Careers

Position Summary

The Vice President of Development is State Theatre New Jersey’s senior architect of philanthropy, leading the strategy, relationships, and revenue generation that power the theatre’s artistic, educational, and community impact. As STNJ’s lead major gift officer and a key member of the executive team, this leader will shape an ambitious, integrated development program that expands donor engagement, grows contributed income, and strengthens long-term financial sustainability within a $12-14 million operating budget. Working closely with the President & CEO, senior leadership, and the Board of Trustees, the Vice President of Development will drive major giving, annual fundraising, membership, corporate and foundation support, and signature events. They will cultivate high-capacity donors, energize Board participation, and open new philanthropic pathways that elevate STNJ’s visibility and deepen its connection to the community. Overseeing the full development portfolio, this executive will ensure that every campaign, relationship, and donor experience reflects excellence, clarity, and purpose. The role calls for a bold, strategic, relationship-driven leader who thrives on building momentum, inspiring generosity, and securing the resources that propel STNJ’s mission forward. 

Role and Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Oversight

• Lead the development and implementation of annual fundraising and membership campaigns, in coordination with Development staff, that attract philanthropic support for State Theatre New Jersey and advance contributed-income goals.
• Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual prospects ($10,000+) and donors across all giving levels, with particular emphasis on developing major gift opportunities and building and sustaining long-term philanthropic relationships.
• Develop and oversee solicitation strategies to engage new and recurring individual and major gift donors, ensuring a strong pipeline and consistent, donor-centric engagement.
• Create and enhance strategies for renewed and new corporate, small business, and private foundation support, and participate in solicitations when appropriate to deepen institutional partnerships.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of annual fundraising events, ensuring alignment with revenue goals, donor engagement, and institutional visibility.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Marketing and the Director of Communications and Community Engagement to ensure agreed-upon donor- and community-centric messaging is aligned with Development activities.
• Embrace other fundraising strategy and oversight responsibilities as needed.

Board Liaison

• Partner with the President & CEO and the Board of Trustees Development Committee Chairperson to create and implement a strong Board giving program, empowering Board members as ambassadors for State Theatre New Jersey.
• Work with the Development Committee Chairperson and committee members to support all Development activities, including annual giving, membership, business sponsorship, and fundraising events.
• Provide Board members with the tools, messaging, and strategic guidance needed to effectively advocate for STNJ’s mission and fundraising priorities. 
• Embrace other Board liaison responsibilities as needed

Management of Development Activities and Staff

• Supervise and mentor Development staff, ensuring accountability to individual Development plans and goals, and fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and results.
• Oversee the implementation of gift-solicitation strategies at all levels, ensuring consistency, effectiveness, and alignment with institutional priorities and donor capacity.
• Maintain adherence to the Development budget, monitoring revenue and expenses to support responsible financial management and long-term sustainability.
• Provide strategic guidance and problem-solving support for Development staff when operational challenges or donor/member issues arise.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-departmental partners to integrate Development activities into broader organizational strategies and initiatives.
•  Embrace other management of Development activities and staff responsibilities as needed.

Traits and Characteristics

The Vice President of Development will be a persuasive, people-centered, and results-driven fundraising leader who brings initiative, clarity, and strong relationship instincts to State Theatre New Jersey. A natural communicator and collaborator, they will promote ideas, rally support, and inspire action across donors, staff, board members, and community partners. Resilient and goal-oriented, they will navigate challenges with confidence, maintain momentum, and drive contributed-revenue growth through strategic focus and practical judgment. Resourceful and personally accountable, this leader will manage multiple priorities with discipline, anticipate donor needs, and steward relationships with diplomacy and care. Competitive in spirit and energized by closing gifts, they will thrive in fast-moving environments, adapt easily to varied stakeholders, and strengthen the systems and team culture that support sustainable advancement. Other key competencies include:

