CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts)
Vice President of Development
CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts), Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43224
Introduction to CAPA
Since its founding in 1969 to save the historic Ohio Theatre from the wrecking ball, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) has transformed from a grassroots preservation effort into one of the nation's most innovative and impactful performing arts organizations. What began as a rallying cry to rescue the beloved 1928 movie palace has evolved into a multifaceted nonprofit that serves as the region's leading venue operator and a catalyst for cultural and economic vitality.
CAPA owns and operates eight theatre spaces throughout Columbus and beyond, including four historic downtown venues. Through an innovative shared‑services model, the organization provides critical administrative support—including marketing, ticketing, finance, human resources, and development—to partner organizations, fueling the entire regional arts ecosystem and enabling cultural groups to focus on their artistic missions.
Through more than five decades of work, CAPA has enriched our community by cultivating and nurturing artistic expression that resonates in the hearts, minds, and culture of our region. By preserving architectural treasures, presenting world‑class performances, removing barriers to access, and building collaborative partnerships across the arts and culture ecosystem, CAPA ensures that Columbus thrives as a renowned artistic hub for living, breathing art.
The Opportunity CAPA seeks an experienced, strategic fundraising leader to oversee the organization’s continued success and sustainability. Leading a team of eight development professionals with four direct reports, the Vice President of Development will be a key member of CAPA’s executive leadership team. The Vice President of Development will build and implement a strategy to raise over $5 million in contributed revenue in FY2026 and $2 million in capital revenue across five distinct arts organizations and one large‑scale festival.
The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of fundraising principles, methods, and tactics at major institutions and proven experience building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with leaders across an organization. Candidates will bring, or quickly gain, familiarity with the performing arts and the key leaders in the Central Ohio arts and culture sector. They will be highly collaborative and a strong motivator who promotes a culture of philanthropy among the board, volunteers, and staff. In addition, they have a keen understanding of management, team dynamics, and accountability to empower and lead the development team to excellence.
Key Position Functions Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, the Vice President of Development is responsible for planning, managing, and executing a comprehensive, diversified, and strategic fundraising effort that sustains and secures revenue from various constituencies in accordance with annual goals. In collaboration with the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, the CEO, and board leadership, the Vice President of Development will significantly increase contributed revenue, high‑impact partnerships, and powerful connections with CAPA’s existing stakeholders and emerging audiences.
This position requires extensive professional experience in fundraising, preferably including direct leadership‑level involvement in capital campaigns. The position is the development leader for CAPA and maintains strong relationships with key individual and institutional supporters. As an integral member of CAPA’s executive leadership team, the Vice President of Development consistently coordinates and collaborates with other senior leaders and departments to advance the organization’s mission efficiently and collaboratively.
The full position description can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/CAPA-VPofDevelopmentProfile.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
Proven track record of success in fundraising leadership, preferably within the arts and culture sector. Typically, 10 or more years of experience in development with progressive roles is needed to have sufficient experience and judgement to lead development in an organization of this size and complexity.
Experience managing multi‑entity fundraising portfolios and cross‑functional teams of three to five direct reports and an overall team of eight to 10.
Knowledge of and experience with fundraising, communications and marketing, and development operations.
Personal values that align with CAPA’s mission and core values.
Special Requirements
Requires flexibility of schedule to accommodate the needs of each organization.
In addition to a criminal background check, this position requires a credit check that is satisfactory to management.
The majority of CAPA’s and our shared‑service partner fundraising and public events take place at night and on weekends. This position requires occasional, and at some times, frequent, presence on‑site during nights and weekends.
Must have reliable transportation for off‑site meetings.
Compensation CAPA is pleased to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package for this role. Full‑time, regular employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, HSA, HRA, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and commuter benefits. CAPA also provides free life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, generous PTO, paid holidays, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), hybrid schedules for administrative roles, and a Summer Hours Program.
All employees are eligible for complimentary tickets to select shows, giving you a front‑row seat to the magic you help create.
Application Process Benefactor Group is pleased to be assisting CAPA with this executive search. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. All applications are considered highly confidential. To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter at this link: https://bit.ly/CAPA-VPofDevelopmentApp.
To learn more about CAPA, please visit https://www.capa.com/.
