Careers
About The Bushnell
The Bushnell is more than just a building, or a place to “see a show” — it is a vibrant organization that draws upon a rich, 91-year history, while navigating an exciting course for the future. Led by a CEO with an entrepreneurial spirit and great vision, we are constantly looking for new ways to expand the scope of our work, whether it's through dynamic programming, collaborating on a plan to develop our neighborhood or building upon our 30-year-old education program, which reaches 15,000 students in Greater Hartford annually. As the largest arts organization in Connecticut, The Bushnell is an essential part of the fabric of Hartford, serving as both a cultural beacon and an economic development leader. Our staff embodies this sense of pride and commitment to the community and are encouraged to share new ideas for the betterment of the patron experience, the growth of the institution, and the community we serve.
Working Together, Welcoming All
At The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, we believe that a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives strengthens both our organization and our community. We are committed to cultivating a workplace and cultural campus where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to contribute. This commitment is reflected in everything we do - from the stories we tell on stage to the teams who bring them to life. We encourage applications from individuals who are excited to contribute to this environment. Bilingual candidates and those fluent in Spanish are especially encouraged to reach out.
Open Positions
Major Gifts Officer
Department: Development
Reports To: Chief Development Officer
FLSA Status: Salaried Exempt
Working Hours: 37.5 hours/week; includes some evening and weekend hours
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 403B Retirement Plan, paid time off, paid holidays and other fringe benefits.
Interested Candidates: please send resume to jobs@bushnell.org.
About The Bushnell:
The Bushnell is more than just a building, or a place to “see a show.” It is a vibrant organization that draws upon a rich, 96-year history, while navigating an exciting course for the future. Led by a CEO with an entrepreneurial spirit and great vision, we are constantly looking for new ways to expand the scope of our work, whether it's through our new affiliation with the Warner Theatre, dynamic programming, developing new content, or building upon our 33-year-old education program. As the largest arts organization in Connecticut, The Bushnell is an essential part of the fabric of Hartford, serving as both a cultural beacon and an economic development leader. Our staff embodies this sense of pride and commitment to the community and are encouraged to share new ideas for the betterment of the patron experience, the growth of the institution, and the community we serve.
Broad Functions:
The Bushnell seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven fundraising professional who is passionate about the performing arts and committed to building meaningful philanthropic partnerships. The Annual Gifts Officer will be responsible for identifying, researching, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors and prospects in support of The Bushnell Annual Fund and a $45 million campaign in celebration of The Bushnell’s 100th anniversary in 2030.
This position plays a critical role in growing annual support by increasing donor participation, strengthening donor retention, upgrading giving levels, and building a sustainable pipeline of future major gift donors. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, conduct prospect research, and engage donors through personalized cultivation and face-to-face solicitation.
The ideal candidate is a self-motivated fundraiser who combines strong relationship-building skills with a data-informed approach to donor engagement and pipeline development.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Collaborates with Development colleagues and senior staff to reach major gifts fundraising goals.
- Supervise and mentor the Annual Gifts Officer, providing guidance on portfolio management, donor strategy, and professional development, and ensuring alignment between annual and major gifts efforts.
- Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects capable of making major gifts in the $10,000+ range.
- Manage an active portfolio of approximately 100 households.
- Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies designed to increase gift size, donor retention, and long-term engagement, including planned giving and multi-year commitments.
- Play an active solicitation role in the Tomorrow Together Campaign, securing leadership commitments from portfolio donors and prospects, and partnering with senior leadership on campaign strategy and donor engagement.
- Conduct a minimum of 15-20 meaningful donor and prospect contacts per month, including in-person visits, virtual meetings, phone calls, and other strategic outreach.
- Conduct ongoing prospect research and wealth screening to identify new major gift prospects with the capacity and inclination to support The Bushnell.
- Partner with the Annual Fund team and the Annual Gifts Officer to identify and qualify donors making first or increased gifts who show potential for major gift giving, leveraging data and wealth screening tools.
- Under the direction of the Chief Development Officer, prepare annual goals, objectives, and strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit donors and prospects.
- Set annual goals and performance expectations for the Annual Gifts Officer and conduct regular check-ins and performance reviews.
- Work with the Senior Director of Annual Fund & Development Operations and Chief Development Officer to identify and invite donors and prospects to cultivation and stewardship events.
- Prepare prospect profiles, donor briefs, and research materials for solicitations and donor meetings.
- Enter comprehensive contact reports within one week of donor interactions.
- Participate in execution of events and programs in support of development activities. Utilize events and personal interactions to deepen donor engagement and move solicitations forward.
- Lead and assist with solicitations and donor engagement strategies related to other special campaigns.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Critical Skills:
- College degree preferred and 4-6 years of experience in the fundraising field
- Demonstrated ability to personally solicit gifts in the amount of $10,000 and above.
