Special Events & Donor Stewardship Officer

Position: Special Events & Donor Stewardship Officer
Department: Development
Reports to: Chief Philanthropy Officer
Classification: Regular, Full-time, Non-exempt   
Compensation: $35.00/Hour
Grade: 26    
Preferred Start Date: February 2026

Position Summary: 
The Special Events and Donor Stewardship Officer is a key donor engagement and fundraising position. Using events as the main strategy, this position holds responsibility for the design, coordination, promotion, and execution of the annual Fueling Transformation Luncheon and all donor stewardship events. Reporting directly to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, this position works closely with Director of Individual Giving and Annual Fund Manager, as well as members of Marketing, Production, and Front of House.

About SCT:
Seattle Children's Theatre (SCT) has served more than 4 million children since its founding in 1975 through professional theatre and arts education in the Puget Sound region and beyond. Our mission is to provide children of all ages access to professional theatre, with a focus on new works and theatre education.

SCT is committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in all areas of our work. We encourage applicants of all races, ethnicities, religions, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, and backgrounds to apply. We value nontraditional career paths and transferable skills.
 
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:  

Fundraising and Signature Event Delivery:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute SCT’s annual Fueling Transformation Luncheon to generate the fundraising goal of $300,000+


• Manage the event budget and logistics including vendor coordination, run-of-show preparation, volunteer support, and day-of execution.


• Support pre- and post-event activities, including guest tracking, donor communications, and event wrap-up tasks.

Donor Stewardship and Cultivation Events:

• Plan and execute all (up to 12) Annual Fund donor stewardship and cultivation events in support of the Annual Fund program.


• Work with Chief Philanthropy Officer to plan and execute all (up to 12) major and legacy donor stewardship and cultivation events.


• Provide event support for Board stewardship events.  


• Partner with Development, Marketing, Production, Front of House, and Education teams to ensure smooth, mission-aligned event execution. 

Administrative and Operational Support:

• Use the organization’s CRM to accurately track event activity, attendance, and donor engagement related to stewardship and fundraising events.


• Prepare and distribute donor communications related to events and engagement opportunities in coordination with the Development and Marketing teams.


• Maintain organized event files, schedules, checklists, and documentation to support efficient execution and knowledge sharing.


• Support execution of donor and sponsor benefits fulfilment in partnership with the Institutional Giving Officer and Major Gifts Team. 

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Contribute positively to the organization’s culture and day-to-day operations through collaboration, responsiveness, and professionalism.


• Participate in equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives, including required trainings and all-staff meetings.


• Demonstrate and uphold the organization’s mission, vision, and values in all work.
  Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifying Skills:

We recognize that experience can come from many places. This reflects our commitment to skills-based hiring, which focuses on a candidate’s ability to perform essential job functions—regardless of whether those skills were developed through formal education, professional experience, community work, or lived experience. If you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Required Skills:

• Planning and Execution: Ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver high-quality events from concept through execution and follow-up.


• Donor Stewardship and Relationship Building: With the understanding of the role of donor experience in cultivating and stewarding relationships, the ability to foster and deepen relationships with donors and funders of all levels.


• Project Management and Organization: Strong ability to manage multiple events, timelines, priorities, and logistics with attention to detail; track and manage events budget and meet fundraising goals.


• Problem Solving and Adaptability: Capacity to respond calmly and effectively to changing circumstances in fast-paced, live event environments.


• Customer Service and Professional Judgment: Commitment to providing great experience with discretion, integrity, and sound judgment.


• Effective written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.


• Commitment to the organization’s mission and values.


• Proficiency in CRM and event platforms.

Preferred Skills & Nice-to-Haves:

• Knowledge of local ecosystem (vendors, contractors, specialists) supporting special events.  


• Curiosity and excitement for development of young people.


• Knowledge or familiarity with the performing arts.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

SCT will make reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility for all employees.

Location:
This position is based at 201 Thomas St, Seattle, WA, in a typical office setting. The work requires on-site presence with some evenings and weekends. The site is accessible via public transportation. After a successful 90-day introductory period, this position becomes eligible for one regularly scheduled remote workday per week. Remote work approval is subject to the needs of the business and must be coordinated in advance with the employee’s supervisor. 

Schedule:
This is a full-time, hourly position typically scheduled for 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm. Occasional evening and weekend hours will be required to support fundraising, stewardship, and cultivation events. 

Tasks Include:
Lifting and moving event materials, equipment and/or furniture.
Navigating office and event spaces for meetings, collaboration, and offsite events.

Benefits:

• Hourly Pay: $35.00


• Vacation: 120 hours annually


• Sick Time: 96 hours annually


• Health, Dental, and Vision: Employer-paid coverage


• Retirement: Optional 403(b) plan


• Additional: FSA options, ORCA Passport, discounted parking

SCT uses a transparent, negotiation-free compensation structure to ensure pay equity across roles. Grade levels and pay are based on the scope and responsibilities outlined in each job description.

How to Apply
To apply, submit your resume and cover letter through our website at https://www.sct.org/about-us/work-with-us/available-positions.  The position will remain open until filled.

If you need accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected].

Additional Information:  

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. 

Seattle Children's Theatre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We are committed to building a welcoming workplace for people of all backgrounds and experiences. We believe that diversity of thought, background, and identity makes us stronger and enriches our work.