Director of Development

About Lyric Baltimore:

Lyric Baltimore is a nonprofit performing arts venue and community anchor located in the heart of Baltimore’s Cultural District. Originally opened in 1894, The Lyric is one of Maryland’s premier concert theaters, presenting live performances from nationally touring concert acts and comedians to community productions and educational programs. Through its Lyric Education Programs, the organization serves greater Baltimore students in grades 5–12 each year, inspiring creativity, confidence, and connection through music, dance, creative writing, and theatre.

Position Summary:

The Director of Development is responsible for leading all fundraising and development activities for Lyric Baltimore, advancing the Theatre’s mission of presenting world-class performances and impactful arts education. This individual will design and implement a comprehensive development strategy encompassing individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation and government grants, planned giving, and special events.

The ideal candidate has a strong record of fundraising success within Baltimore’s nonprofit or cultural sector, possesses familiarity with local and state-level grant and bond opportunities, and brings creativity, relationship-building skills, and a passion for the performing arts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan to support Lyric Baltimore’s annual operations, education programs, and long-term capital initiatives.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with individual donors, major gift prospects, foundations, corporations, and federal, state, and local government agencies.
• Build relationships with Arts and Service organizations such as Maryland Citizens for the Arts, Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance, and Maryland Philanthropies.
• Oversee all aspects of grant research, proposal writing, submission, and reporting to ensure timely and successful outcomes.
• Work with the CEO and Board of Trustees to identify opportunities for public and private bond support, endowment growth, and other strategic funding sources.
• Lead the corporate sponsorship program by creating compelling partnership proposals that highlight the Lyric’s community impact and regional reach.
• Plan and manage fundraising events, donor receptions, and other cultivation activities.
• Maintain the organization’s donor database and ensure accurate records, acknowledgment processes, and metrics tracking.
• Collaborate closely with the Marketing and Education teams to align development strategies with institutional priorities and messaging.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Lyric Baltimore within the local and municipal philanthropic, civic, and business communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive fundraising or development experience, ideally within the arts, culture, or education sectors.
• Demonstrated success securing significant contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government sources.
• Strong familiarity with Baltimore’s philanthropic and civic landscape, including experience with city and state funding programs and cultural bond processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; adept at crafting persuasive proposals and donor communications.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a small, dynamic team and engage effectively with board members and community stakeholders.
• Proficiency with donor database systems such as Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect, or similar platforms are a plus.
• Deep appreciation for the performing arts and Lyric Baltimore’s dual mission of entertainment and education.

Compensation and Benefits

• Full-time, exempt position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan participation.
• Professional development support and opportunities for community engagement.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move around the facility; to stand for long hours during events; talk and hear. This position may require work inside or outside of the building, as needed by events.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lyric is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate, and will not tolerate discrimination, on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected status under federal, state or local law. Our employment decisions are solely made according to qualifications for the positions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Event marketing: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Baltimore, MD 21201 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Baltimore, MD 21201: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person