CAREERS

Development Director 

Company: Gulfshore Opera

Company Location: Southwest Florida (Naples/Ft Myers area)

Job Location: On Site/In Person/Hybrid remote

Job Type: Full-Time October- May, hybrid/ flex schedule including evening events

 reduced hours June-September (hybrid remote/in person @ 24 hrs/week) 

*4 weeks paid vacation during summer months*

Date Posted: June 28, 2024

Network(s): Development, Arts Management

DESCRIPTION

Job Highlights

The Development Director (DD) serves as the Chief Development Officer at Gulfshore Opera, working to identify individuals and organizations at all giving levels with particular focus on those with the potential to make transformative gifts to the organization. The DD will ensure that patrons are systematically engaged through all phases of the fundraising cycle, from donor qualification to effective solicitation and stewardship. This position will work closely with staff and leadership of the company to develop special funding opportunities for donors and to take a leadership role in developing grant proposals for arts funding organizations. The DD will manage special gift initiatives, such as the annual fundraising gala, GO’s Maestro Club and President’s Council, and develop and manage corporate and individual underwriting opportunities for mainstage performers, artists, and productions. The ideal candidate will have an arts administration background, excellent communication skills, a love for performing arts and a proven track record of successfully managing a development office/program.

Join Us!

We are looking for a talented, passionate, dedicated person who is eager to make contributions to the growing cultural landscape of the Southwest Florida community through our mission.

At GO, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. 

Key Responsibilities

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, patrons, and prospective supporters through personalized engagement strategies, including one-on-one meetings, events, and communication outreach.  A particular focus will be new and younger patrons, with many new people moving to the area.

Major Gift Solicitation: Identify, qualify, and solicit major gift prospects with the capacity to make significant financial contributions to Gulfshore Opera. Create tailored solicitation strategies and proposals to secure major gifts in support of GO’s fundraising priorities.

Proposal Development: Collaborate with staff and senior leadership to create compelling funding proposals, impact reports, and case statements that articulate the GO mission, vision, and funding needs to major donors, government grant offices, foundations and philanthropic partners.

Donor Recognition and Benefits: Working with the Development Manager (who is in charge of donor appreciation), ensure that donors receive appropriate recognition, stewardship, and benefits in accordance with GO’s donor acknowledgment policies. Coordinate exclusive experiences for major donors to deepen their engagement with the organization.

Collaboration and Teamwork: The DD is assisted by the Development Manager and office administrative assistant, and works collaboratively with the General Director, Board of Directors, Ambassadors, and other internal stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals and to advance the GO mission and strategic objectives. Duties also include participation in regular team meetings and strategy sessions, attendance at all events, concerts and productions, overseeing fundraising aspects of the annual gala and fundraising activities at all special events. 

Reporting: Provides detailed fundraising progress reports to the General Director and Board of Directors.

Prospect Research and Pipeline Management: Oversee and work with the Development Manager and office assistant to maintain accurate donor records and gift documentation in ETapestry (a Blackbaud product), the organization’s donor database, to track donor interactions, solicitations, and gift commitments

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, arts administration, fundraising, and/or related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising (performing arts preferred), with a focus on major gifts and individual giving.

Proven track record of soliciting and closing gifts from individual donors, foundations, grant providers and corporate partners.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, stakeholders, and community leaders.

Evidence of effective team participation and collaboration beyond boundaries of role.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate the GO mission, programs, and impact to diverse audiences.

Knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor cultivation strategies, and moves management techniques.

Proficiency in donor management software and CRM systems (ETapestry, Blackbaud) for donor tracking, reporting, and analysis.

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to attend donor events, performances, and meetings as needed.

Knowledge of opera is a plus, but a passion for the performing arts is essential.

Due to the nature of GO’s geographic reach, the ability to drive up to one hour each way to events is essential.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary for a candidate who meets the minimum requirements of the position is $85,000 with yearly salary review based on predetermined Key performance indicators. We offer the following benefits to full-time employees, including:

• Relocation bonus $5,000
• Generous paid time off including vacation, wellness, parental leave, scheduled and flexible holidays
• Flexible work schedule
• Free tickets to our mainstage and community productions and events

Equal Opportunity

Gulfshore Opera is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at GO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws or regulations. GO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. GO encourages applicants of all ages.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates are invited to write a cover letter highlighting their fit for the role, including examples of relevant development initiatives for which they have been responsible. Please include a brief bio with educational and occupational details together with personal interest. Application is on the GO website as well – go to www.GulfshoreOpera.org, About Tab, Our Team Tab, Careers Tab.

Include two references in your application.

Application Deadline: July 30, 2024