- A passion and understanding for the performing arts and its impact on the community.
- Excellent interpersonal skills required to relate to a diverse group of donors, prospects, and volunteers, including tact, diplomacy, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- High level of motivation and confidence, as well as an ability to exercise independent judgment.
- Possess initiative and self-starting qualities.
- Ability to understand and communicate the objectives of annual giving and the overall fundraising priorities.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Negotiating, organizational, analytical, and fund-raising skills.
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, handle multiple tasks, assess and order priorities, and track details in a fast-paced environment.
- Computer proficiency required.
The above statements are intended to describe some specific duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand and may be required to visit other work areas. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to talk and/or listen. The employee must have the ability to maneuver around the facilities. The employee may be required to use computers, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. May be required to read a high volume of written materials and a computer screen. Must have the ability to coordinate several activities simultaneously. Isrequired to be able to handle stressful situations in a calm, professional manner. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 lbs.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. During certain events, considerable movement around the facility, exposure to crowds and loud noise may be encountered.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Bushnell strives to build and sustain an equitable and inclusive work environment where cultural diversity is celebrated and valued. We believe that a diverse workforce, reflective of the communities we serve, helps us become a stronger community partner. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
General Information:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to the position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. The Bushnell reserves the right to change or modify the employee’s job description, whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. The Bushnell may require an employee to perform duties outside his/her normal job description.
The Bushnell is a Not-For-Profit, Equal Opportunity Employers, proud to serve Connecticut and its citizens.
Annual Gifts Officer
Department: Development
Reports To: Major Gifts Officer
FLSA status: Salaried Exempt
Working Hours: 37.5 hours/week; includes some evening and weekend hours
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 403B Retirement Plan, paid time off, paid holidays and other fringe benefits.
Interested Candidates: please send resume to jobs@bushnell.org.
About The Bushnell:
The Bushnell is more than just a building, or a place to “see a show.” It is a vibrant organization that draws upon a rich, 96-year history, while navigating an exciting course for the future. Led by a CEO with an entrepreneurial spirit and great vision, we are constantly looking for new ways to expand the scope of our work, whether it's through our new affiliation with the Warner Theatre, dynamic programming, developing new content, or building upon our 33-year-old education program. As the largest arts organization in Connecticut, The Bushnell is an essential part of the fabric of Hartford, serving as both a cultural beacon and an economic development leader. Our staff embodies this sense of pride and commitment to the community and are encouraged to share new ideas for the betterment of the patron experience, the growth of the institution, and the community we serve.
Broad Functions:
The Bushnell seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven fundraising professional who is passionate about the performing arts and committed to building meaningful philanthropic partnerships. The Annual Gifts Officer will be responsible for identifying, researching, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors and prospects in support of The Bushnell Annual Fund.
This position plays a critical role in growing annual support by increasing donor participation, strengthening donor retention, upgrading giving levels, and building a sustainable pipeline of future major gift donors. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, conduct prospect research, and engage donors through personalized cultivation and face-to-face solicitation.
The ideal candidate is a self-motivated fundraiser who combines strong relationship-building skills with a data-informed approach to donor engagement and pipeline development.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Collaborates with Development colleagues and senior staff to reach annual fundraising goals.
- Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects capable of making leadership annual gifts in the $1,500 - $5,000+ range.
- Manage an active portfolio of approximately 120 households.
- Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies designed to increase gift size, donor retention, gift amounts, and long-term engagement.
- Conduct a minimum of 10-15 meaningful donor prospects and donor contacts per month, including in-person visits, virtual meetings, phone calls, and other strategic outreach.
- Conduct ongoing prospect research and wealth screening to identify new donor prospects with the capacity and inclination to support The Bushnell.
- Conduct additional outreach to donors making first or increased gifts to qualify and cultivate relationships, leveraging data provided by the Annual Fund team and wealth screening tools.
- Under the Direction of the Major Gifts Officer, prepare annual goals, objectives, and strategies to identify donors and prospects.
- Work with the Major Gifts Officer and Senior Director of Annual Fund to identify and invite donors and prospects to cultivation and stewardship events.
- Prepare prospect profiles, donor briefs, and research materials.
- Enter comprehensive contact reports within one week of donor interactions.
- Participate in execution of events and programs in support of development activities. Utilize events and personal interactions to deepen donor engagement and move solicitations forward
- Assist with solicitations and donor engagement strategies related to special campaigns.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Critical Skills:
- College degree preferred and 3-5 years of experience in the fundraising field
- Demonstrated ability to personally solicit gifts in the amount of $2,500 and above.
- A passion and understanding for the performing arts and its impact on the community.
