Texas Performing Arts (on UT Campus)
https://texasperformingarts.org/about/work-with-us/
ZACH Theater
https://zachtheater.org/about-us/work-with-us/working-at-zach/
Paramount Theatre
https://www.austintheatre.org/about-us/employment/
Bestow Balance and Luxora Theater seeks a Founding Director of Advancement
Austin, Texas | Full-Time | Founding Leadership Opportunity
Targeted start: June 2026
Launching in 2026 as part of APAX (Austin Performing Arts Complex), Luxora Theater will be a premier new performing arts and event destination designed to expand access, inspire excellence, and create meaningful impact across Central Texas. We are seeking a founding Director of Advancement to help build the philanthropic engine that will power scholarships, community access, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, grants, and long-term sustainability. This is a rare opportunity to help build a lasting institution from the ground up. We are looking for a relationship-driven leader with a demonstrated history of building meaningful partnerships, cultivating influential community relationships, and generating significant fundraising results.
We’re looking for someone who can:
• Build and lead donor and sponsorship strategy
• Cultivate major gifts and strategic partnerships
• Develop institutional giving and grant strategy
• Recruit and engage an influential nonprofit board
• Launch founding donor campaigns and naming opportunities
• Build systems, stewardship plans, and advancement infrastructure
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Luxora Theater and Bestow Balance within the community
• Help shape the long-term impact of a transformational arts organization
The ideal candidate:
highly relational and community-connected
well-networked within the performing arts, nonprofit, philanthropic, or community leadership landscape
proven track record of securing meaningful philanthropic support, sponsorships, or strategic partnerships
strategic and execution-oriented
polished and professional
organized and systems-minded
confident making meaningful asks
passionate about arts access, youth development, and community impact
Why join us?
This is more than a fundraising role—it is an opportunity to help build a landmark cultural destination that will serve artists, families, and the broader community for generations. Build the mission. Build the community. Build the future. Interested candidates are encouraged to reach out via email at kathy@luxoratheater.com.
Compensation Overview
This is a founding role. Compensation is structured to reflect the current stage of the organization while creating meaningful upside for a high-performing leader who can build something lasting.
The right candidate will not be motivated by base salary alone. They will be motivated by ownership, impact, and the opportunity to help launch a landmark arts organization in Central Texas.
The Numbers
Base Salary: $60,000
Bonus Potential: Up to $60,000 in milestone-based bonuses
Total At-Plan Compensation: $120,000
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Performance Bonus Structure
Bonuses are milestone-based and tied directly to fundraising outcomes and infrastructure development. They are not commission-based. This structure reflects best practices in nonprofit advancement compensation and aligns the right outcomes for the organization with meaningful personal upside for this leader.
Milestone Bonus
Donor CRM implemented and infrastructure live: $5,000
Founders Circle launched and first donors enrolled: $5,000
First $150,000 raised: $10,000
First $300,000 raised: $15,000
$500,000 raised: $15,000
$750,000 campaign goal reached: $10,000
Total Bonus Potential = Up to $60,000
Milestones are evaluated jointly with leadership. Bonuses are paid upon verified achievement of each threshold.
Year 2 and Beyond
Base salary will be reviewed and adjusted at the start of Year 2 based on fundraising performance, organizational growth, and budget capacity. A strong first year creates a strong case for a significantly higher base entering Year 2.
This role is designed to grow with Luxora. As the organization scales, so does the opportunity.
What This Role Offers Beyond Compensation
Founding title and full ownership of the advancement function
Autonomy to build systems, structure, and strategy from the ground up
Direct access to and partnership with executive leadership
Visibility in Austin's arts and philanthropic community
The opportunity to help launch a landmark performing arts organization
A career-defining role at an organization at the beginning of something significant
The right person for this role will see the compensation structure for what it is: a launching platform with real upside for someone who delivers.
Interested candidates are encouraged to reach out confidentially via email at kathy@luxoratheater.com.