, including developing collateral materials and social and electronic media assets;
    • Evaluating fundraising event success metrics in collaboration with President and CEO and Development Director.
  • Develop strategic outreach opportunities to cultivate new community partnerships, including management of the Metzler Initiative to Expand the Arts at the Folly.
  • Work collaboratively with the entire Folly Team to support the efforts of all Folly operations, including selling tickets, answering patron questions, providing customer service support, and attending performances as necessary.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills needed for a successful experience in this position:

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • Computer software proficiency, e.g. Microsoft Office Suite and donor CRMs
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to think strategically and creatively respond to emerging opportunities
  • Ability to manage confidential information
  • Knowledge of arts community and downtown Kansas City

Characteristics for a successful experience in this position:

  • Highly organized and detail-oriented with ability to self-manage multiple priorities
  • High energy, enthusiasm, professionalism, and friendly demeanor
  • Self starter
  • Love of the arts and passion for helping others

This job description is not intended to be finite and all-inclusive.  Rather, it provides general responsibilities and expectations.  The essential functions of this position may change as operational needs demand.

This is a full-time, salaried position, offering a complete and competitive benefit package. Starting salary is commensurate with experience. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required.

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or veteran or disability status.

Email your resume and cover letter to contact@follytheater.org.