Please do not contact CAPA staff or board with questions or interest in the role. All inquiries about the position should be directed to Benefactor Group.
Benefactor Group Recruitment Team
HR@benefactorgroup.com
http://www.benefactorgroup.com
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CAPA does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status.
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CAPA owns and operates eight theatre spaces throughout Columbus and beyond, including four historic downtown venues. Through an innovative shared‑services model, the organization provides critical administrative support—including marketing, ticketing, finance, human resources, and development—to partner organizations, fueling the entire regional arts ecosystem and enabling cultural groups to focus on their artistic missions.
Through more than five decades of work, CAPA has enriched our community by cultivating and nurturing artistic expression that resonates in the hearts, minds, and culture of our region. By preserving architectural treasures, presenting world‑class performances, removing barriers to access, and building collaborative partnerships across the arts and culture ecosystem, CAPA ensures that Columbus thrives as a renowned artistic hub for living, breathing art.
The Opportunity CAPA seeks an experienced, strategic fundraising leader to oversee the organization’s continued success and sustainability. Leading a team of eight development professionals with four direct reports, the Vice President of Development will be a key member of CAPA’s executive leadership team. The Vice President of Development will build and implement a strategy to raise over $5 million in contributed revenue in FY2026 and $2 million in capital revenue across five distinct arts organizations and one large‑scale festival.
The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of fundraising principles, methods, and tactics at major institutions and proven experience building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with leaders across an organization. Candidates will bring, or quickly gain, familiarity with the performing arts and the key leaders in the Central Ohio arts and culture sector. They will be highly collaborative and a strong motivator who promotes a culture of philanthropy among the board, volunteers, and staff. In addition, they have a keen understanding of management, team dynamics, and accountability to empower and lead the development team to excellence.
Key Position Functions Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, the Vice President of Development is responsible for planning, managing, and executing a comprehensive, diversified, and strategic fundraising effort that sustains and secures revenue from various constituencies in accordance with annual goals. In collaboration with the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, the CEO, and board leadership, the Vice President of Development will significantly increase contributed revenue, high‑impact partnerships, and powerful connections with CAPA’s existing stakeholders and emerging audiences.
This position requires extensive professional experience in fundraising, preferably including direct leadership‑level involvement in capital campaigns. The position is the development leader for CAPA and maintains strong relationships with key individual and institutional supporters. As an integral member of CAPA’s executive leadership team, the Vice President of Development consistently coordinates and collaborates with other senior leaders and departments to advance the organization’s mission efficiently and collaboratively.
The full position description can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/CAPA-VPofDevelopmentProfile.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
Proven track record of success in fundraising leadership, preferably within the arts and culture sector. Typically, 10 or more years of experience in development with progressive roles is needed to have sufficient experience and judgement to lead development in an organization of this size and complexity.
Experience managing multi‑entity fundraising portfolios and cross‑functional teams of three to five direct reports and an overall team of eight to 10.
Knowledge of and experience with fundraising, communications and marketing, and development operations.
Personal values that align with CAPA’s mission and core values.
Special Requirements
Requires flexibility of schedule to accommodate the needs of each organization.
In addition to a criminal background check, this position requires a credit check that is satisfactory to management.
The majority of CAPA’s and our shared‑service partner fundraising and public events take place at night and on weekends. This position requires occasional, and at some times, frequent, presence on‑site during nights and weekends.
Must have reliable transportation for off‑site meetings.
Compensation CAPA is pleased to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package for this role. Full‑time, regular employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, HSA, HRA, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and commuter benefits. CAPA also provides free life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, generous PTO, paid holidays, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), hybrid schedules for administrative roles, and a Summer Hours Program.
All employees are eligible for complimentary tickets to select shows, giving you a front‑row seat to the magic you help create.
Application Process Benefactor Group is pleased to be assisting CAPA with this executive search. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. All applications are considered highly confidential. To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter at this link: https://bit.ly/CAPA-VPofDevelopmentApp.
To learn more about CAPA, please visit https://www.capa.com/.
Please do not contact CAPA staff or board with questions or interest in the role. All inquiries about the position should be directed to Benefactor Group.
Benefactor Group Recruitment Team
HR@benefactorgroup.com
http://www.benefactorgroup.com
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CAPA does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status.
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