POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the General Director, the Director of Development (DOD) is a member of the Senior Executive Leadership Team.  The DOD oversees the implementation of a strategic approach to fundraising which includes major gifts, corporate donations, grant solicitation, and in-kind resources.

In partnership with the General Director, Development Department, and board members, the Director of Development will help forge new and existing relationships to build the Opera’s visibility, impact, and financial resources. The Director of Development will also aid in the design and implementation of a comprehensive plan for developing key external alliances by cultivating individual support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage and provide leadership to the Development Staff.
• Prepare department budgets, both expense and revenue.
• Serves as chief advancement officer for the Opera, with responsibility for orchestrating high-level solicitations and closing solicitations when appropriate.
• Directs the coordination and implementation of all annual, project, event, planned giving and capital fundraising strategies and activities.
• Works with the General Director, Board of Directors to execute annual budgeted revenue goals.
• Oversees the General Director relationships with Major Donors and the Board of Directors including recruitment of board members, strategic planning and leadership development.
• Cultivates and expands current giving by planned gift donors and integrate planned gift objectives into major individual donor requests in collaboration with the General Director.
• Collaborates with the Marketing and Patron Services managers to streamline workflows, data usage, and unified brand and messaging.
• Provides leadership and support for Development-related Committees when applicable.
• Develops and executes long-range and annual development plans and strategies.
• Oversees and implements delivery of Donor Benefits and recognition.
• Performs ongoing fundraising research and needs assessments.

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

OTHER DUTIES
Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising & staff management.
• Experience working in the performing arts environment.
• Demonstrated record of success at closing significant gifts.
• Excellent organizational skills: ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to interact with a diverse group of people on both a professional and personal level.
• Self-starter, able to work independently under limited supervision while being an integral part of the development team.
• Intermediate proficiency level required for Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel
• Understanding of AFP Code of Ethical Standards.
• Ability to maintain detailed, confidential information and records.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Familiarity with donor database systems, Tessitura.
• Familiarity with prospect research and/or planned giving a plus.

OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

VISION
We celebrate the power of performance, storytelling, and song as an inclusive artistic leader.

MISSION
We gather and inspire audiences, artists, and collaborators to share opera experiences that enliven and connect us all, enhancing the cultural landscape of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

VALUES
We realize our mission and vision with a constellation of values that guide our work:

The Art of Opera

We are unapologetically passionate about the live art of opera, and are energized by its roots as the people’s art form. We believe in its future. We continue the timeless tradition of storytelling, we celebrate the universal language of music, and we honor the brilliance of the human voice. 

Ensemble & Cultural Equity

Our work relies on being an ensemble, and our ensemble only thrives with diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect. We commit to actively confronting and dismantling white supremacy, patriarchy, and exclusion in our company, field, and community. We commit to being inclusive and strive every day to be an anti-racist organization. 

Our Shared Humanity

We sing stories about experiences, emotions, and moments that matter in life. In this practice we, together with audiences, aim to reveal and gain insight into the human condition—as a reflection of ourselves, and ourselves in relation to each other. 

Fiscal Strength & Stewardship

We are committed to the fiscal health of our organization, and its bright future. We are dedicated financial stewards of the community and the philanthropic funding that makes our work possible. 

Community Connections

We generate positive impacts for our community, fostering and co-authoring collaborations and programs to achieve meaningful engagement. We contribute to the civic and cultural life of our region, and amplify the contributions and insights of our peers, colleagues, and partners. 

Imagination & the Entrepreneurial Spirit

We accomplish our work with an enthusiasm to be creative, to innovate and transform, to adapt and collaborate. We hold ourselves and each other accountable to achieve sustainability, increase accessibility, and make space for curiosity in attaining our strategic goals. 

Compensation/Benefits: We work to empower and inspire all to be their very best. We are committed to keeping our employees and their families as healthy as they can be, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package.

• Compensation Structure: This position offers an annual exempt salary wage of $95,000+ dependent on experience, with the below benefits:
• Our benefits start the 1^st of the month following your start date and include: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision options 
• HSA/FSA
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Retirement plan w/employer match
• Up to 18 days of PTO plus 16+ Paid Holidays off; including the last week of December!
• Work-life balance with a 37.5-hour work week! 
• Two complimentary tickets to all Opera productions
• Indoor bike storage, shower, and locker room