Tivoli Theatre Foundation

Chief Operating Officer for External Affairs & Development

ABOUT THE TIVOLI THEATRE FOUNDATION

The Tivoli Theatre Foundation (TTF) is a dynamic, fast-growing nonprofit performing arts organization stewarding the Tivoli Theatre, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium, Walker Theatre, and the upcoming Bobby Stone Theatre. With a $75M+ restoration underway, TTF delivers Broadway, concerts, comedy, community events, and robust arts-education programming

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer for External Affairs & Development (COO‑EAD) is the senior executive responsible for unifying and elevating the Foundation’s external-facing departments: Development & Corporate Sponsorships, Marketing & Public Relations, Community Engagement, and Education.

A critical priority of this role is the reinvigoration of the “Your Ticket to History” Campaign’ fundraising campaign, revitalizing it into a modern, donor‑forward, corporate‑friendly engine of annual and sustained philanthropic support.

This role requires exceptional judgment, leadership, and experience, ensuring the Foundation is performing and represented at an excellent level across all external facing departments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Integrate Development, Marketing, Community Engagement, Education, Sponsorships, and Public Affairs into one cohesive strategy.

• Lead long-range planning to strengthen fundraising pipelines, broaden audiences, and increase TTF's visibility and impact.

• Serve as a trusted partner to the CEO, especially in donor-facing and sponsorship environments with professionalism and sound judgement.

Representation to Donors, Sponsors & Stakeholders

• Serve as a polished, reliable, and strategically minded ambassador for TTF.

• Ensure the organization is represented with professionalism, discretion, and executive presence.

• Demonstrate the maturity and situational awareness required to inspire confidence from donors, corporate executives, and key partners.

• Provide representation that reflects TTF standards.

• Act as a steady, trusted extension of the CEO in high-level philanthropic and sponsorship settings

Development Department Oversight

• Provide leadership and oversee continued growth of the development team, including annual fund, major gifts, foundation relations, stewardship, and planned giving.

• Work collaboratively with the CEO and CDO to drive major gifts, capital campaign support, and donor expansion strategies.

• Lead the reinvigoration of the "Your Ticket to History" campaign, including:

  • Updated donor tiers and benefits

  • Corporate pathways and sponsorship integration

  • Brand refresh and marketing alignment

  • Engagement experiences connected to program and venue history

• Build strong donor pipelines with data-driven strategy, stewardship excellence, and consistent follow-through.

Corporate Sponsorships & Partnerships

• Expand corporate sponsorships across Broadway, concerts, education, community engagement, and venue naming opportunities.

• Develop multi-tiered sponsorship packages tied to "Your Ticket to History."

• Cultivate new partnerships with regional employers, tourism agencies, and statewide institutions.

Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategies

• Oversee brand narrative, PR strategy, digital presence, advertising, and storytelling.

• Align all messaging with development goals and capital campaign priorities.

• Ensure the Foundation speaks with one high-level and professional voice across all platforms and venues.

Community Engagement

• Strengthen partnerships with schools, cultural organizations, neighborhoods, and regional stakeholders.

• Expand equitable access to TTF programs and venues.

• Build community-facing initiatives that deepen TTF's regional impact.

Education & Outreach

• Oversee arts-education department including existing efforts and the continued departmental growth.

• Build partnerships that integrate with the refreshed "Your Ticket to History" educational engagement efforts.

• Expand high-quality learning opportunities as TTF grows its venues and programming footprint.

Revenue & Audience Growth

• Drive increased contributed revenue through integrated departmental strategies.

• Position the revitalized "Your Ticket to History" campaign as a recurring revenue pillar.

• Align Development, Marketing, and Programming to maximize audience conversion and donor participation.

Team & Organizational Leadership

• Lead Directors of Development, Marketing, Education, and Community Engagement.

• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven, and accountable organizational culture.

• Establish KPIs. planning systems, and cross-departmental workflows.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years senior leadership experience in performing arts, cultural nonprofits, external affairs, or development.

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, sponsorship growth, and donor engagement.

• Experience restructuring legacy donor or membership programs strongly preferred.

• Exceptional communication, judgement, and relationship-building skills.

• Experience with capital campaigns, Raiser's Edge or other sophisticated fundraising CRMs, and exceptional quality of writing required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The Tivoli Theatre Foundation offers a competitive salary aligned with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that supports the well-being of our employees. Benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Retirement plan options

• Paid time off and holidays

• Professional development support

• Additional employee perks associated with live events and performances

TTF is committed to attracting and retaining exceptional talent and provides compensation aligned with the scope and leadership responsibilities of this role.

Apply online at https://www.cognitoforms.com/TivoliTheatreFoundation/TivoliTheatreFoundationEmploymentApplication or reach out to hr@tivolichattanooga.com