Development Associate Part-time in Minneapolis, Minnesota at Guthrie Theater

Reports to: Director of Annual Giving and Operations

Compensation: $22.50 – $24.50 per hour, depending on qualifications

Benefits: Non-Benefits Eligible

Position Summary

The Development Associate provides essential support for gift processing and donor engagement efforts and serves as the first point of contact for general donor inquiries. This role manages the Development team’s donor hotline and email inbox, ensuring timely, accurate, and welcoming communication with patrons and supporters.

In addition, this position supports gift entry and database integrity in Tessitura, provides backup for gift processing, and contributes to donor stewardship efforts through gratitude and engagement outreach. This role is a key contributor to ensuring a seamless and positive donor experience while supporting the operational excellence of the Development team.

All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

This position is part-time (15–20 hours/week) and non-exempt. The typical schedule for this role will vary based on the dynamic schedule of a theater and will require occasional evening and weekend availability.

This position is based in Minneapolis and requires regular on-site work at the Guthrie Theater. Candidates must be located in, or willing to relocate independently to, the Twin Cities area. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Please note: This position works year-round and is not a summer-only position. You must be able to continue working beyond mid-September 2026.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams that are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Gift Processing & Database Support (40%)

• Provide backup support for gift entry, including entering gifts, pledges, and payments in Tessitura.
• Assist with maintaining accurate donor records and ensuring data integrity.
• Support reconciliation and documentation processes in collaboration with Development Operations and Finance.
• Assist with gift acknowledgments and donor record updates as needed.

2. Donor Services & Communications (30%)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for general donor inquiries via phone and email (give@guthrietheater.org).
• Respond to donor questions regarding giving, benefits, transactions, and donor records in a timely and professional manner.
• Coordinate with Box Office, Finance, and Development staff to resolve donor issues
• Provide high-quality donor stewardship through clear, warm, and solution-oriented communication.
• Track and document donor interactions in Tessitura as appropriate.

3. Donor Engagement & Outreach (20%)

• Conduct donor gratitude calls and assist with stewardship outreach initiatives.
• Support donor engagement efforts through occasional outreach aligned with Development priorities.
• Assist with donor experience initiatives that strengthen retention and engagement.

4. Administrative Support (10%)

• Assist with departmental projects and peak workload periods (e.g. fiscal year-end).
• Maintain documentation and support operational workflows as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the Development team’s overall success.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in customer service, administrative support, nonprofit development or a related field required.
• Experience with CRM systems required; Tessitura experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills with a commitment to excellent donor service.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy, particularly with data entry and financial information.
• Can manage multiple tasks and respond to time-sensitive inquiries.
• Comfort with phone-based communication and donor interaction.
• Can maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with donor information.
• Interest in the performing arts, especially theater, preferred.
• Can sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.
• Can lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours/days, including occasional evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. In addition to a competitive salary, the Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks.

• Sick Time: One hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked (in concurrence with the Minneapolis and State of Minnesota Sick and Safe Time requirements)
• Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, Discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking, Discounted bike locker rental
• Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions
• Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie
• Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
• Other Employee Perks: Wellness Program, Guthrie Store discount, Affinity Groups

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

Applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter to be considered for the position.