The Keegan Theatre seeks a Development Manager or Director of Development (title commensurate with experience), an exempt full-time staff position offering annual salary of $55,000 – $70,000 with eligibility for individual health, dental, and vision insurance after 60 days of employment. The Development Manager or Director of Development manages all aspects of the Development Department and reports to the Managing Director. Seeking immediate start date but not later than August 1, 2025.
• Maintain Keegan’s annual grants calendar, including all grant proposal and reporting deadlines for approximately 40 existing and prospective funders.
• Oversee execution of Keegan Theatre grants program:
• Preparation: Strategizing, outlining, writing and compiling proposal content
• Review: Circulating draft materials for timely review and editing by Development Committee and appropriate Keegan staff prior to submission of all grants and reports
• Submission: Submitting all proposals and reports identified in the grants calendar, including all required attachments and budgets
• Administration: Completing acceptance paperwork, managing attachments, grant reporting and monitoring
• Monitoring: Soliciting funder feedback as available
• Tracking: Tracking all grants activity in Asana, Keegan’s project management software
• Organize, run, and document biweekly Development meetings with Keegan staff and board to review upcoming deadlines, plan proposals and reports, and discuss organizational fundraising initiatives and events.
• Conduct monthly grants research and prospecting to identify new funding opportunities and present these opportunities to Keegan leadership for review and consideration, including corporate sponsorship/funding opportunities.
• Develop relationships with individual donors. Expectation to attend performances, with particular frequency in order to implement donor perks, and meet donors and audience base.
• Oversee the growth, strategy and implementation of an individual donation prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship plan, including managing the current donor perks program, drafting appeals, thank-you letters, and other donor-related outreach.
• Work closely with Patron Services Manager to maintain CRM for donor tracking and cultivation.
• Oversee timely and comprehensive acknowledgement process for all donor gifts.
• Report to the Keegan Board of Directors on individual donations as requested by the Board Chair.
• Attend all development events. Serve as Development liaison with planning committees for fundraising and development events.
• Expand Keegan’s new corporate finding program, develop strategies for corporate giving, initiate contacts and cultivate relationships with corporate development targets. Prospecting and making the ask are critical to this new and vital initiative.
• Knowledge of launching an endowment program preferred, or willingness to learn.
• Hybrid position requires exceptional time management. As this position is largely remote, the ideal candidate has exceptional initiative and self-discipline, as well as an aptitude for working independently on large-scale strategy as well as day-to-day tasks. Strong organizational skills as well as a confident and transparent communication style for sharing updates and action items with the Development Committee and appropriate Keegan staff.
• Hybrid position requires autonomy and flexibility while collaborating with leadership and peers.
• Ability to communicate with prospective and current donors.
• Passion for the mission of the organization.
POSITION
Development Manager or Director of Development (title commensurate with experience)
Exempt full-time employee
COMPENSATION
$55,000-70,000 annual + eligible for individual health, dental, vision insurance after 60 days
REPORTS TO
Managing Director
START DATE
Immediately but not later than August 1, 2025
Keegan Theatre, a nationally recognized nonprofit arts organization located in the heart of Washington, D.C., is seeking a strategic, passionate, and self-directed fundraising professional to join our team as either a Development Manager or Director of Development, depending on qualifications and experience. This full-time exempt position plays a vital role in shaping Keegan’s future by managing all aspects of our fundraising programs, with a focus on grants, individual and corporate giving, and donor stewardship. The Development Manager/Director will work closely with the Managing Director, staff, and board leadership to build meaningful relationships with funders and supporters while advancing Keegan’s mission and long-term sustainability.
For nearly 30 years, Keegan Theatre has made a vibrant impact from our intimate, 120-seat home in Dupont Circle—presenting 6–8 professional mainstage productions each year and offering a welcoming space for up to 15,000 annual visitors to connect, reflect, and engage. Hailed as a “hidden gem” (Washingtonian) with a “big local impact” (Washington Business Journal), Keegan has earned 25 Helen Hayes Awards and 123 nominations, and continues to garner critical acclaim for productions.
In addition to our mainstage season, Keegan is proud to operate three signature initiatives that deepen our impact: PLAY-RAH-KA, our innovative educational program; The Boiler Room Series, our new play development incubator; and KeeganConnects, a series of community outreach opportunities. Keegan is deeply committed to expanding access to the arts, uplifting underrepresented voices, and sparking civic dialogue through our work. As our Development Manager/Director, you’ll be part of a small but mighty team working to make theatre that matters — and ensuring it remains accessible to the community we serve.
At Keegan Theatre, we are committed to creating an anti-racist community of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to age, color, race, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), gender identity, marital status, military and veteran status, national origin, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), physical and mental disability, religion, sexual orientation, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Keegan Theatre believes that inclusion and diversity among our staff is critical to our success as a company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
Submit cover letter, resume, and writing sample to jobs@keegantheatre.com.
