Development Data Specialist
Job Title: Development Data Specialist (full-time)
Department: Development
Supervisor: Director of Philanthropy
Job Summary:
Riverside Theatre seeks a detail-oriented and data-driven Development Data Specialist to manage, maintain, and optimize donor and patron data across the organization’s CRM (Tessitura). This role works primarily with the Development Department but is also tasked with cross-departmental responsibilities, supporting Guest Services, Marketing, and Education with data integrity, reporting, segmentation, and workflow needs.
The Development Data Specialist strengthens the theatre’s fundraising, donor relations, and audience engagement efforts by ensuring clean, accurate data and providing timely reporting, analysis, CRM support, and cross-departmental collaboration. The ideal candidate enjoys problem-solving, thrives in a collaborative environment, and brings strong experience with CRM systems in a nonprofit or performing arts setting.
Data Management & Integrity:
Maintain accurate and current donor, patron, and ticketing records in Tessitura.
Ensure consistent coding, segmentation, and record upkeep across development and guest services functions.
Conduct routine data audits to identify and resolve duplicates, outdated information, and inaccuracies.
Ensure continuance and implementation of best practices for data entry, retrieval, and reporting to optimize database accuracy and efficiency.
Cross Departmental Work with Guest Services to ensure data reflects current patron activity, giving history, membership, and engagement.
Reporting & Analytics:
Generate and distribute customized reports, lists, and analytics to support fundraising, education, and marketing initiatives.
Track donor retention, giving trends, and campaign performance in collaboration with the
Director of Philanthropy and Annual Fund Manager
Provide insights that inform donor engagement strategies and improve retention.
Support segmentation for annual fund, capital campaign, membership, and targeted communications.
Assist in developing forecasting models for annual giving, capital campaigns, and donor acquisition strategies.
Donor Research & Prospect Support:
Conduct prospect research to assess giving capacity and philanthropic inclination.
Prepare donor profiles and support moves management tracking within the CRM.
Assist in identifying new donor prospects through wealth screening, segmentation, and data-driven analysis.
CRM System Optimization & Technology Integration:
Work with IT and external vendors as needed to ensure system functionality, security, and updates.
Develop and document standard operating procedures for data management and CRM usage across departments.
Donor-Facing Responsibilities:
While this role is primarily focused on data and CRM management, the Development Data Specialist will also support select donor-facing activities as part of the Development team. Responsibilities include:
Staffing all major donor events, including receptions, stewardship gatherings, cultivation events, and campaign-related functions.
Being included on the Development Department staffing schedule for lobby coverage and presence in donor-facing areas during performances and special events.
Providing warm, professional interactions with donors, members, and prospects as needed, ensuring a high-quality patron and donor experience.
Assisting with event check-in, donor recognition materials, seating lists, and other data-informed event tasks.
Supporting the Development Team in representing Riverside Theatre in public-facing contexts as assigned.
Education & Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience in Data Management, Business Administration, Information Systems, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
Required experience with Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, Sales Force or comparable CRM system.
Experience & Skills:
2–5 years of experience in database management, CRM systems, fundraising data, or related work.
Strong analytical skills with expertise in segmentation, reporting, and trend analysis.
High proficiency in Excel, Google Sheets, and data visualization/reporting tools.
Experience supporting fundraising, ticketing, or customer service data in a nonprofit or performing arts environment.
Strong communication and collaboration skills across departments.
Detail-oriented, solutions-focused, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Riverside Theatre Core Values
Pursuit of Perfection…….Ensemble Staffing …….Community Leadership