• Teamwork and Diplomacy: The ability to collaborate effectively, communicate with clarity and tact, and navigate diverse perspectives to support shared goals
• Resiliency and Personal Accountability: The capacity to remain steady through challenges, adapt constructively, and take responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes.
• Time and Priority Management and Goal Orientation: The aptitude to organize tasks, balance competing demands, and maintain focus on achieving meaningful objectives with consistency.
• Customer Focus: The commitment to understand and anticipate stakeholder needs, delivering responsive, thoughtful, and service-oriented engagement.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience and seven or more years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising experience, including major gifts, are highly desirable. Demonstrated success in leading development functions, paired with three or more years of management experience, is important. Strong interpersonal, cultivation, organizational, and problem-solving abilities are essential, along with the capacity to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and donor relationships in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word, and experience using data analysis to inform donor and prospect strategies are valuable, as is familiarity with volunteer Boards of Trustees and Development Committees. Knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts, experience with Tessitura or similar CRM systems, and comfort with reporting software and utilities are advantageous. The role also calls for the ability to work weekday, evening, and weekend hours as needed to support performances, events, and donor activity. If you do not meet all the qualifications but possess transferable or equivalent skills, experience, or education, we encourage you to apply and highlight those areas.

Compensation and Benefits

STNJ offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including an annual salary range of $135,000 - $160,000, commensurate with experience. Relocation assistance may be available.

Applications and Inquiries

To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please click here or visit ArtsConsulting.com/OpenSearches.

For questions or general inquiries about this job opportunity, please click here: https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/artsconsultinggroup/job/apply/noqx5d8wqb1jgs4pf7gss8x8xo

Reports to the Director of Event Services
Usher/Ticket Takers are responsible for providing excellent guest service at all State Theatre events. Management is looking for applicants with past experience in direct customer service as well as a wide array of hours of availability including days/nights/weekends/holidays.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greet and welcome all guests
• Scan/check tickets to ensure all guests have a proper ticket
• Direct all guests to their proper seats
• Correct seating mistakes as necessary
• Provide prompt and professional responses to all audience inquiries
• Display a calm and attentive demeanor when rectifying issues with guests
• Display a positive attitude and excellent customer service skills when interacting with guests
• Monitor and enforce State Theatre New Jersey policies regarding procedure and safety are followed
• Perform all pre- and post-performance tasks as directed by management
• Disperse any and all marketing materials as directed by management
• Assist all Guests in the event of an emergency
• Light maintenance and cleaning
• Assist guests with ADA needs as necessary
• Physical/Mental Requirements Necessary
  • Ability to carry up to 40 lbs. waist high, including up and down stairs is required
  • Ability to climb steps repeatedly is required
  • Ability to descend/ascend ramps and inclines/declines
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time is required
  • Work indoors/outdoors in a fast-paced, busy environment, with environmental conditions such as noise, dust, heights, dark/dim/absence of lighting, and smoke. Incumbents must have the ability to bend, stretch, reach, and kneel without restriction
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in English, in both written and oral forms
  • Must have interpersonal skills to deal effectively with all business contacts 
  • Maintain a professional, neat and well-groomed appearance, adhering to State Theatre New Jersey standards
  • Work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays 
  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required 
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the United States is required 
  • Experience with Two Way Radios is preferred ​

HOW TO APPLY​:
Email your resume to Jessica Trechak, Director of Events, at jtrechak@stnj.org.

JOB OVERVIEW
The Bartender will provide exceptional customer service, and mix and serve drinks to patrons, quickly and without waste. Bartenders must ensure that customers receive prompt service. The general responsibilities of the position include those listed below, but management may identify other responsibilities of the position. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greets guests, mixes and serves alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks.
• Checks identification of customers to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol.
• Bartenders should be friendly, tactful and attentive when dealing with customers.
• Slices and pits fruit for garnishing drinks.
• Arranges bar supplies to make attractive displays.
• Maintains bar area in a neat and sanitary manner.
• Cleans bar equipment; cleans bars, work areas and tables.
• Records all sales, collects money, operates a cash/credit card/electronic payment register and follows all cash-handling procedures as required.
• May prepare and/or sell food items.
• May stock bar with beer, wine, liquor and related supplies such as ice, plasticware, napkins or straws.
• Complies with all State Theatre policies and procedures.
• Reports all accidents and injuries in a timely manner.
• Complies with all company safety and risk management policies and procedures.
• Participates in regular safety meetings, safety training and hazard assessments.
• Attends training programs (classroom and virtual) as designated.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent experience. Rutgers students encouraged to apply.
• 0 to 1 year related experience.
• Presents self in a highly professional manner to others and understands that honesty and ethics are essential.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to communicate with co-workers and other departments with professionalism and respect.
• Maintains a professional relationship with all coworkers, supervisors, managers, customers, and client representatives.
• Ability to use a computer.
• Listen carefully to their customers’ orders, explain drink and food items, and make menu recommendations.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Theatre or performing arts experience
• Business acumen
• Familiarity with contract language
• Ability to organize multiple, detail-oriented tasks
• Ability to work both individually and in a team environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus, with or without corrective lenses.