- Excellent interpersonal skills required to relate to a diverse group of donors, prospects, and volunteers, including tact, diplomacy, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- High level of motivation and confidence, as well as an ability to exercise independent judgment
- Possess initiative and self-starting qualities.
- Ability to understand and communicate the objectives of annual giving and the overall fundraising priorities.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Negotiating, organizational, analytical, and fund-raising skills.
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, handle multiple tasks, assess and order priorities, and track details in a fast-paced environment.
- Computer proficiency required
The above statements are intended to describe some specific duties and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand and may be required to visit other work areas. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to talk and/or listen. The employee must have the ability to maneuver around the facilities. The employee may be required to use computers, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. May be required to read a high volume of written materials and a computer screen. Must have the ability to coordinate several activities simultaneously. Is required to be able to handle stressful situations in a calm, professional manner. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 lbs.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. During certain events, considerable movement around the facility, exposure to crowds and loud noise may be encountered.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Bushnell strives to build and sustain an equitable and inclusive work environment where cultural diversity is celebrated and valued. We believe that a diverse workforce, reflective of the communities we serve, helps usbecome a stronger community partner. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
General Information:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to the position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. The Bushnell reserves the right to change or modify the employee’s job description, whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. The Bushnell may require an employee to perform duties outside his/her normal job description.
The Bushnell is a Not-For-Profit, Equal Opportunity Employer, proud to serve Connecticut and its citizens.
Part-time Events Coordinator
Position Title: Part-time Events Coordinator
Department: Events and Patron Services
Hours: 10-20 hours per week, mornings required and weekend days and evenings when events are scheduled
FLSA status: Hourly/Non-Exempt
Interested Parties: Please submit cover letter and resume to jobs@bushnell.org
Broad Functions:
Provide a range of support for special events and event enhancements including but not limited to day-of oversight of private events. Serve as the primary Bushnell contact with clients, catering managers, vendors, and other Bushnell support staff to problem solve and ensure guest satisfaction. This position requires a reliable, enthusiastic and customer-oriented person with excellent communications skills and a demonstrated ability to anticipate guest needs and exceed their expectations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Review event documentation and/or meet with supervisor prior to every event and fulfilling assigned responsibilities.
- With enthusiasm - welcome and engage guests, answer questions, provide direction, and ensure guest needs are met.
- Maintain professionalism at all times before, during, and after the event.
- Place coat rack(s) with hangers in event spaces prior to events and properly storing them once events have concluded.
- Place easels in event spaces according to set up requirements and storing them at the conclusion of events.
- Organize supplies and maintain the cleanliness of Event Services storage areas.
- Communicate and address client issues and problems in a timely and accurate manner.
- Provide attentive and courteous coat check services for special events.
- Break down event space once the event has concluded.
- Foster a positive working relationship between all departments, vendors, and subcontractors.
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including compliance with The Bushnell dress code.
- Perform all other appropriate duties and responsibilities when necessary.
Education and/or Experience:
College degree and 1 year experience in event coordination or equivalent related experience in event coordination.
Situational:
Possess current certification (or willing to be trained) in CPR, AED and First Aid.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand and may be required to visit other work areas. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to talk and/or listen. The employee must have the ability to maneuver around the facilities. The employee may be required to use computers, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. May be required to read a high volume of written materials and a computer screen. Must have the ability to coordinate several activities simultaneously. Is required to be able to handle stressful situations in a calm, professional manner. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 lbs. and must be able to stand for up to 4 hours.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. During certain events, considerable movement around the facility, exposure to crowds and loud noise may be encountered.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Bushnell strives to build and sustain an equitable and inclusive work environment where cultural diversity is celebrated and valued. We believe that a diverse workforce, reflective of the communities we serve, helps us become a stronger community partner. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
General Information:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to the position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. The Bushnell reserves the right to change or modify the employee’s job description, whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. The Bushnell may require an employee to perform duties outside his/her normal job description.
The Bushnell is a Not-For-Profit, Equal Opportunity Employer proud to serve Connecticut and its citizens.
Please submit resumes to:
The Bushnell Human Resources Department
166 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Or email to: jobs@bushnell.org
Internships
Internships at The Bushnell are designed to offer challenging and educational field experience related to an individual’s particular area of interest in arts and business administration. Volunteer intern opportunities may be available in several departments. Interns are assigned to departments based upon organizational needs and the interest of the intern.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Bushnell is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable federal and state fair employment practice laws. The Bushnell does not discriminate and will not tolerate discrimination against employees or applicants because of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, civil union status, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, mental retardation or physical disability any other reason prohibited by any applicable law or regulation. Neither the Union nor the Employer will discriminate against any employee with regard to any term or condition of employment because of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, civil union status, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, mental retardation, physical disability, or any other reason prohibited by any applicable law or regulation.