The Keegan Theatre has a passion for cultivating internships that support learning and building professional theatrical experiences. Three times a year (fall, winter, and summer), Keegan offers internships that are designed to accommodate our current season, as well as fulfill the unique needs of individuals that take on each position. By focusing on each intern’s professional goals, educational needs, and personal abilities, we aim to create an experience that can be a stepping stone for the next phase of their careers. At Keegan we aim for inclusivity, constant growth, and a strong community. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
(Can provide a maximum of 20 hours per week)
Internships may vary depending on the individual applicant and their unique needs, but the ASM internship is set to include:
• Rehearsal observation
• Shadowing of professional Stage Manager
• Professional Assistant Stage Management opportunities
• One-on-one guidance from the Director of Education
• Cross-departmental work within Keegan
• Space to build tasks aligned with individual interests
• Two complimentary tickets to current productions
• A supportive environment that aims to facilitate growth
• Feedback from industry professionals with potential references
(Can provide a maximum of 10 hours per week during the school year and up to 20 hours per week during summer)
Internships may vary depending on the individual applicant and their unique needs, but the education internship is set to include:
• Education programming observation
• Shadowing of professional Teaching Artists
• Potential professional assistant teaching artist opportunities
• Preparing student materials
• Training in lesson planning, classroom management, and supporting student behaviors
• One-on-one guidance from the Director of Education
• Cross-departmental work within Keegan
• Space to build tasks aligned with individual interests
• Two complimentary tickets to current productions
• A supportive environment that aims to facilitate growth
• Feedback from industry professionals with potential references
(Can provide a maximum of 10 hours per week)
Internships may vary depending on the individual applicant and their unique needs, but the administration internship is set to include:
• Rehearsal and meeting observation
• Shadowing of professional arts administrators
• Assisting with marketing, development, outreach, education, and arts administration tasks
• Ushering hours
• One-on-one guidance from the Director of Education and Managing Director
• Cross-departmental work within Keegan
• Space to build tasks aligned with individual interests; these tasks may be created like a work-study and can be completed offsite
• Two complimentary tickets to current productions
• A supportive environment that aims to facilitate growth
• Feedback from industry professionals with potential references
To apply, send resume and cover letter to playrahka@keegantheatre.com
Cover letter should include:
• Area(s) of internship
• Start and end date
• Requested number of hours
• Anything you want the Keegan staff to know about you
• Why you feel a Keegan internship is right for you
• What professional experience you hope to gain from a Keegan internship
Application due dates:
Summer Internship: January 30
Fall Internship: July 31
Winter Internship: November 30
The Keegan Theatre is currently seeking theater or education professionals to join their roster of passionate Teaching Artists for in-person programming this fall. Teaching Artists will work with after-school programs, in-school workshops, and day off camps, depending on availability.
• Adapts lesson plans using the Keegan PLAY-RAH-KA Curriculum to create student-centered experiences
• Creates a positive, collaborative, inclusive, equitable, adaptive classroom for all students
• Attends Teaching Artist meetings and trainings
• Responsible for transportation to teaching site
• Maintains DCPS contractor clearance, first aid certification, and all other requirements as set forth by DCPS
• Participates in program evaluation
• Completes administrative tasks such as attendance and regular check-ins as requested
• Communicates any concerns with students, parents, partners, and/or space to the Keegan Theatre Director of Education immediately
• Prepares space and materials for students and ensures space is left in a clean and orderly fashion
• Other duties as assigned as they pertain to the safety and enjoyment of participants
• Competitive rates based on experience
• Position not eligible for benefits
• Contract based on teacher and partnership availability
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Submit cover letter and resume to playrahka@keegantheatre.com.
The Keegan Theatre is growing! We’re seeking professionals to join the family and support the vital mission of one of Washington DC’s premier centers for the arts.
If you are interested in joining the Keegan Board of Directors, please email keegantheatre@keegantheatre.com with your personal information and why you would be interested in serving on the Keegan BOD.
Keegan Theatre welcomes volunteers in all areas of production, from front-of-house and Box Office support to scenery assistance to costumes and properties maintenance. As a Keegan volunteer, you will work alongside professional artists and other volunteers who share your love of theater and your desire to make a difference in our community’s cultural life.
If you are interested in volunteering, please email keegantheatre@keegantheatre.com with your personal information and how you would like to help.
Auditions are typically by invitation only. If you would like to be considered, please submit your headshot and resume by email to the casting team at casting@keegantheatre.com. We will add your information to our files and share with artistic staff when casting individual productions.
The Keegan Theatre is a professional theatre company located in Washington DC. The first show ever produced by The Keegan Theatre was Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at Church Street Theater in 1996. In 2009, the Church Street Theater became Keegan’s official home, making The Keegan Theatre the resident theatre company of Dupont Circle. In 2013, Keegan purchased the Church Street Theater, renamed it The Andrew Keegan Theatre, and launched the “In Good Company” Capital Campaign to modernize the historic building through a major renovation project, which was finished in 2015. The revitalized venue officially reopened to audiences with a new production of the play that originally put the company on the map — Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Today, Keegan dedicates itself to producing diverse, affordable plays and musicals of the highest quality for the benefit of more than 15,000 visitors annually in recent years.
The mission of The Keegan Theatre is to take audiences to the vital heart of the theatre experience, featuring extraordinary artists in an intimate setting exploring the human condition. Together, our award-winning productions, growing education program, and innovative outreach initiatives are designed to advance the organization’s vision: to produce a range of dynamic, inclusive programming that is fearless and accessible, gutsy and groundbreaking, inspiring our audiences to connect to provocative work, to their creative selves, and to each other.
At Keegan Theatre, we are committed to creating an anti-racist community of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to age, color, race, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), gender identity, marital status, military and veteran status, national origin, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical and mental disability, religion, sexual orientation, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Keegan Theatre believes that inclusion and diversity among our staff is critical to our success as a company, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.