• Significant walking or other means of mobility.
• Ability to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 5 hours).
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push and/or pull, and frequently lift up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift/move 40 pounds.
• Generally in an indoor setting; however, may supervise outside activities and events.
• Varying schedule to include evenings, holidays, weekends and extended hours as business dictates

HOW TO APPLY:
This is a part-time position (minimum wage + Tips) and does not qualify for benefits. Interested candidates contact Jana Lyons at jlyons@stnj.org.

The Marketing/PR intern will work closely with staff on marketing, public relations, audience development, and community engagement initiatives. The in-person internship requires a minimum of 15 hours each week between Mon-Fri (9:30am-5pm) per a mutually agreed upon schedule.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assisting with marketing and PR campaigns for STNJ events and programs
• Social Media content creation 
• Writing, editing, and proofing marketing copy, press releases, eblasts, etc.
• Assisting with Community Engagement initiatives such as the Milk & Cookies program, performances for schools, and artist residencies
• Assisting with grassroots marketing efforts 
• Assisting with various STNJ history projects including research and archives

Must have strong organizational skills, strong writing skills, and working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

This position is on a volunteer basis and is therefore unpaid. Students can arrange to receive college credit.

HOW TO APPLY:
Email your resume and cover letter to Kelly Blithe, Director of Communications & Community Engagement, at kblithe@stnj.org.

Reports To: Creative Director

Responsibilities: The Graphic Design Intern is responsible for assisting with STNJ's creative workload, including—but not limited—materials for marketing, fundraising, on site signage, and more.

Specific Duties:

• Design digital graphics for the State Theatre New Jersey website, social media platforms, and online advertising
• Design promotional materials such as posters, flyers, and advertisements
• Various administrative duties such as proofing copy, working in the State Theatre Digital Asset Management database, and assisting on Marketing Department projects
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• High proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator
• Strong typographic skills, ability to accept criticism and multi-task, and good eye for proofing
• Knowledge of video editing in Adobe Premiere and HTML coding a plus

Salary

• Minimum wage for 10 hours a week

HOW TO APPLY:
Email your resume, cover letter, and samples of your portfolio to Tracy Furr, Creative Director, at tfurr@stnj.org.

State Theatre New Jersey is seeking an energetic and self-motivated individual with strong organizational, written, and interpersonal skills to assist with fundraising efforts. The in-person internship requires a minimum of 15 hours each week between Mon-Fri (9am-6pm) per a mutually agreed upon schedule.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prospecting using iWave
• Researching individual prospects and donors
• Researching companies and foundations for possible partnerships and grant opportunities
• Writing letters of inquiry, solicitations, and gift acknowledgements
• Special writing projects (newsletter articles, grant blurbs, social media, posts/blogs, etc.)
• Data entry and updates using Tessitura
• Creating and updating Development Department plans and calendars
• Special event projects
• Creating, maintaining, and updating lists
• Filing and file upkeep
• Mass mailing projects
• Other duties as assigned

Candidates must possess strong writing skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

This position is on a volunteer basis and is therefore unpaid. Students can arrange to receive college credit.

HOW TO APPLY:
Email your resume and cover letter to Leah Anglum, Senior Manager of Development Operations, at langlum@stnj.org.

The Programming Intern will support the work of the programming staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintaining artist contracts including reviewing for accuracy and tracking status of contracts, payments, settlements, etc.
• Distributing programming information to other departments
• Entering information into the programming management system
• Tracking performance grosses for State Theatre, other theaters, and industry trends
• Special projects such as preparing research for various programming needs
• Researching legal and copyright issues
• Researching artists and acts for State Theatre mainstage and Studio
• Creating offers and settlements as exercises

REQUIREMENTS

• Experience with Microsoft Office, strong organizational skills, and an interest in theatrical management/arts administration are imperative.

This position is on a volunteer basis and is therefore unpaid. Students can arrange to receive college credit.

HOW TO APPLY:
Email your resume and cover letter to HR@stnj.org